When were automatic guided vehicles first developed?
Barrett Electronics Corporation invented the world’s first AGV for industrial applications in 1954. The term AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) was actually introduced in the 1980’s. Previously, AGVs were called driverless vehicles.
One of the first driveless vehicles is on permanent display at Savant Automation in Walker, MI near Grand Rapids, MI. Barrett Electronics was acquired in 1983 allowing the Barrett AGV product line to evolve as part of Savant Automation and now consists of over 13 distinct AGV vehicle types.
