Abstract: A system is provided for transferring a substrate of a flat panel display between the processing stations of a flat panel display manufacturing line. The system includes a transfer device that transfers a transfer container in which a substrate is loaded, a container loading and unloading device that loads and unloads the containers on and from the transfer device, and a substrate loading and unloading device that transfers the substrates between the container and processing equipment located at the respective stations. The transfer device includes a track mounted on a facility floor and a plurality of wheeled carriages that move programmably along the track by means of linear motors. The system enables substrate transfer time to be reduced substantially, yet provides robust protection of the substrates throughout the transfer process.