The document discusses material handling systems. It defines material handling as the movement, storage, protection and control of materials throughout the manufacturing and distribution process. It notes that material handling should be performed safely, efficiently, at low cost, in a timely manner and without damage. It also discusses factors that influence the design of material handling systems such as material characteristics, flow rate, routing and scheduling, plant layout, and unit load principle. Finally, it summarizes different categories of material transport equipment including industrial trucks, automated guided vehicles, conveyors, cranes and hoists.