Kiva Systems Lands on Fast Company’s Most Innovative List
Technology and robotics company Kiva Systems has been named one of Fast Company magazine’s “World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies.” The business, known for its efficient robots that help organize and ship online products from e-commerce warehouses, ranked No. 23 on the list, which was published this month.
The North Reading, Mass.–based company provides autonomous mobile robots and control software for distribution centers to help simplify their operations and increase productivity.
Kiva has two models that are used in warehouses, the DU1000 and the DU3000. The numbers refer to the weight limit for each robot. The small robots work in conjunction with laser technology, barcode navigation stickers and a wireless network to streamline warehouse packing and shipping processes in order to cut down on labor hours, time and costs.
Fleets of the robots are used to deliver mobile inventory shelves, which carry pallets and cases to operators in warehouses and distribution centers.
Used by companies such as Timberland and Gap Inc., the robots are also equipped to know when they need charging and can send themselves off to be re-charged.
According to Fast Company, the robots “can pick, pack and ship anything sold online faster and cheaper than ever” and can even assist gift-wrapping crews.—Deidre Crawford
