In this Issue:
- Recalculating autonomous lift trucks
- Special Report: Top 20 lift truck suppliers
- Reader Survey: 2021 lift truck user survey
- Information Management: Lift truck technology
- Lift Truck Series: Lift truck accessories
Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives
August 2021 Modern Materials Handling
While the technology has been available for a decade, autonomous lift trucks have been slow to catch on. That may be changing.
Once thought of as reliant on fixed guidance infrastructure and aimed at moving larger loads across facilities, the automatic guided vehicle evolved. AGVs today can move loads large and small, and some can reliably lift multiple levels high. Some now even use natural feature navigation and collaborate more closely with people.
While the technology has been available for a decade, autonomous lift trucks have been slow to catch on. That may be changing.
In its annual survey of lift truck buy/lease activities and use, Modern finds that decision making and practices fluctuated much less than might have been anticipated given the times. Fleet size has remained stable, and buyers still put price, quality and safety at the top of their checklists.
With this year’s Top 20 based on 2020 revenues, a challenging pandemic year, it’s perhaps no surprise the bottom-line total for the suppliers on our list dipped slightly, but by less than 2%.
As pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors rethink their fulfillment operations, they’re infusing technology, automation and robotics into those fast-paced facilities.
A common thread to technology such as telematics and fleet software, operator assist features, and motive power advancements is the positive impact these technologies have on getting more work done, in a safer manner, for the operator.
Lift truck fleet managers and operators expect more data about everything from seats and tires to on-board technologies that put critical information front and center. These advances are the only way for operations and drivers to keep pace with demands.
Laser marking is already in place in the world of packaging, and it has the capability to mark items as diverse as automotive and aerospace parts and the common carton. That’s enough range to make laser a contender in the future.
Telematics, VR and other technologies can help with safety and training, but don’t lessen the need for best practices like hands-on training, documenting training, clear procedures and continuous improvement.
Telematics helps the Chicago Tribune’s printing center operation reduce lift truck impacts by 30% and gain vital fleet information.
How a Minnesota cold storage 3PL is reaping benefits of a paperless logistics management system.
Modern sat down with Jordan Julius, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Introduction at GE Appliances.
As automation, robotics and artificial intelligence continue to infiltrate all corners of supply chain management, the warehouse dock is getting a technological facelift of its own.
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