Komatsu has released a new "Sightline" visual assistance package for its FB70RT and larger capacity electric forklifts. High-capacity forklifts often handle long loads like timber, steel bars, or pipes. When these loads are carried sideways or in reverse, they create massive blind spots for the operator, obscuring the rear view and the path of travel.
The Sightline system uses four wide-angle cameras-one on the front carriage, one on the rear counterweight, and one on each side of the mast. An image processor stitches these four feeds together to create a seamless "bird's-eye view" (top-down view) of the machine and its surroundings, displayed on a 7-inch monitor in the cab. The engineering innovation is the "Dynamic Trajectory Line." Unlike static lines on a backup camera, this system calculates the turning radius of the rear tires in real-time. It projects a curved path on the screen showing exactly where the rear of the forklift will travel based on the current steering angle.
Additionally, the system integrates with the load weight sensor. If the load exceeds 80% of the rated capacity, the screen automatically switches to a "Load Stability Mode," highlighting the center of gravity to help the operator tilt the mast correctly. This technology drastically reduces the risk of collision with racking and pedestrians in congested warehouses where long loads are common.
