Press Release

Kiva Unveils New Automated Trash and Recycling System for Distribution Centers

New feature for mobile-robotic warehouse automation system reduces capital, footprint and labor required for trash takeaway

Woburn, MA – April 26, 2010 – Kiva Systems (www.kivasystems.com), a developer of game-changing mobile-robotic solutions that automate order fulfillment and warehouse operations, announced the availability of its new Trash and Recycling System (TRS). The Kiva TRS uses the same robots as its Mobile Fulfillment System, but adds dedicated trash bins, an automated dumper, and sophisticated control software for a complete solution that automatically takes away the trash bins and empties them directly into the facility compactor, shedder or baler. The Kiva TRS is already in use at customers such as Walgreens, and is being introduced publicly at the NA 2010 tradeshow in Cleveland, OH.

Many distribution centers create a lot of refuse, and most of it is recyclable. Dealing with the accumulation and processing of cardboard, shrink-wrap and general trash is an expensive and time-consuming process. Traditional approaches include workers pushing carts filled with corrugate over to dump stations or trash-takeaway conveyor belts. These traditional approaches take up valuable warehouse real estate and are subject to frequent jams that often halt production. Kiva’s TRS solution uses the same robots customers already rely on to pick, pack and ship orders. The new capability allows the robots to shuttle newly designed trash/recycling pods from pick-pack or replenish workstations to an automated dumping fixture which empties the trash bins directly into hoppers, balers or short incline belts without human intervention. In contrast with traditional approaches, the mobile robotic solution is a parallel processing material handling system without any single point of failure that can halt production.

Kiva’s innovative approach to order fulfillment uses hundreds of mobile robotic drive units that bring inventory on movable shelves directly to workers, allowing easy and efficient access to all inventory items at all times. Elimination of operator walking and waiting enables worker productivity that is two- to four-times higher than with other automated systems. What’s more, because all the system components are mobile and modular, a Kiva-equipped distribution center has unprecedented flexibility when adding new products or expanding throughput—without disrupting ongoing operations.

“Kiva’s new Trash and Recycle System is another elegant extension of our mobile-robotic order fulfillment system,” said Mick Mountz, founder and CEO of Kiva Systems. “Our customers increase the productivity of their staff and increase the return on their existing robots at the same time--at dramatically lower capital outlay than with traditional trash handling equipment. This new product highlights both the flexibility of the mobile-robotic approach to fulfillment, and the maturity of Kiva’s full four-wall DC solutions.”

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