For decades, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have played a critical role in transporting heavy loads throughout aluminium and steel manufacturing facilities – reliably, safely and cost-ef ciently. Now, the latest generation of AGVs for carrying heavy loads – with a signi cant reduction in vehicle weight – are minimising maintenance and power requirements by up to 60%, delivering a new level of streamlined performance and cost ef ciency for primary metals manufacturers. By Jim McMahon