Abstract
A handler for use in an inventory handling system can include a frame with at least one upright defining a first lateral side opposite a second lateral side. A plurality of staging shelves can be arranged above one another and supported along the first lateral side. A platform can be raisable and lowerable along the second lateral side of the frame. A telescoping arm can be extendable away from the platform for engaging a container and retractable toward the platform for moving the container onto the platform. The telescoping arm can be further retractable for movement of the container from the platform to one of the plurality of staging shelves.