System and method for operation of collapsible multi-shelf carts

A multi-shelf apparatus for storage of articles, the apparatus comprising:

• a wheeled base;
• a frame disposed on the wheeled base;
• a plurality of shelves disposed vertically spaced in the frame, the plurality of shelves being configured to provide a storage area for the articles, each shelf of the plurality of shelves being configured to move in a vertical direction relative to the frame;
• a lift mechanism disposed on the frame and coupled to the plurality of shelves, the lift mechanism being operable to cause the shelves to collapse or extend in the vertical direction;
• an actuator disposed on the frame, the actuator being configured to drive the lift mechanism;
• a first power interface configured to receive electrical power, the first power interface being disposed on the frame and electrically connected to the actuator for supplying electrical power to the actuator;
• and
• a first mechanical connection for connecting the apparatus to a towing vehicle, the first mechanical connection including an electrical connection for supplying electrical power from an external source of the towing vehicle to the first power interface.

A method for loading a plurality of articles onto a plurality of shelves disposed vertically spaced in a frame, each shelf of the plurality of shelves being coupled to a lift mechanism driven by an actuator for moving the shelf in a vertical direction relative to the frame, the method comprising:

• loading one or more articles onto a first shelf of the plurality of shelves;
• connecting the frame to a towing vehicle via a first mechanical connection;
• supplying electrical power from an external source of the towing vehicle via the first mechanical connection to a first power interface disposed on the frame, the first power interface being connected to supply electrical power to the actuator to cause the first shelf to be raised;
• repeating said loading for subsequent shelves in the plurality of shelves.

A method for loading a plurality of articles onto a plurality of shelves disposed vertically spaced in a frame, each shelf of the plurality of shelves being coupled to a lift mechanism driven by an actuator for moving the shelf in a vertical direction relative to the frame, the method comprising:

• causing a manipulator of a robotic unit to load one or more articles onto a first shelf of the plurality of shelves;
• aligning and engaging a power supply interface of the robotic unit with a power interface of the frame;
• supplying power from the power supply interface of the robotic unit to the power interface of the frame to cause the actuator to raise the first shelf;
• disengaging the power supply interface of the robotic unit from the power interface of the frame;
• and
• repeating said loading for subsequent shelves in the plurality of shelves.