As we all know, the rapid development of high-tech technology is rapidly touching every corner of the world. Business owners must keep up with one of the trends to help maintain competitiveness. Therefore, in this article, the team of Angus lift trucks from the UK is compiled to study the five major trends in the field of science and technology and deeply explore how to change the forklift industry. It is worth noting that Angus lift is the agent of BYD forklift in China.
1. Impact of automation on forklift industry
Generally speaking, automation is not new to the transportation and distribution industry. As early as 1888, the implementation of transfer machine was the first milestone of automation; However, today's technology is pushing automation to a new era.
Advances in forklift technology have spawned several versions of automated machines for lifting and moving. The autonomous forklift (ALT) learns routes and tasks from the operator, who drives the machine in "learning" mode. They can then switch to automatic mode - autonomous driving.
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The automatic guided vehicle (AGV) does not require an operator. Use cameras, lasers and ground markers to navigate. AGV forklifts can drive into internal logistics warehouses such as pallet shelves, gravity shelves, mobile shelves and drive in shelves for operation.
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is the most advanced of the three. Its biggest advantage is that there is no need for operators or navigation marks. Instead, they use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand their environment and adjust accordingly.
The most famous example of AGV used now is Amazon's orange autonomous embedded autonomous robot fleet, which can move a product rack with 340kg on the warehouse floor at a speed of 5.5km/h.
Human "porters" unpack the goods and put them in a dustbin on a tall yellow pod. The robot then moves the pod to a waiting position in the warehouse or to a "picker" station. Human pickers take items out of the box and pack them for consumers.
Amazon said that the implementation of robots not only did not eliminate jobs, but created hundreds of thousands of jobs. Glassdoor, an employment reporting website, currently shows that Amazon has more than 2000 job openings in the UK.
Driverless forklift
It is easy to see why forklift fleet automation is attractive to the company. These machines can work around the clock, do not require medical or dental benefits, and are faster and more accurate than human employees. Although autonomous forklifts are expensive, they can quickly recover costs.
Using automation in the context of material handling equipment is a way for the company to promote and adapt to modern technology and practical business tools. It can help organizations save thousands of management costs, minimize work-related accidents and improve productivity.
At present, the market trend of automatic forklift is expected to gradually increase to more than 786 million US dollars by 2026. This figure comes from the analysis of the current compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% in the forklift industry. Many people believe that this is consistent with the development direction of enterprises in the future.
Warehouse practices are becoming modern and require more horizontal and horizontal material handling. Due to small or frequent orders, forklift automation is needed to maintain the operation of the enterprise. In addition, the use of such autonomous forklift equipment in the workplace can ensure the reduction of time lost due to accidents, such as overturning or handling unbalanced goods.
Automated forklifts do not take away people's jobs, but can fill the employment gap to eliminate the monotonous responsibilities of certified operators. Companies can use human resources in areas that require human interaction, rather than cumbersome warehouse material management.
While forklift automation may seem like an ideal solution for many workplace environments, they are not without drawbacks.
AI forklifts also need fuel, space, maintenance and guidance. Human operators are still needed to help teach autonomous forklifts and drive 5g remote forklifts. So far, the fleet of self driving forklifts has not been able to detect situations such as product spillage or working on uneven floors.
When working outdoors, automated forklifts need to withstand weather, dust and wear. At present, some AGVs work outside the control conditions of the warehouse. They are often used to transport materials between facilities in the same area.
Automated forklifts are unlikely to replace workers on a large scale soon. On the contrary, they undertake more boring and repetitive tasks to liberate workers from more detailed work. Developers and designers are looking to the future, focusing on how forklifts can work safely with humans, not replace them.
2. Impact of artificial intelligence on forklift industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been developing rapidly since it was first proposed at a conference in 1956. Since then, the components have become smaller, more effective and more affordable. Computing technology has improved at an alarming rate.
Artificial intelligence is being integrated with AMR to make it more suitable for cooperation with people. They can detect traffic patterns in warehouses and learn how to avoid areas with heavy traffic. They can learn and choose the most effective route from point a to point B.
AMRS can do this without relying on wires or ground markers. This means that they can be deployed immediately without extensive modifications to the workspace. They are more flexible and adaptable than AGVs or alts.
