Its automated storage and retrieval systems have been used in the past by companies including The Gap, Walgreens, Staples, Gilt Groupe, Office Depot, Crate & Barrel, Amazon and Saks 5th Avenue.

[citation needed] After working on the business process team at Webvan, Mick Mountz concluded that the company's downfall was due to the inflexibility of existing material handling systems and the high cost of order fulfillment.

[4] These challenges inspired Mountz to develop a method for picking, packing, and shipping orders using a system that could deliver any item to any operator at any time.

When an order is entered into the Kiva database system, the software locates the closest automated guided vehicle to the item and directs it to retrieve it.

When the drive unit reaches the target location, it slides underneath the pod and lifts it off the ground through a corkscrew action.

The system is considered much more efficient and accurate than the traditional method of having human workers traveling around the warehouse locating and picking items.

The robot also allows for the enhancement of Amazon cargo movement and aids in the ensurement of safety to both workers, staff, and the packages themselves.