Material Handling Research: Needs and Opportunities

Despite the impact of material handling on industrial competitiveness, it has not attracted the attention of researchers to the extent it should. In this chapter, a brief retrospective assessment of material handling is provided, followed by a consideration of research needs and opportunities. The connections between material handling education and research are explored and the traditional sources of support are examined. Throughout the chapter, both education and research needs are addressed. The chapter does not attempt to provide a comprehensive review of material handling research. Its focus is on future needs and opportunities, not past successes and failures. Finally, it focuses on the prospects for future support of material handling research.