AI seems to be the next stage of forklift automation for major suppliers. At present, Toyota, the world's largest forklift manufacturer, is carrying out four artificial intelligence development projects. They plan to launch a fleet of unmanned pallet drone, mid lifter, ultra lifter, and orange AGV similar to Amazon, called "swarm".
Future AI warehouse forklift
This is a step up from their "smart forklift", which has been in production since 2018. Like intelligent forklifts, the new generation of vehicles will produce data on efficiency, impact monitoring and performance. Managers can then use this information to simplify operations and improve risk assessment.
Artificial intelligence forklifts will also help prevent accidents. Approximately 1000 work-related injuries are reported to HSA each year. Most of them come from the agriculture, construction, transportation and storage sectors. This does not include more than a dozen fatal accidents every year.
AI should be able to reduce these numbers. Equipped with adaptive intelligence technology, close warning and faster response time than humans, artificial intelligence forklifts can respond to potential hazards faster.
In addition, the autonomous artificial intelligence forklift is an ideal choice for working in a narrow space that the traditional manned forklift cannot adapt to. Compact warehouses that lack space or operational areas do not pose any problems for AI forklifts.
When integrating AI technology into the environment of material handling equipment, the possibility of error is minimal. Artificial intelligence forklift almost eliminates excessive speed and operator fatigue, and helps to minimize accidents and injuries in the workplace. In addition, the cost savings from reducing downtime and user errors can be significant over time.
AI forklifts can also handle hazardous materials or extreme environmental conditions that pose a threat to flesh and blood workers. Then there is a simple problem that there are not so many people on the warehouse floor.
For many organizations, the ability of AI forklifts to take over potentially dangerous tasks or help reduce casualties is well worth it. The organization can continue to deliver products even in extreme weather conditions or with fewer staff during off peak hours. The question is not whether they will appear in the workplace, but when.
At present, artificial intelligence forklift is not popular. They are expensive, require more testing, and can be used in a wide range of public relations campaigns. Finally, automated forklifts are sometimes treated with suspicion by workers.
In order to gain more acceptance, workers and managers must receive education. They need to learn how to interact with autonomous AI forklifts, learn their capabilities, and see them as tools rather than competition.
Please rest assured that the artificial intelligence forklift is coming and will come soon. However, they will not immediately replace their human counterparts. Although autonomous forklifts are very advanced, they lack the explanatory ability of human thinking. Artificial intelligence forklifts also need refueling, repair and other maintenance, which they cannot do by themselves.
Due to these limitations, artificial intelligence forklifts will still require the presence of human workers. Even the best AI technology cannot completely replace a warehouse full of staff. If so, more work will come from the continuous maintenance and repair of these AI forklifts when they are used regularly and aged.
Unlike AGVs, forklifts equipped with artificial intelligence can move around without a marking system. Therefore, if they are put into outdoor work, there is no need to install such infrastructure first. Like other vehicles, AI forklifts will need to be modified to cope with outdoor conditions.
3. Impact of 5g technology on forklift industry
The world's fifth generation mobile network, 5g, ushered in its first implementation in 2019. At present, the four major players in the UK telecom industry have launched their 5g networks all over Europe. EE is the first leader. At present, its coverage exceeds O2, Vodafone and the UK. According to EE, they now have connections in 160 towns.
5g has a faster speed than its predecessor 4G. It also has higher capacity, less latency, more uniformity, and better utilization of resources. The bad news is that you need a new device to connect to the new system.
At first glance, people may associate 5g with mobile phones rather than others. However, 5g will be a major player in the "Internet of things" (described in the next section). The way it works in the warehouse environment is to strengthen connectivity.
With the development of technology in the workplace, an organization's machines and tools will be effective only under its limitations. Automatic forklifts, conveyors, cameras and other digital devices need a way to communicate with each other to improve work efficiency and productivity. This element is where 5g network can simplify company processes and production tasks.
The warehouse manager can arrange tasks such as predictive maintenance and repair through the real-time feedback of artificial intelligence forklift on 5g network. Dealing with potential problems before they occur is only a cost saving measure of this technological progress in forklift fleet management.
Influence of 5g technology on forklift industry
This network will not only modernize the workplace, but also open up opportunities that would not have been possible before now.
