World's prettiest AGV

Jan. 17, 2013

Two days ago, Ford Motor debuted a concept for its 2014 transit van at the Detroit Auto Show. It was a nice looking van as vans go, but close observers noticed something interesting as the vehicle emerged from behind a door and traversed out into the Joe Louis Arena: Its wheels weren't moving. Once festivities were over, we walked down to the stage for a closer look.

It turns out what Ford was showing might be called the world's prettiest AGV, because that's what was really moving around on the stage. The transit van was basically just a shell positioned on top of a conventional AGV that moved along a track in the floor. We snapped a few pictures to give you the idea.

View of the transit van from the stands.

Behind the scenes: The AGV under the van.

The track under the AGV.

About the Author

Lee Teschler

Editor

Leland was Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design. He has 34 years of Service and holds a B.S. Engineering from the University of Michigan, a B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan;, and a MBA from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining Penton, Lee worked as a Communications design engineer for the U.S. Government.