Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

forklift

Rapid Growth of Autonomous Forklifts

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By Thomas R. Cutler

Autonomously driven forklifts, whether in distribution centers, manufacturing, or some hybrid, are much more cost-effective than manned forklifts for extremely repetitive processes.

They can be integrated into continuous round-the-clock operations covering several shifts. Self-controlling these trucks can coordinate perfectly in terms of routing and speed. This enables material flows to maintain optimal levels and the energy consumption is kept to a minimum.

The additional benefit reported by facilities managers includes substantially less damage to shelving, loads, pallets, and other trucks, as they navigate more accurately and safely than manned forklifts. [Read more…] about Rapid Growth of Autonomous Forklifts

Top 5 Career Options You Can Gain from Becoming a Forklift Operator

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Not a lot of kids dream about becoming a forklift operator when they grow up. However, if you want to get your foot in the door of construction, manufacturing, and even the food industry, you can start with this profession and work your way up.

A forklift operator drives a powered industrial truck to lift and transport materials from one point to another. They are considered professional drivers and have to obtain a Masterdrive Forklift Operator Cert as well as a higher-level driver’s license.

If you’re thinking about following this career path, below are the five job options that you have after becoming a forklift operator. [Read more…] about Top 5 Career Options You Can Gain from Becoming a Forklift Operator

Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

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By Andy Legut, FlexQube

Too often automation and robotics are characterized by sensors driving Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

There are ways to efficiently automate material flow and lean manufacturing principles today. It starts with automating into a fork truck free environment.

Ultimately the reason for automation is to capture improved productivity. Cesar Jimenez, a Toyota Material Handling, USA employee shared that a forklift can only carry up to two loads at a time.

[Read more…] about Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.

Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.

Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.

[Read more…] about Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

Nitco introduces wireless forklift fleet management technology

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Nitco has launched a new wireless forklift fleet management technology, which it says is “game-changing”. (See video below.) 

The company says it adds telemetry capabilities to materials handling equipment which could lead to “improvements in safety and accountability while eliminating inefficiencies and lowering your overall cost of operation”.

Nitco says the modules are equipped with sensors, GPS and telemetry technology, enabling machines to “collect helpful, actionable data that provides new insight into countless aspects of your operation”.  [Read more…] about Nitco introduces wireless forklift fleet management technology

ZF unveils AI driving system which could be used for forklift trucks, while Toyota adopts the fuel cell

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toyota fuel cell forklift truck

ZF teams up with Nvidia on artificial intelligence system for autonomous cars, trucks and industrial applications

ZF says its ProAI system for automated driving is built on high-performance Nvidia Drive PX 2 AI computing platform, and will enable vehicles to “see, think, and act”. 

ZF is one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers and a global leader in active and passive safety technology, and has been working with Nvidia to develop artificial intelligence systems for the transportation industry for some time.

The two companies are looking at various sectors, including:

  • automated and autonomous driving systems for passenger cars;
  • commercial trucks; and
  • industrial applications.

The ZF ProAI for highway automated driving is ZF’s first system developed using Nvidia AI technology.  [Read more…] about ZF unveils AI driving system which could be used for forklift trucks, while Toyota adopts the fuel cell

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