An Automated Load Handling System

An automated load handling system, comprising:

• A) first and second automated storage and retrieval systems, of the first and the second automated storage and retrieval systems including:
• i) a grid framework structure including:
• a) a track system including a first set of parallel tracks, and a second set of parallel tracks running transversely to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane, and arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of grid cells, each grid cell defining a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of the first set of parallel tracks and a pair of adjacent tracks of the second set of parallel tracks;
• b) a plurality of storage columns, each storage column being configured and arranged to store a respective stack of storage containers for storing one or more items, wherein each stack of storage containers is located beneath the track system such that each stack of storage containers occupies a single or grid cell;
• ii) a plurality of robotic load handling devices operative on the track system and configured for lifting and moving one or more storage containers from a stack;
• B) at least one port column extending downwardly from a grid opening of the track system of each of the first and the second automated storage and retrieval systems through which a respective robotic load handling device operative on the track system is able to drop off and pick up one or more storage containers;
• and
• C) at least one transfer system configured to transfer one or more storage containers or one or more items from the storage containers from the at least one port column of the first automated storage and retrieval system to the at least one port column of the second automated storage and retrieval system;
• and
• wherein the grid opening of the track system of the first automated storage and retrieval system is a different size relative to the grid opening of the track system of the second automated storage and retrieval system such that the grid framework structure of the first automated storage and retrieval system is configured to store storage containers that are differently sized to the storage containers stored in the grid framework structure of the second automated storage and retrieval system.