Material handling apparatus and method for sorting items using a dynamically configurable sorting array

A method of sorting items using a dynamically reconfigurable sorting array system, wherein the system includes a plurality of destination areas arranged into a series of columns extending generally vertically, a plurality of delivery vehicles, and an event annunciation system, the method comprising:

• transferring, onto a delivery vehicle, an item to be delivered to a first destination area of the plurality of destination areas;
• driving the delivery vehicle along a path to the first destination area;
• initiating discharge of the item to the first destination area;
• upon detection of a first event associated with operation of the sorting array system, operating the event annunciation system to provide a first visible alert;
• upon detection of a second event, operating the alert indicating system to at least one of discontinue the first visible alert or provide a second visible alert visibly distinguishable from the first visible alert.

A material handling system for sorting a plurality of items into groups of one or more items, comprising:

• a plurality of destination areas arranged into a series of columns extending generally vertically;
• a plurality of visible indicators, wherein at least one visible indicator of the plurality of visible indicators is adjacent to a corresponding destination area of the plurality of destination areas;
• a plurality of delivery vehicles each dimensioned and arranged to receive a respective item of a plurality of items and operable to transport a received item to any destination area of the plurality of destination areas, wherein each vehicle comprises
• a power source for driving the vehicle, and
• a transfer mechanism operative to transfer a received item to a selected destination area;
• a controller including a processor to executing instructions, stored in memory, for activating a first visible indicator adjacent to the first destination area when a destination area has accumulated a complete group of items.