Kiva Systems

Kiva Systems makes its case for a new way of thinking about automation.

For years, materials handling equipment manufacturers focused on selling products. Now, they’re selling preconfigured solutions.

If you think AGVs, or automatic guided vehicles, are a mature technology, think again. Since 2005, the industry has seen an unparalleled level of innovation.

Robotics company celebrated ribbon-cutting at new 160,000-square-foot facility in North Reading, Mass.

Kiva 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.

Here's a look at the trends that caught our attention in 2010

Call them robots, AGVs or carts. But first call them solutions.

Mobile robotics is powering Office Depot’s new demand-driven distribution center.

Robotic materials handling is coming to the warehouse and distribution center.

Kiva Systems, a developer mobile-robotic solutions that automate order fulfillment and warehouse operations, has appointed Amy Villeneuve president and chief operating officer. Villeneuve will be responsible for Kiva’s end-to-end customer engagement process, from sales and marketing through customer installation and support, and will report to Mick Mountz, CEO and founder.

Crate and Barrel's Tracy, Calif., distribution center achieved Gold designation from LEED and merged the retailer's sustainability and distribution initiatives

PROMAT 2011 isn't scheduled until March of next year, but the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) is already well into the planning process.