A method of packing containers

摘要

A packaging method including the steps of creating a list of sets of items, each item in the set to be shipped together; the list including the dimensions and mass of each item and specifying whether each item can support another item. Sets form the list are virtually selected so the sum of the sets masses are close to a particular threshold without exceeding it. The items of the selected sets are virtually arranged in stacks which are one or more items tall so that: no stack height exceeds a particular threshold; only items which can support items have items stacked on them; an item is at least as large in two dimensions as the item above it; and the number of stacks is minimised. Whether the bottom items can fit in a predefined region is then determined and if they can a list of the items is created. Ideally a real life container 16 is packed with real life items 15 by robots 19 according to the list.