As we all know, the automation of material handling equipment is not new, but it is one of the methods that organizations promote to save management costs, improve productivity and reduce workplace accidents. The development of global e-commerce and the surge of unit storage have prompted distributors and retailers to find more effective solutions for their logistics. Warehouses and distribution centers that handle more orders need to move more goods faster horizontally and vertically. Cost efficiency and reliability can be found in the application of new technologies, better labor management and employee training.
Self driving forklifts, sometimes called unmanned forklifts, move and transport goods without direct human intervention. Forklift technology is developing rapidly. Like other automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that move goods in warehouses, self driving forklifts save time and effort. The new version includes an autonomous forklift that can learn routes and tasks from the operator, who drives the machine in "learn" mode. After that, they can switch to automatic mode and drive by themselves. The unmanned forklift can be integrated into the existing warehouse management system (WMS), so that their daily tasks can be guided as part of the overall activities.
productivity
The automatic forklift can be used all day without holidays. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are being used to collect and process data as they strive to find more effective routes. The forklift driven by artificial intelligence can handle dangerous materials or extreme environmental conditions, as well as work in confined spaces. Productivity has also been improved through effective and fast communication. Mobile technologies such as 5G enable managers to use real-time feedback to arrange tasks such as preventive maintenance and repair. Data analysis can provide management information about each equipment, its operators and coverage distance, which leads to better allocation of resources.
Operator Security?
At present, most traditional forklift trucks are driven by operators. In recent years, the death toll of forklift accidents in the world is on the rise. Danger always exists. Accidents occur due to inexperienced drivers, overloading, poor cargo fixity and unstable roads. The more intelligent the forklift is, the safer it will be for drivers and other warehouse employees. Technical tools, such as sensors, can make forklift operators more aware of what is happening around them and serve as an early warning system.
environmental effect
Both traditional forklift and unmanned forklift use diesel, battery or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). As more and more organizations realize their use of fossil fuels, their carbon footprint and exhaust emissions, it is important to choose the right equipment and minimize damage to the environment. Forklifts driven by diesel and LPG are pollutants that need adequate ventilation, while batteries occupy the storage space of the warehouse. Hydrogen fuel cells are now widely used in forklift trucks, which can be charged at public gas stations or internal facilities.
Cost impact
Although the purchase or lease cost of unmanned forklifts is higher than that of manual forklifts, they will pay a price over time. The cost of human resources, including wages, work stoppage due to injury, and overtime, has been greatly reduced. Through predictive maintenance, identifying and resolving potential problems before they occur is a measurable cost savings. With the continuous development of technology, demand may increase, leading to lower prices. The automation of material handling equipment, especially forklifts, will continue to develop rapidly.
The benefits are obvious:
● Increase productivity
● Better employee safety
● Cost savings
● Environmentally friendly
● Integration with existing warehouse management system
We still have a long way to go before the popularization of automatic forklifts. There will always be a demand for traditional forklifts, especially in small enterprises. However, if there is an opportunity to replace existing forklifts in many fleets, automation solutions may be the answer.
Call for action
The warehouse consultant of Supply Chain Management Consulting Group can help you enter the right strategy and understand the cost of upgrading your facility to a new level. More than 30 forklift manufacturers led by Toyota, Linde, Dematek, Yonghengli and Hester. They can help you evaluate the device solutions that best suit your business, both traditional and automated.
