Kern introduces materials-handling robot to the mailroom

Mailing equipment provider Kern has signed a deal to distribute a new materials handling vehicle that can operate around a mailroom without an operator. The iCart has been developed by US automated technology manufacturer The Automation Group, using a robotically-guided system to move materials independently around a mail room.

Kern is now to be the exclusive distributor of the system in the mail industry, and said it will add to its existing range of mail room products and services.

Chris Smith, managing director of Oregon-based The Automation Group, said: “Working with Kern as our solutions partner for the mailing market we are able to offer customers something they have never had before. As well as removing labour costs, the iCart reduces energy costs and better utilises floor space.

“The iCart is fully automated and operates without user programming or a central control system, a considerable advantage over other automated vehicle systems,” said Smith.

Kern, which unveiled the new iCart this week at the Logistics Link exhibition in Doncaster, England, said the system will work well with its own mailroom systems, such as the Kern 60 auto traying module, which loads envelopes into postal trays.

Pete Jolley, General Manager of Kern Ltd, said the “cutting edge” technology would remove the need for operators to handle heavy pallets in the mailroom, and will improve technology since it can work 24 hours a day.

He said: “We believe the iCart is potentially the next revolution in mailing industry and we are delighted to have the exclusive rights to sell the product to the market. This is our first partnership with The Automation Group and we are delighted to be working with the company.”