System and method for production and fulfillment

A method of operating a fulfilment system, the system including:

• a first product induction region comprising a plurality of product storage apparatuses, each product storage apparatuses among the plurality of product storage apparatuses, holding a plurality of products;
• a first product transfer apparatus operable to transfer a first product among a first plurality of products held by a first product storage apparatus among the plurality storage apparatuses, into a shipping container;
• a shipping container autonomous mobile robot (AMR);
• and
• a shipping container delivery system operable to deliver the shipping container to the shipping container AMR;
• the method comprising the shipping container AMR:
• travelling to the shipping container delivery system;
• waiting to receive, from the shipping container delivery system, the shipping container;
• travelling, while holding the shipping container, to the first product transfer apparatus in the first product induction region;
• waiting to receive, at the first product transfer apparatus, the first product from the product storage apparatus, into the shipping container;
• and
• travelling, while holding the shipping container with the first product inside, to at least one location for further processing of the shipping container.

A fulfillment system comprising:

• a first product induction region comprising a plurality of pallets, each of the plurality of pallets holding a plurality of products;
• a product transfer apparatus operable to transfer a first product from a selected pallet of the plurality of pallets;
• a shipping container autonomous mobile robot (AMR);
• and
• a shipping container delivery system operable to deliver a selected shipping container to the shipping container AMR;
• wherein the shipping container AMR is operable to:
• travel to the shipping container delivery system;
• wait, at the shipping container delivery system, to receive the selected shipping container;
• travel, while holding the selected shipping container, to the product transfer apparatus in the product induction region;
• wait, at the first product transfer location, to receive a first product from the selected pallet into the selected shipping container;
• and
• travel, while holding the selected shipping container with the first product inside, to at least one location for further processing of the selected shipping container.

A method of operating a fulfillment system, the fulfillment system including:

• a first product induction region comprising a plurality of pallets, each pallet among the plurality of pallets holding a plurality of products;
• a product transfer apparatus operable to transfer a first product from a selected pallet, the selected pallet selected from among the plurality of pallets;
• a shipping container autonomous mobile robot (AMR);
• and
• a shipping container delivery system operable to deliver a selected shipping container to the shipping container AMR;
• the method comprising the shipping container AMR:
• travelling to the shipping container delivery system;
• waiting, at the shipping container delivery system, to receive the selected shipping container;
• travelling, while holding the selected shipping container, to the product transfer apparatus in the product induction region;
• waiting, at the first product transfer location, to receive a first product from the selected pallet into the selected shipping container;
• and
• travelling, while holding the selected shipping container with the first product inside, to at least one location for further processing of the selected shipping container.

A fulfillment system comprising:

• a processor operable to generate pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a pallet AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the pallet AMR instructions;
• according to the pallet AMR instructions:
• travel to a pallet receiving location;
• receive, at the pallet receiving location, a selected pallet;
• travel, while holding the selected pallet, to a product storage region;
• and
• release the selected pallet;
• wherein the pallet holds at least one product, the at least one product corresponding with at least one stock keeping unit.

A method of operating a fulfillment system, the fulfillment system including:

• a processor operable to generate pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a pallet AMR;
• the method comprising the pallet AMR:
• receiving, from the processor, the pallet AMR instructions;
• according to the pallet AMR instructions:
• travelling to a pallet receiving location;
• receiving, at the pallet receiving location, a selected pallet;
• travelling, while holding the selected pallet, to a product storage region;
• and
• releasing the selected pallet, wherein the selected pallet holds at least one product, the at least one product corresponding with at least one stock keeping unit.

A system comprising:

• a moving apparatus operable to move one or more of a plurality of crates of a plurality of stacked crates that are vertically stacked on a pallet in a crate stack positioned at a crate moving position, wherein at least some of the plurality of crates contain at least one product in a crate and the crate stack is supported on a pallet;
• a processor operable to generate moving apparatus instructions;
• wherein the moving apparatus is operable to:
• receive the moving apparatus instructions from the processor;
• engage a selected crate of the plurality of crates in the crate stack;
• and
• move the selected crate and any crates stacked above the selected crate.

