I`m not 100 per cent sure but i think the old autoboxes with torque converters would behave differently to new style autos. Incidentally i much prefer auto boxes in cars than manuals and ironically ive just bought a manual so i could get rid of my old auto due to ridiculous road tax prices 
Well Merc were probably first with auto boxes as we now know them
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No, Eaton was first with their semi-automatic, later fully automatic.
i used to drive a 2 pedal scammell handyman now and again, really fast changing box (5 speed + splitter), changing down fully laden could produce a pronounced bounce, and reversing could be challenging,its the one on the far left of the photo.
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That sounds an interesting drive , the modern autos are a manual constant mesh box with a clutch and a genius of a computer that changes gear for you and never crunches one ever. I think but im not 100 % sure that the Scammell would have had a torque converter , ive heard the V8 Mandators were fitted with a 10 speed semi auto splitter and the splitter switch was very sensitive and if accidentally knocked could send the revs through the roof, the reversing you mention sounds very familiar to the modern day autos
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The first semi automatic box was self changing gears of Coventry in the late 1950s these were fitted into Scammell Super Constructors and one junior constructor, they were very similar to the first Mercedes box as only one neutral then push forward for each gear and pull backto change down in neutral you pressed down the top of the lever to select reverse gear.
The 5 speed box plus splitter fitted to Leyland Beavers, AEC V8 Mandators Scammell Trunkers and Handyman was also fitted into the Atkinson Viewline ballast tractor and were similar to those fitted into buses no clutch pedal but you still needed to have your revs right or they would jolt in personally I did not like them but I am old fashioned as well long in the tooth
From what I can see of the replies so far (and TBH I’m slightly surprised this conversation is till going, but whatever) a lot depends on what make/ model with AMT you’re driving versus what you’ve been driving before - if your previous experience was a 25 year old Scammell, it’s no wonder an automated manual will be God’s gift. I’ve not had much experience with Volvo’s i-Shift but those who’ve used it reckon it’s very good. The ZF 16-speed in whatever make seems to be hit-and-miss (miss, mostly) and that has been my experience in a Stralis. Further down the food chain, however, lie all sorts of minor hells including AMT boxes in middleweight Jap crap, and that’s where most of my unfortunate experience has been and hence my jaundiced view. If I have to drive Jap crap, give me a manual box because no matter how horrible the manual shift is (and Hinos use cables, don’t even ask how rubbish they are after a few year’s abuse) it’s still better than the automated version.
Better still, give me a European wagon, at least it will have been designed properly.