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.

Kiva Systems, a developer of 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.

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 new Trash and Recycle System is another elegant extension of our mobile-robotic order fulfillment system,” says 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.”