Walmart Inc.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED PRODUCT SORTING AND COORDINATED DELIVERY USING AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY VEHICLES WITHIN A FACILITY

Abstract:

Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.