Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automatic guided vehicle systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector.
An AGVS consists of one or more computer controlled wheel based load carriers (normally battery powered) that runs on the plant floor (or if outdoors on a paved area) without the need for an onboard operator or driver. AGVs have defined paths or areas within which or over which they can navigate. Navigation is achieved by any one of several means, including following a path defined by buried inductive wires, surface mounted magnetic or optical strips; or alternatively by way of inertial or laser guidance.
AGVS provide automated material movement for a variety of industries including the: automotive, chemicals/plastics, hospital, newspaper, commercial print, paper, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, warehouse and distribution center, and manufacturing industries. AGVS can reduce labor and material costs while improving safety and reducing product and equipment damage.
Mission: To promote the market growth and effective use of automatic guided vehicle systems (AGVS) in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and other key markets.
Vision: To be the recognized independent authority for end users and suppliers on market trends, standards, technology developments, and applications through:
- Development of educational materials
- Collection and distribution of industry statistics
- Review and revision of equipment standards
AGVS member companies meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and safe operation of automatic guided vehicle systems. AGVS members are committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems.
AGVS programs include:
- The development of educational and training materials;
- A voice in the development and maintenance of national standards;
- The confidential exchange of market statistics and publication of industry data to the public;
- The communication of the benefits of AGVS solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.
The Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems Product Section strives to educate and promote the industry. One of the methods the industry utilizes to achieve this goal is through the collection of systems installation statistics and trends. The collection of this data is a prerequisite and a continuing condition of AGVS Product Section membership.
These statistical trends are compiled from information collected from current MHI AGVS Product Section Member Companies in good standing. Even though this data does not reflect the total market size, it does reflect the majority of new installations and indicates the breadth of the applications benefiting from the technology. It also indicates that a company does not have to be big to benefit! Small, simple systems can deliver just as much return as the larger more highly integrated systems, too.
AGVS Industry Group Releases Summer 2012 Quarterly Report
Automatic Guided Vehicle Industry Reports Highest Sales in Many Years
| End-Of-Line Automation Using Hybrid Automatic Guided Vehicles Sponsored by Egemin Automation Inc. In the past, end-of-line material handling was performed manually. Advances in technology have brought us into the complete, end-of-line automation era. Learn how to enhance operations, reduce headcount and improve your bottom line when properly using an integrated automatic guided vehicle, RFID and advanced Warehouse Management solution. |
| AGVS: Offering the Complete Solution Sponsored by JBT Corp. (formerly FMC Technologies) It's a brave new world out there for today's AGV systems. Sure, AGVs can still act as taxi systems shuttling materials between two points. But more often, today's AGVs are the central component in a complete integrated solution. Automated trailer loading/unloading, end-of-line automation including storage and retrieval, and AGV supported picking in distribution applications are just a few examples of how AGVs have grown from a support system to a complete automation solution. This seminar will review the "new" role of AGV sytems. |
| Solving the Piece Picking Challenge with Award Winning New Technology Sponsored by Swisslog Logistics Inc. Evolving market trends in the retail industry which are driving changes in order fulfillment will be reviewed. Impacts on the distribution center are significant and are causing both storage and picking efficiency issues due to reduced order quantities driven by SKU proliferation and shorter product life cycles. New technology that can provide a solution to both the storage and piece picking challenges will be presented along with a case study of an actual implementation. |
| Best Practices for Lean Material Handling Optimization Sponsored by The Raymond Corporation Optimizing material handling environments and meeting lean goals can take careful consideration. Evaluating company-specific requirements is important to ensure material handling goals are met while also achieving lean best practices. In addition, automation can be implemented to help facilitate cost-effective, efficient process. |
| Best Practices for Warehouse Optimization Sponsored by The Raymond Corporation In today's competitive material handling industry, it is important to acquire best-in-class equipment and reliable solutions. However, to stay competitive, it is increasingly important to ensure the applications of the equipment and solutions that are customized and supported to meet the changing needs of individual businesses. As a result, companies must consider a comprehensive review of their material handling operations and solutions to establish a pattern of continuous improvement for warehouse optimiztion. |
Upcoming Meetings
AGVS Managing Executive
Gary Forger
gforger[at]mhi[dot]org
704-676-1190
Leadership
Chair
Sarah Carlson Challa
Jervis B. Webb Company
Vice Chair
Randy Winger
Dematic Corp.