The automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and systems industry posted record sales of $140 million in 2013—a 39% increase over 2012, according to a study conducted by MHI, Charlotte, N.C. That figure includes 1,047 vehicles (up 47% over 2012) and 182 systems (up 42% over 2012) sold in 2013.
“This was a record year for the AGVS industry,” says Sarah Carlson, marketing director for Daifuku Webb, Farmington Hills, Mich., and spokesperson of the Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) Industry Group, which is part of MHI. “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.”