Tompkins Assoc. adds robotic equipment from Kiva Systems to its technology demonstration center

Materials handling consulting firm says Kiva's mobile fulfillment system can increase picking productivity.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 10/12/2007

Materials handling consulting firm Tompkins Associates announced today that its Emerging Technology Center (ETC) in Orlando, Fla., now includes equipment from Kiva Systems. Tompkins has added Kiva’s mobile fulfillment system (MFS) to the conveyors, sorters, carousel systems, RFID label applicators and other materials handling equipment installed in the technology center.

“The ETC displays the most innovative products in the industry, and the Kiva MFS is absolutely cutting edge,” says Frank Morrell, manager of the technology center. “Increasing productivity in picking is a major priority for many companies right now, and the Kiva solution offers a new way to do just that.”

The Kiva system is a new approach to order fulfillment that uses a fleet of mobile robots to store, move and sort pallets, cases and orders. (Modern published a case study about a Staples distribution center using Kiva’s robotic system for its order picking operations.)

An alternative to racking, carousels or conveyor-based order fulfillment systems, the Kiva system stores inventory on shelving units that are picked up and moved around by small robots that are essentially small AGVs. Workers stand at stations around the perimeter of the floor area, and without leaving their stations, have access to every product in the building. 

“We’re excited to have our product as part of the Tompkins ETC,” says Rob Stevens, vice president of business development at Kiva. “We think this facility is a great way to spread the word and help educate the industry about new opportunities.”

The ETC, which focuses on integration and testing, technology evaluation, employee training, and emerging product demonstrations, offers the opportunity for companies to evaluate fully-operational material handling and system technology solutions without risk or financial investment.