Kiva Robot Spins Up at Tompkins Technology Center

Breakthrough Mobile Fulfillment System Takes Walk Time Out of Pick Time

WOBURN, MA AND RALEIGH, NC, October 11, 2007 -- Kiva Systems and Tompkins Associates today announced that Kiva’s Mobile Fulfillment System (MFS) is now a key part of the Tompkins Emerging Technology Center (ETC) in Orlando, FL. The MFS is a breakthrough approach to order fulfillment that uses a fleet of mobile robotic drive units to store, move and sort pallets, cases and orders, enabling increases in productivity, speed and flexibility.

“The ETC displays the most innovative products in the industry, and the Kiva MFS is absolutely cutting edge,” said Frank Morrell, Manager, Tompkins Associates’ ETC. “Increasing productivity in picking is a major priority for many companies right now, and the Kiva solution offers a new way to do just that.”

An alternative to racking, carousels, or conveyor-based order fulfillment systems, the Kiva MFS stores inventory on pods that are picked up and moved around by robotic drive units. Workers stand at stations around the perimeter of the floor area, and without leaving their station, have access to every product in the building.

“We’re excited to have our product as part of the Tompkins ETC,” said Rob Stevens, VP Business Development at Kiva. “We think this facility is a great way to spread the word and help educate the industry about new opportunities.”

The ETC, which focuses on integration and testing, technology evaluation, employee training, and emerging product demonstrations, offers the opportunity for companies to evaluate fully-operational material handling and system technology solutions without risk or financial investment.

Media Contact
E-mail Myra Schwartz or call 919-855-5533.

ABOUT TOMPKINS ASSOCIATES
Tompkins Associates is the leading operations-focused consulting and integration firm specializing in end-to-end supply chain solutions. Customers look to Tompkins' expertise to develop and implement intelligent solutions in distribution center design, distribution network configuration, transportation planning, systems integration, benchmarking and best practices, logistics outsourcing, and supply chain optimization. For more than 30 years, Tompkins has offered a proven track record and deep industry expertise for solutions that reduce costs and improve supply chain performance. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. For more information on Tompkins, visit www.tompkinsinc.com. For more information on the Emerging Technology Center, visit the ETC web page.

ABOUT KIVA SYSTEMS
Kiva Systems, Inc. uses breakthrough automation technology to help companies reduce cost and increase flexibility in their distribution centers. Using autonomous mobile robots, storage pods, and sophisticated control software, the Kiva Mobile Fulfillment System enables a smooth flow of materials through the facility, from receiving to picking to shipping -- all without conveyor. The result is a building that is quick and low-cost to set up, cheap to operate, and easy to change. For more information on Kiva Systems and its solutions, please visit www.kivasystems.com.