Editor Allan Leibowitz comments on the news of the week

The current COVID-19 pandemic may just be the nudge needed to get AGVs into the mainstream. We read about the increasing uptake of autonomous vehicles in last week's special report, and today, we have another case study showing the benefits of this technology. While one of the initial drivers of AGV growth was shortages of skilled labour, the new push is towards 'contactless' materials handling, which is stimulating new demand. And even if the current situation is only temporary, there's no doubt that many work practices will be changed forever - and organisations will aim to limit physical contact in the workplace. Automation and AGVs are here to stay.