A system for delivering products comprising:

• a transport trailer configured to receive and store at least one pallet;
• a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), operable to transport a pallet;
• and
• a processor operable to transmit instructions to the pallet AMR, the instructions causing the pallet AMR to:
• navigate to a pallet receiving position outside of the transport trailer and engage a pallet;
• navigate to a storage position in the transport trailer and release the pallet in the storage position;
• and
• navigate away from the transport trailer without the pallet;
• wherein the transport trailer includes an interior storage space defined by a ceiling surface, a side wall surface and a floor surface;
• and
• wherein the floor surface implements a configuration to facilitate navigation in the transport trailer by the pallet AMR.

A method for delivering products using a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR) to load a transport trailer with a pallet, the transport trailer configured to receive and store the pallet, the method comprising the pallet AMR:

• navigating to a pallet receiving position outside of the transport trailer and engaging the pallet;
• navigating to the storage position in the transport trailer and releasing the pallet in the storage position;
• and
• navigating away from the transport trailer without the pallet.

A system for delivering products comprising:

• a transport trailer configured to receive and store at least one pallet;
• a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR) operable to transport a pallet;
• and
• a processor operable to transmit instructions to the pallet AMR, the instructions causing the pallet AMR to:
• navigate to a pallet receiving position inside the transport trailer and engage a given pallet;
• navigate to a storage position outside of the transport trailer and release the given pallet in the storage position;
• and
• navigate away from the given pallet.

A method for delivering products using a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR) to unload a transport trailer, the transport trailer capable of receiving and storing the pallet, the method comprising the pallet AMR:

• navigating to a pallet receiving position inside the transport trailer and engaging a given pallet;
• navigating to a storage position outside of the transport trailer and releasing the given pallet in the storage position;
• and
• navigating away from the given pallet.

A system for loading and transporting products comprising:

• a source of a plurality of products, wherein the system is operable to transfer the plurality of products onto a pallet located at a pallet loading position;
• a transport trailer configured to receive and store at least one pallet;
• a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), operable to move a pallet;
• and
• a processor operable to transmit instructions to the pallet AMR, the instructions causing the pallet AMR to:
• navigate to a pallet receiving position and engage a given pallet holding a plurality of products;
• navigate to a storage position in the transport trailer and release the given pallet in the storage position;
• and
• navigate away from the transport trailer without the given pallet.

A system for loading products onto pallets, the system comprising:

• a source of products;
• a product transfer apparatus operable to load at least one product provided by the source of products into each crate among a plurality of crates at a loading station to, thereby, form a plurality of loaded crates;
• a loaded crate stack forming apparatus operable to form a loaded crate stack from the plurality of loaded crates;
• an apparatus operable to load the loaded crate stack onto a pallet to form a loaded pallet;
• a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), the pallet AMR operable to engage with and move the loaded pallet while supporting the loaded crate stack;
• and
• a processor operable to transmit instructions to the pallet AMR, the instructions causing the pallet AMR to:
• navigate to a pallet receiving position;
• engage, at the pallet receiving position, a non-loaded pallet;
• navigate to a crate stack receiving position with the non-loaded pallet;
• receive the crate stack to, thereby, form the loaded pallet;
• navigate away from the crate stack receiving position with the loaded pallet;
• and
• travel, while engaging the loaded pallet, to a location for further processing.

A method for loading products onto pallets, the method comprising:

• loading at least one product provided by a source of products into each crate among a plurality of empty crates to form a plurality of loaded crates;
• forming a loaded crate stack from the plurality of loaded crates;
• loading the loaded crate stack onto a pallet to form a loaded pallet;
• engaging, with a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), with the loaded pallet;
• and
• moving the loaded pallet while supporting the loaded crate stack.

A system for delivering products to a fulfillment operation, the system comprising:

• a production operation including a source of products;
• a product transfer apparatus, at the production operation, operable to transfer a plurality of products, provided by the source of products, onto a pallet located at a pallet loading position;
• a first transport trailer operable to receive and store at least one pallet, the first transport trailer enabling navigation of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) therein;
• a first production pallet AMR at the production operation, the first production pallet AMR operable to:
• navigate to a pallet receiving position;
• engage, at the pallet receiving position, a loaded pallet holding a plurality of products;
• navigate to a storage position in the transport trailer;
• release, at the storage position, the loaded pallet;
• and
• navigate away from the transport trailer without the loaded pallet;
• a fulfillment operation including a first fulfilment pallet AMR operable to:
• navigate to the storage position on the first transport trailer;
• engage, at the storage position, the loaded pallet;
• navigate to a pallet storage position within the fulfillment operation;
• release, at the pallet storage position, the loaded pallet;
• navigate away from the pallet storage position without the loaded pallet;
• wherein, when the first transport trailer is loaded with the loaded pallet, the first transport trailer is operable to transport the loaded pallet from the production operation to the fulfillment operation.

