Kiva robots receive software upgrade

Same bots. Same pods. Same stations. Better throughput with enhanced software. That was one just of the messages from Kiva Systems (Booth 603) in a press conference held Tuesday. Kiva’s CEO and founder, Mick Mountz, reported that upgrades to the company’s software-based materials handling mobile-robotic solutions have resulted in as much as 15% higher throughput for some end users.

In addition, executives from Crate & Barrel and Toys R Us were on hand to highlight how Kiva’s mobile-robotic solutions have improved order fulfillment and operating efficiencies at a number of their warehouses and distribution centers. John Ling, Crate & Barrel’s vice president of supply chain and logistics, explained that the fundamental concept of lean is in the reduction of muda–or waste–and the Kiva solution has helped eliminate wasted steps in the company’s fulfillment area.

Kiva’s Mountz also outlined the company’s recent growth. He said that even when the materials handling industry was contracting, Kiva was growing. In fact, he said the company doubled its size in 2010 and is on track to double again in 2011. Mountz also said that Kiva mobile-robotic solutions are currently installed in 10% of the top 100 retailers in the U.S. and are beginning to move into international markets.

Executives also announced that Keith Seidman has joined the company’s management team as CFO. With more than 30 years of financial experience, Seidman said, “I’ve been drawn to innovative organizations with the vision and courage to fundamentally improve the way business gets done. Kiva has already established itself as an engine of ecommerce growth and has the potential to do much more.”

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ProMat 2011 will be held March 21 - 24, 2011 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry.

Read all of Modern’s ProMat 2011 coverage