CLINT: Mark, I came across many former Kiva Systems employees during my discussions with executives at warehouse robotics companies. What role do you believe KIVA played in Boston becoming the robotics hub that it is today?
CLINT: Can you tell us a little bit about how you landed at KIVA?
CLINT: What are some of the notable process changes at Kiva while you were at the company?
MARK: As I stated previously, Kiva was hand building the units at that point. A supply chain team was also just hired to build out global sourcing and customs CM and MFG. Kiva put supply chain and design together. Amazon had announced its plans to acquire Kiva at this point, and the Amazon name also gave us greater influence with all sorts of materials suppliers and contract manufacturers. The Amazon name provided us with the huge power to product to be designed to our specs, often collaboratively. We also managed our supplier relationships onsite globally very closely to assure that the materials precisely met our design specifications.
CLINT: What changes occurred once Amazon completed the acquisition? Did you have direct interaction with Amazon corporate?
CLINT: Do you think Amazon benefited from its acquisition of Kiva Systems?
CLINT: Where do you see the robotics market going from here?
MARK: Robotics is still so early stage. There is so much more to come. There is still a big deficiency in sensors and algorithms. There are no commoditized tactical feedback sensors. Robots are still purpose built. I could go on and on, but robotics, in general, is still in its infancy. I foresee robots taking on form factors that can accomplish many tasks. We are on the way, but there is still so much more to come. In warehousing, there are major paradigm shifts yet to come. Addverb is working on that – completely shifting how material is moved in a warehouse – faster, accurately, and without humans, and of course scalable.
CLINT: Finally, are there a couple of key pieces of advice you would give to a young engineer looking to break into the warehouse robotics industry?
MARK: First, before choosing an industry, be a solid engineer, truly love your craft, or move on and find one you do. Find a company that’s innovative at its core. You’ll know it from their products. Go in, be humble, find a colleague that is a natural teacher with solid experience. Then stick with that guy until you stop learning. Don’t lose your passion. Most of all, don’t be about the money at the beginning. Your learnings and drive will build your value in the market. Become an expert, always be humble, have pride.
CLINT: Mark, I have learned a lot of interesting insights from this discussion. And I believe Logistics Viewpoints readers will as well. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and allowing our readers to learn from your experiences.
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