A method for delivering products to a fulfillment operation, the method comprising:

• at a production operation:
• transferring a plurality of products provided by a source of products onto a pallet to, thereby, form a loaded pallet;
• navigating, by a first production pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), to the loaded pallet;
• engaging, by the first production pallet AMR, the loaded pallet;
• navigating, by the first production pallet AMR, to a storage position in a transport trailer;
• releasing, by the first production pallet AMR, the loaded pallet in the pallet storage position while the transport trailer located at the production operation;
• and
• navigating, by the first production pallet AMR, away from the transport trailer without the loaded pallet.

A method of operating a fulfillment operation, the method comprising:

• navigating, by a first autonomous mobile robot (AMR) at the fulfillment operation, to a pallet storage position on a first transport trailer located at the fulfillment operation;
• engaging, by the first AMR, a loaded pallet, the loaded pallet holding a plurality of products;
• moving, by the first AMR, the loaded pallet to a location with the fulfillment operation;
• emptying, by components of the fulfillment operation, the loaded pallet of most or all of the plurality products to, thereby, form a returning pallet;
• navigating, by a second AMR at the fulfillment operation, to the returning pallet;
• and
• moving, by the second AMR, the returning pallet to a pallet storage position on a second transport trailer located at the fulfillment operation.

A method of operating a production operation, the method comprising:

• loading a pallet with a plurality of products to, thereby, form a loaded pallet;
• navigating, by a first autonomous mobile robot (AMR) at the production operation, to the loaded pallet;
• moving, by the first AMR, the loaded pallet onto a first transport trailer;
• navigating, by a second AMR at the production operation, to a returning pallet on a second transport trailer located at the production operation;
• and
• removing, by the second AMR, the returning pallet from the second transport trailer.

A transport trailer comprising:

• an interior storage space defined by a ceiling surface, a side wall surface and a floor surface;
• a plurality of air bags positioned on the side wall surface, the plurality of air bags having:
• a first state, in which the air bags are inflated with pressurized air to engage a side surface of a crate supported on a pallet stored in the interior space;
• and
• a second state, in which the air bags are depressurized and disengage from the side surface of the crate.

A shipping container blank delivery system for delivering shipping container blanks to an erected shipping container delivery system, the shipping container blank delivery system comprising:

• a shipping container blank pallet holding a plurality of shipping container blanks;
• a shipping container blank autonomous mobile robot (AMR) configured to:
• travel to a shipping container blank pallet receiving location;
• engage, at the shipping container blank pallet receiving location, the shipping container blank pallet;
• and
• travel to a blank transfer location, wherein the blank transfer location is proximate the erected shipping container delivery system;
• and
• a blank transfer apparatus proximate the blank transfer location and the erected shipping container delivery system, the blank transfer apparatus operable to transfer the plurality of shipping container blanks from the shipping container blank pallet to the erected shipping container delivery system.

A method of operating a fulfillment system that includes a shipping container blank autonomous mobile robot (AMR), the method comprising:

• travelling, by the shipping container blank AMR, to a shipping container blank pallet receiving location;
• engaging, by the shipping container blank AMR at the shipping container blank pallet receiving location, a shipping container blank pallet, the shipping container blank pallet holding a plurality of shipping container blanks;
• and
• travelling, by the shipping container blank AMR, to a blank transfer location proximate a shipping container delivery system.

A system for delivering shipping container blanks to a fulfillment operation, the system comprising:

• a production operation operable to provide a source of shipping container blanks;
• a product transfer apparatus, at the production operation, operable to transfer a plurality of shipping container blanks, provided by the source of shipping container blanks, onto a shipping container blank pallet located at a pallet loading position;
• a first transport trailer configured to receive and store the shipping container blank pallet;
• a production pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), at the production operation, operable to move the shipping container blank pallet;
• and
• a processing system operable to transmit production pallet AMR instructions to the production pallet AMR, the production pallet AMR instructions causing the production pallet AMR to:
• navigate to a pallet receiving position;
• engage the shipping container blank pallet holding the plurality of shipping container blanks;
• navigate to a storage position in the transport trailer;
• release, in the storage position, the shipping container blank pallet;
• and
• navigate away from the transport trailer without the shipping container blank pallet;
• wherein, when the first transport trailer is loaded with the shipping container blank pallet, the first transport trailer is operable to transport the shipping container blank pallet from the production operation to the fulfillment operation.

