As speed and efficiency become increasingly important in warehouse operations, the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other autonomous vehicles continue to proliferate. The Materials Handling Institute (MHI), Charlotte, N.C., has even recognized this proliferation when it announced that ProMat 2017 will feature the first-ever autonomous vehicle solution center. The 2017 tradeshow will be expanded with exhibits in the South and North Halls, and the North Hall will feature the AGV solution center, the association said.
According to the association, while autonomous vehicle and drone technology still is emerging, 59 percent of respondents of its “2016 MHI Annual Industry Report” said that these technologies are having at least some impact on supply chains. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said that the technology has the potential to provide competitive advantage or to disrupt the industry. Additionally, adoption rates for autonomous vehicle and drone technologies are expected to grow to 50 percent in the next six to 10 years, it added.