The first integrated presentation of leading-edge contributions to material handling and logistics, this book provides up-to-the-date research results for a wide range of topics of interest to those concerned with the design and operation of material and logistics systems. Both software and hardware issues are treated. Likewise, the emergence of new technologies and intelligent application of existing technologies are considered in the treatise. The book was written with the objective of providing the designer, manager, researcher, and student of material handling and logistics systems with a perspective of ongoing research, a ready collection of recent research results, and an improved understanding of how to design and operate such systems. It provides a contemporary collection of papers that contribute to increased understanding of the status of intelligent material handling and logistics. Leading-edge research results and technological forecasts are provided so that those who are designing future-generation material handling and logistics systems will be able to anticipate advances in technology.