A method for delivering shipping container blanks to a fulfillment operation, the method comprising:

• transferring a plurality of shipping container onto a shipping container blank pallet;
• navigating, by a pallet autonomous mobile robot (AMR), to the shipping container blank pallet;
• engaging, by the pallet AMR, the shipping container blank pallet holding the plurality of shipping container blanks;
• navigating, by the pallet AMR, to a storage position on a transport trailer;
• releasing, by the pallet AMR, the shipping container blank pallet in the storage position;
• and
• navigating away from the transport trailer without the shipping container blank pallet.

A fulfillment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate carton forming instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a carton forming system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the carton forming instructions;
• according to the carton forming instructions, select, from a plurality of available carton blanks, a carton blank;
• and
• form the carton blank into an erected carton;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the carton forming system and receive, from the carton forming system, the erected carton;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the erected carton, to a station in a product induction region;
• receive, at the station, a product into the erected carton;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the erected carton with the product inside, to a location for further processing of the erected carton.

A fulfillment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate shipping container selection instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a shipping container delivery system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the shipping container selection instructions;
• and
• according to the shipping container selection instructions, select, from a plurality of shipping containers, a selected shipping container;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the shipping container delivery system and receive, from the shipping container delivery system, the selected shipping container;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the selected shipping container, to a station in a product induction region;
• receive, at the station, a product into the selected shipping container;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the selected shipping container with the product inside, to a location for further processing of the selected shipping container.

A carton closing and sealing system comprising:

• an autonomous mobile robot (AMR);
• a processor operable to generate AMR instructions;
• a shipping container delivery system configured and operable to deliver, to the AMR, a shipping container;
• a sealing apparatus operable such that when the AMR moves through the sealing apparatus with the shipping container thereon the shipping container is sealed;
• the AMR being configured and operable to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the sealing apparatus and move through the sealing apparatus to seal the shipping container.

An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) for transporting a receptacle, the AMR comprising:

• a mobile cart;
• a control system for controlling operation of the AMR;
• a first belt having an upper surface;
• a first lug fastened to the upper surface of the first belt;
• a second belt having an upper surface;
• and
• a second lug fastened to the upper surface of the second belt;
• the control system operable to control and adjust a position of the first lug relative to the second lug to move between:
• a first position wherein a spacing between the first lug and the second lug is suitable to allow the receptacle to be positioned between, and removed from between, the first lug and the second lug;
• and
• a second position wherein the spacing between the first lug and the second lug provides for the first lug and the second lug to engage side surfaces of the receptacle to secure the receptacle between the first lug and the second lug.

An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) for transporting a receptacle, the AMR comprising:

• a mobile cart;
• a control system for controlling operation of the autonomous mobile robot;
• and
• a receptacle securement mechanism operable to releasably secure the receptacle to the mobile cart during movement in a warehouse, when the receptacle carries at least one product in a product order and when the receptacle is empty of any products;
• the control system operable to control and adjust the operation of the receptacle securement mechanism between:
• a first state in which the receptacle is secured to the mobile cart and can be moved within the warehouse when the receptacle is both carrying at least one product in a product order and when the receptacle is empty of any products;
• and
• a second state wherein the receptacle can be removed from the mobile cart.

A product unloading system comprising:

• a product rack for storing products, the product rack comprising:
• a plurality of storage levels for storing the products thereon, the plurality of storage levels spaced apart from each other and arranged vertically within the product rack;
• and
• a plurality of raised platforms configured for travel of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) thereon, each one of the plurality of raised platforms positioned proximate to a respective one of the plurality of storage levels;
• an elevator system comprising an elevating platform for lifting the AMR between a ground level and the plurality of raised platforms;
• and
• a product retrieval robot for retrieving a product from a storage level of the plurality of storage levels and unloading the product onto a receptacle held by the AMR at a corresponding one of the plurality of storage levels.

