Automatic Forklift



October 5, 2020Automatic

With the rise in need for manufacturing production and the reduction in manufacturing workers, more and more companies are turning to automated solutions around the world. For these companies, it remains difficult to determine exactly which type of automated solution is best for their company.

With our experience at ASI Drives, we will break down the differences between an automated pallet mover and an automated forklift to help make your choice easier.

What is an Automated pallet mover?

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An automated pallet mover is an example of an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) whose sole purpose is to transport pallets of material to and from specific locations in the warehouse. In many cases, this was a role that used to be done by workers using forklifts. By using an automated pallet mover, these workers are freed up to work on more high value tasks in the manufacturing process.

Typically, automated pallet movers do not have forks and are not able to move pallets up and down. In a typical warehouse, pallet moving AGVs are used like this:

  1. Pallets are first placed on the AGV.
  2. The AGV follows a pre-designated path to the needed location. This path can be made out of tape and can be changed relatively quickly.
  3. Once the AGV arrives at the designated location, the pallet is removed and placed in the needed location.

Some AGVs, such as the FRED 2500, also have towing capacity in order to easily move containers around the warehouse.

Automated Forklifts

While regular forklifts can be cheaper to purchase and quicker to install, some companies may need more automated equipment. In these situations, they are turning to automated forklifts. An automated forklift typically resembles a regular forklift with additional sensors attached to enable automatic operation. Automated forklifts were developed in response to the high operating costs of forklifts. In fact, several industry organizations have reported that labor costs account for more than 70% of the total cost of ownership for a forklift.

One of the clearest advantages of an automated forklift system is the ability to move pallets throughout 3D space. This gives these automated systems the capability to autonomously fulfill order picking, material handling, and other more complicated systems. In addition, some automated forklifts have the capability to be operated in manual mode in order to give the entire system more flexibility.

This added capability does come at an extreme cost though. Most automated forklifts can be up to 3x the cost of an automated pallet mover. For many companies, the added cost does not make financial sense.

Below, we compare automated pallet movers against automated forklifts across 5 different criteria: installation, cost, functionality, safety, and ease of use.

Automated forklift system

Automated Pallet Movers vs Automated Forklifts

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Automated Forklift Companies


Easy– an entire system can be installed in less than 3 hours. Warehouse workers can easily maintain the system.
Medium/Difficult– An automated forklift typically requires multiple consultations prior to installation. If desired to use within complicated systems (such as order fulfillment), other automated systems will be required as well.
Cost
Low– Automated pallet movers are typically between $30 to $40k and require little additional infrastructure.

Automated Forklift

High – most systems will be upwards of $100,000 and require a large amount of supporting infrastructure.
Functionality
Medium – With a clear and defined role, automated pallet movers excel at repetitive tasks such as material handling throughout the warehouse.
High – capable of transporting pallets in 3D space and autonomously fulfilling orders.
Safety
High – few moving parts and a defined path make automated pallet movers very safe and make workers feel safe working alongside them.
Medium – While automated forklifts have safety systems, many workers can feel unsafe working alongside an automated forklift, impacting overall productivity.
Ease of Use
High – They are extremely simple to setup and use. Workers can easily change the path of an automated pallet mover.
Low/Medium– With a high installation cost, automated forklift systems typically are more complicated to use.

Automated Pallet Movers vs Automated Forklifts: Which is Best For You?

Many businesses will see immediate efficiency improvements with the installation of an automated pallet mover system. Almost every manufacturing facility or warehouse has simple material transportation needs where it is inefficient to constantly use workers for these highly repetitive tasks.

An automated pallet mover, such as the FRED 2500, can be installed in less than 3 hours and easily maintained. During installation, the operation of the Automated Pallet Mover can be explained simply to workers in the warehouse providing them with a feeling of safety while working alongside it. Additionally, owners will quickly see a ROI by having the automated pallet mover handle routine tasks up to24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

When does an automated forklift system make sense?

With the current costs of an automated forklift system and the required backend infrastructure to support it, it does not make financial sense to install an automated forklift system unless you are moving towards full manufacturing and order fulfillment automation in your warehouse. Once you have the supporting backend infrastructure, an automated forklift system can autonomously fulfill orders and take over all of the material transport needs of your manufacturing facility. In these situations, though, owners must be prepared for the high initial costs and long payback period to see an ROI.

'Forklifts and pedestrians don't mix, but we have to make it work. If you want to make your people safer in mixed-use zones, we can help you create a custom solution. Because it's intelligent, automated and highly configurable, AisleCop helps make the most dangerous zones—blind corners, busy intersections, tight spaces and low-visibility crossings—safer. Call or send an inquiry today, and we'll get to work on your solution.'

Donald, Employee-Owner Since 2000
Safety Solutions Manager

People and forklifts don't mix

We can help you automate the separation of traffic and pedestrians while maintaining traffic flow

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are injured every year by forklifts in the U.S. alone, so safety is always a concern whenever forklifts and people operate in the same space, like they do in most warehouses, shops, factories, distribution centers or lumber yards.

The AisleCop® Safety Gate System helps control traffic to separate forklifts and pedestrians. Depending on the conditions you specify, the gates can restrict pedestrians, restrict forklifts, or restrict both in a highly configurable traffic management plan.

Ideal for blind or limited visibility spots, high-traffic intersections, and other high-exposure areas

Systems

Automatic Forklift Robot

Dangerous or blind intersections where visibility may be limited, such as high speed doors, or very high traffic areas are where traffic control gates are most highly recommended. When properly utilized, these gates can potentially help reduce or eliminate lift truck/pedestrian accidents. Wifi driver for mac os sierra.

AisleCop® Safety System Operation

The system is flexible. Standard automated AisleCop® systems utilize motion detection or other sensors as they scan for forklifts, AGVs, walkies, or other industrial traffic. Intelligent controls help control traffic flow to potentially minimize contact between pedestrians and forklifts. You can specify rules exactly as desired for your operational and safety needs.

AisleCop® Automatic Safety System Operation

  1. To cross the aisle, pedestrians press a button. Other methods, including pull cords for the forklift aisle, pressure-mat, in-ground loops, or photoeye activation can also be utilized either with buttons or independent of them. Typical systems will utilize push buttons
  2. Sensors search for fork trucks (or stackers, walkies, AGV's, or other industrial traffic) in the designated zone or aisle
  3. If a forklift is detected, lights flash and the gates remain closed until the fork lift aisle is clear
  4. If no traffic is detected, lights flash, an audible alarm beeps and the gates open into the aisle on opposing sides, creating a visual barrier for forklift drivers and allowing pedestrians to cross
  5. Once the gates are open, a motion sensor detects the presence of pedestrians in the crossing aisle. The gates remain open as long as individuals are detected. This can also be set on a timer, with any logic specified for your operation
  6. Once pedestrians are clear, gates automatically close after a predetermined interval and enter standby mode so forklifts can cross the aisle
  7. AisleCop® can interface with alarm systems for emergency unrestricted egress. During fire alarms or other defined emergencies, gates can be set to automatically open and remain open until reset

Automated Forklift Systems

AisleCop® systems are safety tools that help define and control access to forklift aisles. They do not provide 100% protection from industrial traffic accidents. AisleCop® gates do not stop forklifts or other industrial traffic. Other critical factors, such as system maintenance, driver compliance, and pedestrian/individual compliance, enforcement of crossing lanes, and assessment of safe crossings are the responsibility of individuals and companies.

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