Automated method and system for sorting and combining varying density payloads

An automated continuous or near-continuous system for sorting and combining varying density payloads, the system comprising:

• a buffer area including a work surface having a plurality of holes for storing a plurality of cups with weighed payloads;
• a shuttle and scale system configured for weighing and near continuously or continuously delivering the plurality of cups with the payloads, to the buffer area;
• at least one robot provided within the buffer area, wherein the at least one robot is configured for picking a cup carrying a payload, from either one of the shuttle and scale system and the work surface, and transporting the payload from the cup into an accumulator;
• and
• a controller connected with a computer memory maintaining a combining algorithm, wherein the controller is configured for controlling operations of the shuttle and scale system and the at least one robot, in correlation with data stored in the combining algorithm;
• wherein the at least one robot is configured for delivering one or more of the payloads into the accumulator to achieve a predetermined Target Weight Range (TWR).