A fulfilment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate carton forming instructions;
• generate product retrieval instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a carton forming system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the carton forming instructions;
• according to the carton forming instructions, select, from a magazine, a carton blank;
• and
• form the carton blank into an erected carton;
• a product retrieval robot configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the product retrieval instructions;
• and
• retrieve, according to the product retrieval instructions, a product from a product rack in a product storage location;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the carton forming system and receive, from the carton forming system, the erected carton;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the erected carton, to the product rack;
• receive, at the product rack, the product from the product retrieval robot into the erected carton;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the erected carton with the product inside, to a location for further processing of the erected carton.

A fulfillment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate receptacle delivery instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a carton delivery system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the receptacle delivery instructions;
• and
• according to the receptacle delivery instructions, select, from a selection of receptacles a chosen receptacle for delivery;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to a receptacle delivery system and receive, from the receptacle delivery system, the chosen receptacle;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the chosen receptacle, to a station in a product induction region;
• receive, at the station, a product into the chosen receptacle;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the chosen receptacle with the product inside, to a location for further processing of the chosen receptacle.

A fulfillment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate shipping container selection instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a shipping container delivery system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the shipping container selection instructions;
• and
• according to the shipping container selection instructions, select, from a plurality of shipping containers, a selected shipping container;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the shipping container delivery system and receive, from the shipping container delivery system, the selected shipping container;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the selected shipping container, to a station in a product induction region, wherein the product induction region includes a product tower, the product tower including a plurality of compartments for storing products, and wherein at least one of the plurality of compartments includes one or more products, the one or more products corresponding with at least one stock keeping unit;
• receive, at the station, a first product into the selected shipping container;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the selected shipping container, to a given product storage rack in a storage region, wherein the storage region includes a plurality of product storage racks that store products in pallets;
• receive, at the given product storage rack, a second product into the selected shipping container;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the selected shipping container with the first product and the second product inside, to a location for further processing of the selected shipping container.

A fulfilment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate carton forming instructions;
• generate product retrieval instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a carton forming system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the carton forming instructions;
• according to the carton forming instructions, select, from a plurality of available carton blanks, a carton blank;
• and
• form the carton blank into an erected carton;
• a product retrieval robot configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the product retrieval instructions;
• and
• retrieve, according to the product retrieval instructions, a product in a product storage location;
• a reusable container, the reusable container including a plurality of products used to fulfil a plurality of orders, the reusable container becoming an empty reusable container upon the plurality of products being removed from the reusable container to fulfil the plurality of orders;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the carton forming system and receive, from the carton forming system, the erected carton;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the erected carton, to a product loading station;
• receive, at the product loading station, the product into the erected carton;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the erected carton with the product inside, to a location for further processing of the erected carton, wherein the further processing of the erected carton includes removal of the erected carton from the AMR;
• thereafter, according to the AMR instructions, travel and receive, the empty reusable container;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the empty reusable container, to a location for further processing of the empty reusable container.

A fulfilment system comprising:

• a processor operable to:
• generate shipment container delivery instructions;
• generate product retrieval instructions;
• and
• generate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) instructions;
• a shipment container delivery system configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the shipment container delivery instructions;
• and
• according to the shipment container delivery instructions, select, from a plurality of available shipment containers, a shipment container;
• a product retrieval robot configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the product retrieval instructions;
• and
• retrieve, according to the product retrieval instructions, a product in a product storage location;
• a reusable container, the reusable container including a plurality of products used to fulfil a plurality of orders, the reusable container becoming an empty reusable container upon the plurality of products being removed from the reusable container to fulfil the plurality of orders;
• an AMR configured to:
• receive, from the processor, the AMR instructions;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel to the shipment container delivery system and receive the shipment container;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the shipment container, to a product loading station;
• receive, at the product loading station, the product into the shipment container;
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the shipment container with the product inside, to a location for further processing of the shipment container, wherein the further processing of the shipment container includes removal of the shipment container from the AMR;
• thereafter, according to the AMR instructions, travel and receive, the empty reusable container on the AMR;
• and
• according to the AMR instructions, travel, while holding the empty reusable container, to a location for further processing of the empty reusable container.

