Article loading system and method for multilevel sorter

An article loading system comprising:

• a plurality of platforms arranged in a vertical stacked configuration fitted within a single floor of a building;
• an article delivery device configured to present an article at an induction position;
• an automated induction lift travelling between the platforms, the induction lift having an article-carrying surface configured to receive the article from the article delivery device at the induction position;
• a transport device positioned at an article-receiving position at a sorting level at one of the plurality of platforms;
• and
• a control system comprising a processor configured to:
• determine a destination area for the article;
• and
• direct the induction lift to move from the induction position to the article-receiving position and deposit the article onto the transport device for transport to the destination area.

A method of loading an article for sorting using a system comprising a plurality of platforms arranged in a vertical stacked configuration fitted within a single floor of a building, the method comprising:

• presenting, by an article delivery device, the article at an induction position;
• receiving the article from the article delivery device onto an article-carrying surface of an automated induction lift at the induction position;
• determining, by a processor of a control system, a destination area for the article;
• and
• directing, by the processor, the automated induction lift to move from the induction position to an article-receiving position at a sorting level at one of the plurality of platforms where a transport device is positioned, and depositing the article onto the transport device for transport to the destination area.

A system for transferring an article from an automated induction lift to one of a plurality of transport devices, the system comprising:

• the automated induction lift configured to receive the article at an induction height;
• the plurality of transport devices positioned at different sorting levels of a multi-level induction station;
• a control system comprising a processor, the processor configured to select one of the plurality of transport devices based on article data associated with the article;
• wherein the automated induction lift deposits the article onto the selected transport device by manipulating an article-carrying surface of the automated induction lift;
• and
• wherein the selected transport device moves the article to a destination area for further processing.