AGVs on the move

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 10/1/2004

After several lean years, the market for new automatic guided vehicle systems (AGVS) is bouncing back, according to the AGVS product section of the Material Handling Industry of America.

Through the first half of 2004, the industry saw an increase of over 50% in new systems compared to the same period in 2003. Member companies reported installing 72 new systems for that period this year versus just 47 systems during the same period last year.

"It is clear that based on these numbers that manufacturers of AGVS are seeing a substantial interest in the many benefits that companies can achieve through the use of this technology," says Dick Ward, managing director of the AGVS product section. For the latest in AGV developments, see the story that begins on page 37.

The rising interest represents an increased acceptance of AGV technology, Ward says, which has matured and improved over time. "As a result, AGVs have become far more cost-effective," Ward adds.

MHIA and the AGVS product section have produced a new video that illustrates how this technology is used by a variety of industries that can be viewed online at www.agvssolutions.com. Copies of the DVD version are available from MHIA at 800-345-1815.