5g will enable operators to remotely control forklifts. Therefore, forklift drivers can avoid the danger of interaction with heavy equipment, excessive loads and extreme temperatures. Like many office workers, forklift drivers will be able to work from home.
Switching to 5g network can create jobs for organizations that need to update their equipment before full implementation. The company will need skilled workers to install the system so that all digital devices are compatible and have a seamless dialogue with each device during the event.
Geodis, a global logistics supplier, recently successfully completed their first remote operation of a forklift in cooperation with phantom auto, a software company. The vehicle is actually located in France, but is controlled by an operator in California.
The company said remote operation would open up a more diverse workplace for the forklift industry, including women and the disabled. A forklift driver can also drive different machines in different places on the same working day.
Thailand has also successfully conducted a remote forklift operation through 5g network. The forklift is located in Saraburi, while the driver is sitting 110 kilometers away in Bangkok. They can operate the forklift in real time and smoothly transport the pallet from a to B.
This test is encouraging. Future implementation may lead to remote forklift operator training, social remote work, and improve the country's competitiveness in the forklift industry. 5g is crucial because its fast speed and large data capacity allow a smooth connection between the forklift operator and the machine.
The limitation of 5g enabled devices is that they depend on the ability to connect to 5g networks. Any company that wants to implement this technology in their warehouse must be located where it gets a strong signal. This also makes them vulnerable to interference in case of network interruption or problems.
5g infrastructure is improving rapidly, and signal towers appear everywhere. However, unless there are enough signal towers nearby to provide reliable signals, small weather events may disrupt the operation of forklifts.
Although 5g environment is very advanced, any interference will hinder productivity and cause efficiency problems. These problems will cause the company to lose potential profits due to unforeseen shutdown. It may also prevent workers in the warehouse from manually operating forklift equipment during these downtime, resulting in more organizational losses.
Facilities located in rural areas may not yet have the towers needed to remotely drive a forklift fleet. Before infrastructure or technology catch up, 5g's wide adaptation in the distribution environment may be slow.
Big companies like Toyota, Geodis, Linde, cesab and Hester can make all AI forklifts they may decide. However, unless infrastructure exists, these types of forklifts will not have much impact in the industry.
4. Impact of Internet of things on forklift industry
"Internet of things" is a term that has existed for some time. It refers to objects that can be connected to the Internet. This includes smart watches, televisions, surveillance systems, kitchen appliances, toys and cars.
Most of the time, these digital "things" collect data about users and upload this information to various entities. They also facilitate users. A fitness Bracelet collects data on how many calories a wearer burns in a day. This information can help the wearer decide to reduce inactivity or limit food intake.
Advertisers can also use this information. If the bracelet senses that the wearer goes jogging every morning, they may receive an advertisement for jogging shoes in an email. The bracelet may also send information about the wearer's morning route.
The Internet of things can also refer to things in a closed system. It can be a home safety system that connects cameras, motion sensors and doorbells to the user's mobile phone. All devices only communicate with users.
Internet of things in forklift industry
In the warehouse, an example of Internet of things technology is palletech's intelligent pallet. A central board has several sensors that send data to the cloud. Then, managers can use their computers or mobile phones to keep up with the goods.
Palletech's central tray can send data, such as temperature, tray location, route and processing efficiency. Users can see the location of goods in real time on the map. Retrieving a lost tray is as simple as turning on a computer.
Temperature and timeliness are particularly important in the supply chain of the food industry. Smart devices like palletech's wooden board can let managers know whether food is in danger of deterioration. They can also help determine the arrival time so that the receiving department can simplify the schedule.
At present, the most widely used Internet of things technology in supply chain management is RFID tag. These tags contain a circuit and an antenna to transmit information to RFID readers. Think of it as an upgraded version of bar code scanning.
Unlike bar codes, RFID tags do not require a direct visual connection to transmit their information. Companies can use tags to track inventory, control access, prevent forgery, and track personnel. RFID tags will not be smeared or torn, nor can they be marked.
Combining the Internet of things with 5g and artificial intelligence, you will get a technical three elements, which can double productivity. The possibilities here are infinite. Consider a warehouse with a fleet of AI forklifts, pallets and other material handling equipment.
Artificial intelligence forklifts collect and process data while working. They can share this data to coordinate more effective routes. These data are processed and sent to warehouse managers through 5g network. Managers can then implement changes in real time.
