Last year was a record year for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), with AGV system sales reaching $140 million, according to the Material Handling Institute (MHI). This marks a 39 percent increase compared with 2012, the Charlotte, N.C.-based association reports. In addition, approximately 1,047 vehicles were purchased during the term, it says.
“[2013] was a record year for the [automatic guided vehicle systems] (AGVS) industry,” said Sarah Carlson, spokesperson of the MHI’s AGVS industry group, in a statement. “In 2013, we saw a shift to more new systems in manufacturing and fewer vehicles per system. The economy is improving, and more companies are looking to add automation to increase productivity and lower operating costs.”