Mark Messina’s journey from taking apart his first robot at 14 to building automation systems for global giants is nothing short of revolutionary. In this episode of the PowerTalkShow , we sit with the CEO of Anscer Robotics – Mark Messina, who is now leading a robotics evolution that combines AMR and AGV capabilities into one hybrid, cost-effective system for warehouses and factories worldwide.
From Medical Devices to Kiva Robotics
Mark’s roots in high-precision medical device manufacturing taught him discipline, process, and design excellence. But his real leap came when he joined Kiva Systems, the trailblazing robotics firm that transformed Amazon’s logistics. As Kiva’s robots began replacing manual labor in fulfillment centers, Mark had a front-row seat to a supply chain revolution.
“When Amazon bought Kiva, it wasn’t just an acquisition — it was a signal that warehouse automation had become a necessity, not a luxury.”
AGV vs. AMR: Breaking Down the Robotics Alphabet Soup
Mark outlines the key difference between AGVs (guided robots on a fixed path) and AMRs (autonomous robots that use sensors and spatial awareness to navigate). While AGVs offer millimeter precision, AMRs bring flexibility and obstacle handling.
“AGVs are like trains. AMRs are like people on bicycles — smart, aware, and flexible.”
Anscer’s Hybrid Innovation
Anscer Robotics’ breakthrough lies in hybrid robots that combine the structure of AGVs with the fluidity of AMRs. These adaptable machines are ideal for mid-sized warehouses where flexibility, cost-efficiency, and fast deployment matter most.
“Business environments evolve — your automation should evolve with them.”
Scaling Automation Beyond Giants
Amazon may deploy robots by the million, but what about small and mid-sized warehouses? Anscer is pioneering solutions for the underserved market — businesses that need automation but can’t afford million-dollar deployments.
Ethical Automation: Transparency Over Hype
Mark is refreshingly candid about the industry’s misrepresentations — inflated promises on cost, speed, and capability. His philosophy: underpromise, overdeliver, and plan for a 10-year lifecycle.
“I’d rather tell the hard truth than sell a sexy lie.”
Automation at Scale — Two Definitions
To Mark, automation at scale can mean deploying millions of robots or integrating hundreds of smaller warehouses. The second is harder — each business is unique, each floor plan unpredictable.
What’s Next for Robotics
Looking ahead, the robotics space is poised to evolve rapidly, but it needs to shed misconceptions, focus on real use cases, and align better with SME needs. Mark is steering Anscer in that direction — one hybrid robot at a time.