The higher the degree of integration of these three technologies, the stronger the dependence between them. In order for the system to give full play to its advantages, 5g signal must be strong and reliable. Forklifts with artificial intelligence must be supported by human colleagues. They must know the latest technology of the company and determine where it is suitable for them.
Although autonomous forklift seems to be a dream come true for many organizations, it is not without challenges. Warehouse managers and staff at hand must know how to operate AI forklift equipment and use the collected information appropriately. Real time data can help workers identify productivity gaps and improve daily processes.
Progress in the workplace can make employees nervous, but the idea of sending forklifts and material handling equipment to complete daily tasks in the future is not as threatening as some people think. Due to several factors, the Internet of things will not become a comprehensive process to replace human beings.
The company will need to put employees in the role of supervising their digital technology to ensure that AI forklift equipment can operate smoothly at any time. If no one can remedy it quickly and effectively on site, any interruption or misunderstanding of 5g network, AI machine and automatic forklift will cause the enterprise to lose thousands of profits.
Although the Internet of things digital technology may replace some cumbersome labor-intensive tasks in the warehouse, workers are still essential in daily operations. In fact, many warehouses may require additional staff with appropriate training and knowledge of digital systems to intervene in the event of any problems.
5. Impact of fuel technology progress on forklift industry
Today's forklifts use one of three sources of fuel: diesel, batteries or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Diesel produces exhaust gas, which needs less ventilation, while batteries occupy valuable warehouse storage space. Liquefied petroleum gas consumes fossil fuels.
As a result, more organizations are aware of their carbon footprint and how their business operations affect the environment. Energy and fuel are the main products produced and are under constant review, especially in warehouses using heavy equipment such as forklifts.
The next advance in forklift fuel technology is hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used to power forklifts, elevators, tractors and cars. Hydrogen fueled vehicles charge at gas stations like diesel vehicles. The company can install a gas station in the warehouse so that the machine can return to work quickly.
Hydrogen fuel cells can ensure that commercial operation can be resumed without operator shutdown, because it only takes a few minutes to refuel and avoid production gaps. In general, hydrogen fuel cells seem to be a better cost-effective option for human powered forklifts in a warehouse environment.
Companies seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives to warehouse material management are looking for hydrogen fuel cells.
Fuel cell forklift technology
Unlike diesel, the only by-product of hydrogen is water. Hydrogen is a safe option for countries that aim to reduce their impact on the climate. Although most hydrogen comes from natural gas extraction, agricultural and waste sources also exist.
Unfortunately, these factors will hinder the collection, transportation and storage of large amounts of hydrogen in many parts of the world.
The energy provided by hydrogen fuel is impressive. Compared with gasoline, it has almost three times the energy. One kilogram of hydrogen contains energy equivalent to 2.8 kilograms of gasoline. Hydrogen powered engines do not emit toxic gases and do not require workers to refuel as often as gasoline.
Hydrogen can go further than electric vehicles. Electric vehicles can usually travel 160-320 kilometers without charging, while hydrogen vehicles can travel nearly 500 kilometers. They also charge faster, about five minutes.
Gasoline freezes at about - 73 ℃, while the freezing point of hydrogen is close to - 250 ℃. This low freezing point allows hydrogen fueled vehicles to operate in cold conditions like industrial freezers.
Despite these advantages, hydrogen fuel cells are still the most expensive power option. This difference is mainly due to storage and availability considerations. Although its production cost is not high, these problems increase the cost of end users.
There are now about 500 hydrogen fuel cell forklifts operating throughout Europe. Toyota, Linde, Hester Yale, still and hydrogenics are the world's top manufacturers. With the popularization of technology, this number may increase by leaps and bounds, and organizations can implement these advances financially.
At present, only large companies like Amazon and Asda can implement hydrogen. Smaller warehouses and independent distributors will have to wait until costs fall.
In the warehouse environment, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be transformed into better working conditions and less downtime. Plugpower, a producer of hydrogen fuel cells, claims that their operating costs are 84% lower than combustion generators.
This technology is probably the least likely of the five technologies listed to make forklift drivers unemployed. These vehicles now in operation are driven in a traditional way. However, combined with artificial intelligence and other automation, supply chain managers can improve productivity through 24 / 7 operations.
