Abstract
A system 102, and associated method (700, Fig 7), of controlling / orchestrating inventory picking and fulfilment in a warehouse 110 comprises a controller 104, a warehouse management server 106 and communication network 108. Controller 104 receives order information from warehouse management server 106 and allocates / distributes order information across a plurality of virtual warehouse pick zones 112A, 112N. At least one autonomous mobile robot 114A, 114B, 114N is activated to move to a pick zone 112A, 112N. Determination of a pallet loading pattern based on distribution of inventory items, and other criteria such as crushability (Fig 5) is generated. Guidance and pick instructions are communicated via network 108 to operators 116A, 116N via an operator wearable device 118A, 118N instructing operators to pick an item and place it on to a pallet of an associated mobile robot 114A, 114B, 114N. Wearable devices 118A, 118N comprise a user interface 304, also allowing the operator to raise exception commands when items may be noted as damaged, incorrect or the like; thereby assisting in prompt resolution and quality control whilst minimising any disruptions in the picking process. Fig 1A