A method of receiving products into a fulfillment center, the method including:

• transmitting instructions to a first autonomous mobile robot (AMR), the instructions causing the first AMR to:
• navigate to a crate retention structure in a first transport trailer, the crate retention structure retaining a crate in which is stored a plurality of a product;
• and
• transport the crate retention structure to a product induction region at which individual products among the plurality of products may be removed from the crate;
• transmitting instructions to a second AMR, the instructions causing the second AMR to:
• navigate to the crate retention structure in the product induction region, the crate no longer storing the product;
• transport the crate retention structure to a second transport trailer;
• and
• navigate away from the second transport trailer without the crate retention structure.

An autonomous mobile robot for transporting a shipping container, the autonomous mobile robot comprising:

• a mobile cart;
• a control system for controlling operation of the autonomous mobile robot;
• an outer case mounted to the cart, the outer case including:
• a vacuum reservoir defining a plurality of apertures;
• a vacuum pump in pneumatic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum pump configured to, responsive to an instruction received from the control system, create a negative pressure within the vacuum reservoir;
• and
• a plurality of suction cups corresponding to the plurality of apertures, the plurality of suction cups mounted to the outer case.

An outer case for mounting to a mobile cart of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) for transporting a shipping container, the AMR including a control system for controlling operation of the AMR, the outer case including:

• a vacuum reservoir defining a plurality of apertures;
• a vacuum pump in pneumatic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum pump configured to, responsive to an instruction received from the control system, create a negative pressure within the vacuum reservoir;
• and
• a plurality of suction cups corresponding to the plurality of apertures, the plurality of suction cups mounted to the outer case.

An autonomous mobile robot for transporting a shipping container, the autonomous mobile robot comprising:

• a base;
• at least three wheels configured for supporting the base, at least one of the wheels being a drive wheel, the drive wheel being operably connected to a drive motor;
• a control system for controlling operation of the drive motor to control the movement of the drive wheel and corresponding movement of the base;
• a vacuum reservoir inter-connected to the base and defining a plurality of openings;
• a vacuum pump in pneumatic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum pump configured to, responsive to an instruction received from the control system, create a negative pressure within the vacuum reservoir;
• and
• a plurality of suction cups corresponding to the plurality of openings, the plurality of suction cups inter-connected to the base.

An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) for transporting a receptacle, the AMR comprising:

• a mobile cart;
• a first belt on the mobile cart having an upper surface, and a first lug on the upper surface;
• a second lug mounted to the mobile cart;
• first lug movable relative to the second lug to selectively retain the receptacle between the first and second lugs by squeezing the receptacle.

An order fulfilment system, comprising:

• a plurality of reusable pallets;
• a production operation;
• a shipping container operation;
• a fulfillment operation;
• the production operation comprising:
• a source of products;
• a product transfer apparatus, operable to transfer a plurality of products, provided by the source of products, onto a pallet at a production pallet loading position;
• and
• a plurality of production AMRs, each operable to move first loaded ones of the pallets from the product transfer apparatus to first transport trailers for transport to the fulfillment operation, and to receive unloaded ones of the pallets from second transport trailers and move the unloaded ones of the pallets to the production pallet loading position;
• the shipping container operation comprising:
• a source of shipping container blanks;
• a shipping container blank transfer apparatus, at the shipping container operation, operable to transfer a plurality of shipping container blanks, provided by the source of shipping container blanks, onto a shipping container blank pallet located at a shipping container pallet loading position;
• and
• a plurality of shipping container AMRs, each operable to move second loaded ones of the pallets from the product transfer apparatus to third transport trailers for transport to the fulfillment operation, and to receive unloaded ones of the pallets from fourth transport trailers and move the unloaded ones of the pallets to the shipping container pallet loading position;
• and
• the fulfillment operation comprising:
• a shipping container erector operable to form shipping containers from the shipping container blanks for shipping fulfilled product orders to customers;
• and
• a plurality of fulfillment AMRs, each operable to:
• receive said first loaded ones of the pallets and move the first loaded ones from the first transport trailers to storage locations in the fulfillment operation;
• receive said second loaded ones of the pallets and move the second loaded ones of the pallets from the third transport trailers to the shipping container erector;
• and
• move unloaded ones of the pallets to the second transport trailers for transportation to the production operation and to the fourth transport trailers for transportation to the shipping container operation.