Where such heavy equipment is needed, manual operators will still be required to complete warehouse tasks. In fact, if production becomes more efficient and business operations increase due to reduced downtime, the organization may need more warehouse staff.
Hydrogen fuel cells can be easily integrated into the standard forklifts used today, making it easy for companies that can afford the upfront costs of the transition period to switch.
You need to understand the trends in order to maintain your business's position in the competition.
Earlier this month, industry leader Angus forklift released a memorandum on technology trends, creating a large-scale evolution of the forklift industry. Each of these technologies will simplify the tasks of enterprises and ensure the safety of workers. Although there is widespread concern that technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence will make human labor redundant, Adam lantzberg, business director of Angus forklift, promised that "these technologies are changing the current situation of the forklift industry".
In the UK, about five people receive life-changing injuries from forklift accidents every day, and the trend in recent years shows that the death toll is increasing. It is increasingly necessary for us to use emerging technologies to innovate the forklift industry.
Angus forklift's review of five transformative technologies shows that automation can improve forklift safety without replacing workers. The automatic forklift (ALT) is trained by the operator, and then the operator walks aside to monitor the forklift within a safe distance.
Automation has been applied in other industries. For example, AGVs are widely used in Amazon, creating 300000 new jobs. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), such as Google's autopilot, use AI to collect knowledge about their surroundings and make changes according to needs.
Adam lantsberg believes that the implementation of these technologies in the forklift industry can open up jobs, reduce costs, improve efficiency and make the Company aware of market trends. In addition, ALT will place people in more meaningful work, abandon monotonous tasks and engage in interpersonal interaction.
Trends in material handling and forklift industry
"AI will revolutionize the forklift industry," said lantsbery of Angus forklift AMR and AI forklifts can detect traffic patterns, choose effective routes, and work in spaces where humans cannot work.
Artificial intelligence forklifts can reduce work-related injuries and deaths, improve work efficiency and productivity, and assist human workers. Moreover, they can work in narrow space or dangerous materials under dangerous conditions without threatening human life.
You may not have thought of it, but Adam lantsbery points out that 5g can also change the way we use forklifts. By speeding up technology, 5g equipment can enhance the connectivity of warehouse workers.
Angus forklift believes that 5g will help remote forklift, enhance safety and workplace comfort. Although forklift operation is usually regarded as a job that must be operated by yourself, 5g and automation technology make it possible to work from home.
Imagine a world where construction workers don't need to wear hard hats! "Adam lantsbery knows this is possible and will come soon. Linde, Toyota, cesab, Hester and Geodis have all integrated AI forklifts with remote operation in their companies. It will soon become a common phenomenon.
5g is connected to the Internet of things (IOT), which includes all objects with internet connection. Supply chain management and warehouses have seen the use of palletech's smart pallets and RFID tags to track goods and inventory while preventing fraud.
According to Adam lantsbery, the future involves using 5g remotely operated AI forklifts and working with smart pallets. By further integrating these technologies, the company can optimize the use of these technologies and create a safer working environment.
The last technology covered in this required reading memorandum relates to fuel. Forklift operation power or fuel technology is very important to the operation of forklift. Due to the environmental and quantitative shortcomings of these resources, an emerging fuel may change the forklift industry - hydrogen fuel cell.
Hydrogen is efficient, safe, smokeless and zero carbon. It can improve the productivity of forklifts without damage to the health of workers or the environment. Hydrogen fuel is the next big problem in vehicle power.
Angus forklift has studied each of these technologies in more depth to see how they will revolutionize the forklift industry. We believe that everyone should read this article to understand what the future will look like.
Last thought
What do all these new technologies mean to forklift drivers? Once they are fully in place, these innovations can lead to more effective workplaces, higher productivity, increased driver safety, and remote work opportunities.
Peripheral tasks, such as unloading, refueling and packaging, still need to be completed manually. Automation is good at repetitive work, but it has not developed into more subtle work and high-level decision-making.
This also means that drivers will have to adapt to working with AI machines. These advances are coming, whether drivers want them or not. The sooner drivers learn to see them as valuable tools, the more successful they will be at using them.
These technologies are changing the distribution world and will bring the industry into a new era.
