/2011/07/18/robotics-seen-but-rarely-heard/
{"item":{"status":"visible","url":"\/2011\/07\/18\/robotics-seen-but-rarely-heard\/","trash":"","name":"robotics-seen-but-rarely-heard","parent":"","title":"Robotics: Seen but rarely heard","date":"2011-07-18 12:07:04","filepath":"posts\/2000248_robotics-seen-but-rarely-heard.xml.json","type":"post","content":"I'm always astounded after watching a video of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kivasystems.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kiva Systems<\/a> order fulfillment robots in action. \u00a0The Roomba style robots integrate into a warehouse worker's motions seamlessly. \u00a0This is one of the most\u00a0successful\u00a0applications of robotics I've run across.\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lWsMdN7HMuA\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n<blockquote><em>\"Kiva's complete\u00a0warehouse automation solution is sometimes compared to an automated storage and retrieval system (AS\/RS), but it's so much more - more flexible, more accurate, more productive, much easier to use and more cost effective. Kiva is a\u00a0goods-to-man\u00a0order picking and fulfillment system like no other, and widely recognized as the leader in\u00a0eCommerce fulfillment solutions. In distribution centers, warehouses and manufacturing plants equipped with the Kiva MFS, operators stand still while the products come to them. Pallets, cases, and orders are stored on mobile inventory pods that are picked up and moved by a fleet of robotic drive units. As a result, any product can go to any operator at any time to fill any order.\"<\/em><\/blockquote>\n<em>Some people may be arguing those robots are costing the US jobs, but that is\u00a0precisely\u00a0the point. \u00a0One day we may all sport a life of\u00a0leisure, as the robotic overlords take care of us like pets (and hopefully not pests).\n<\/em>"}}
