The warehouse of internal logistics is a busy area, where people, forklifts, autonomous mobile robots and other mobile devices are constantly moving. If this is not enough, the rise of e-commerce and the shortage of labor force will make the warehouse process more busy, requiring forklift drivers to pay more attention. Fortunately, they can now also use sensor based systems to help them avoid accidents by acting as a second eye.
There are a series of technologies that can make forklifts safer, from remote information processing and virtual reality based training to the latest sensor based solutions.
Mick McCormick, warehouse and advanced technology director of Caron North America, a forklift manufacturer, said: "The goal of these (sensor based) technologies is to make the driver better understand his or her surroundings. Given the labor shortage faced by the industry, this is the key today. Many new people will enter the warehouse in peak seasons. In a noisy environment, it is good to have some help for forklift drivers who are usually just starting."
Different structures, same purpose
Sensor based solutions, known as operator assistants, serve as the second pair of eyes for forklift drivers. If the operator ignores the warning, if immediate intervention is required to avoid an accident, or if the vehicle enters the speed limit zone, these systems may be able to change the speed of the forklift.
The auxiliary systems are different, but their common point is that they rely on sensors to detect hazards, warn operators, and in some cases slow or stop forklifts. Some use lidar sensors or machine vision, while others use beacons installed on infrastructure.
McCormick pointed out: "All these systems need to show a high degree of reliability, for example, to accurately determine the location and direction of movement of surrounding objects. We want to avoid a large number of false alarms, because then the operator can no longer ignore any warnings."
Everything has its place
In terms of all its advantages, the operator assistant never makes other security technologies, such as access control, remote information processing or VR based training redundant.
Access control based on telematics technology can prevent unauthorized drivers from driving, while data collected using connectivity can provide trends and valuable insights. Telematics can also be used to limit the speed of forklifts based on who is using them, which may be useful because operators have different levels of experience.
VR will indeed retain its role. It cannot replace the theoretical or practical training, but it is a valuable supplement to the theoretical or practical training, so that the forklift can operate in the digital space without actual danger.
Start with the basics
Sensor based systems can provide really good services in many warehouses, including crowded facilities with relatively small floor space. However, they cannot replace basic knowledge. Therefore, the focus should still be on training staff, proper layout of warehouses and other security programs.
