>>I understand Amazon owns the company that makes the robotic equipment. Perhaps that’s where their problem is.
That company probably uses off-the-shelf components from the big automation companies. Most large companies build their own equipment to meet their exact requirements, but they do it with tried-and-tested components.
I don’t have any info on what ‘zon uses. But they have holes in their logistics stream ...don’t know if it is self-inflicted or not.
A guy on my street works for them ....most days last week, he was sent home early or had no work at all.
KIVA Systems
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/amazon-com-buys-kiva-systems-for-775-million/?_r=0