European AGVS community

The Association of German Engineers VDI established 25 years ago the VDI Technical Committee “Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS)". Over the intervening years, this group devised a considerable number of VDI guidelines that are now established essential and binding technical standards.

In 2006, the AGVS manufacturers affiliated to VDI established Forum-FTS as a platform to represent and further the interests of the industry. The forum currently consists of representatives of thirteen member companies from five European countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands).

Forum-FTS operates as a neutral point of contact for (potential) customers and operates its own impartial website.

It participates in trade fairs and exhibitions and adheres to a strict code of ethics in all its internal affairs and dealings with customers. By becoming members of Forum-FTS, companies essentially commit to the highest quality standard.

Forum-FTS provides unbiased

• Advice / initial consultancy services
• Training courses / seminars / workshops / lectures
• General information
• Support for running AGV projects

* Automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS) are inhouse, floor-supported material handling systems comprising automatically controlled vehicles whose primary task is materials transport rather than the transport of passengers. (excerpt from VDI Guideline 2510 published by the VDI Society Production and Logistics, GPL)

* VDI Technical Committee “Automated Guides Vehicle Systems (AGVS)” formerly known as VDI Department B7 (prior to 2009).