For automatic guided vehicle (AGV) suppliers, 2013 was a record-breaking year, according to the Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) industry group Material Handling Institute (MHI). Seegrid, maker of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), sees parallel industry trends report Modern Materials Handling.
Amanda Merrell, Marketing Director at Seegrid, noted, “As a member of the MHI AGVS Group, Seegrid is thrilled to see the AGVS industry rapidly growing. AGVs are becoming the solution of choice for companies seeking to boost productivity, reduce cost, and improve the overall safety on the floor. With AGV technology advancements providing increased flexibility and simplicity, I am confident the AGVS industry will continue to expand.”
Sarah Carlson, AGVS group spokesperson, highlighted the 14 vendors that are now part of MHI’s AGV group.
Carlson commented, “Sales hit $140 million, an increase of more than 39% over 2012. That total comprises 1,047 vehicles installed in 182 systems—an increase of 47% and 42% respectively from 2012. All of these numbers set new records for our industry.”
Manufacturing operations accounted for 156 (85%) of all systems installed in 2013, a 10-percentage point gain in just two years. The average number of vehicles applied per system was 5.7 in 2013, Carlson added, “That figure is slightly higher than what we saw in 2012, but down from seven vehicles in 2011. So systems are, on average, somewhat smaller than they were two years ago.”
About Seegrid
Seegrid Corporation provides simple, affordable, flexible vision-guided automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to the material handling industry. Seegrid robotic industrial trucks, flexible AGVs, are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid automated pallet trucks and tow tractors optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Robotic industrial trucks deliver a rapid return on investment, improve facility safety, and reduce equipment and product damage. Recently named Manufacturer of the Year, Seegrid was also awarded the Gold Medal Award at the WBT Innovation Marketplace 2013 competitive event. Seegrid was named to the Food Logistics Top 100 software and technology providers. Seegrid is a Finalist for the 2014 Edison Award in the Applied Technology category and Industrial Productivity sub-category.
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