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Self-Driving Forklifts: The Future is right here
There is a group of people around the world who think that the advancements in technology and science are evil because it has caused more damage than benefit.
There is a group of people around the world who think that the advancements in technology and science are evil because it has caused more damage than benefit. This is their thinking but if you look closer this progress is a blessing in disguise as the whole is benefiting from it.
Every industry and business is taking full advantage of the latest technologies as new and improved machinery is being introduced every year. This year a new development has been made in Forklifts for sale near me; which is a self-driving technique. In this computer-based technology is used to operate and drive the forklift.
The Artificial Intelligence Technology
The AI technology is created in such a way that the forklift not only operates perfectly but also has the intelligence to react to certain situations and solve problems as well. These forklifts are a totally free form of human use. This is an extremely advanced technology.
Computer Vision Technique
If the path if the forklift is simple and doesn’t have and extreme manoeuvres; then a pre-designed computer program is installed in the software of the forklift. In the forklifts, sensors are installed and connected with the program so that the vehicle can detect movement near-by and drive accordingly.
How are these forklifts maintained?
In addition to that usual maintenance of the forklift including checking the tires, engine, fork, palate and other operating systems; the programming of the route of the forklift is also inspected because of the path of the forklift can change. The software and systems operating the forklift have to be upgraded time and again.
Advantages of Self-Driving Forklifts for sale near me
There are many machines and equipment that are made on self-driving or automated technology. So is the forklift manufacturing industry. Although still, businesses prefer to buy manually operated forklift you can’t deny the fact that self-driving forklifts have a lot of advantages.
Saves the payroll expenses
If you have a large business and you need a fleet of say 20 forklifts then; alongside maintenance you have to worry about paying the 20 operators. The pay of these drivers is not small; so the self-driving forklifts will definitely cut down the finances when you will not have to pay the 20 operators.
Accidents happen less
What is the main cause of forklift accidents? The human operators are distracted by everything and they end up in an accident that damages the forklift and themselves. But the self-driving forklifts use computerized technology that assured that fewer accidents happen.
Forklifts can operate longer
The human stamina is limited to a few hours of rigorous work as they need to rest and sleep. But these kinds of forklifts can work around the clock without any pause. They don’t need breaks like humans. When you go and purchase a forklift from dealers like Bobby Park Truck and Equipment; be sure to ask about more info on self-driving forklifts.
Boosts the Productivity
This point is directly connected with the previous one. When the forklift will work for longer hours so the productivity of the business will boost and more and more products will be distributed and the profit of the company will increase.
Errors happen less frequently
When the forklift is properly programmed and the appropriate software is used; then errors will be fewer. The operators who have spent years driving a forklift can make errors which can lead to major accidents. But with self-driving forklifts, the technology can be fully trusted.
Fulfills the demand for labor
There can be times when it becomes difficult to find and hire forklift operators. This can create a wide gap in the productivity of the company. But with self-driving forklifts, the business owners don’t have to worry about hiring operators as these vehicles drive by themselves.
Are there any harms in using Self-Driving forklifts?
Like all other technology, self-driving forklifts can harm a specific group of business. In order to fully understand the true operating system of this forklift; the disadvantages also have to be known. Below are a few harms of using the self-driving forklifts.
The increase in productivity is a very slow process
As discussed above the productivity of the business increases but this boost is very slow in the beginning, the reason is that the workers have to understand the whole process. A thorough understanding of the system takes a lot of time.
You have to spend more investment than usual
The price of the self-driving forklifts is anticipated a lot more than the ordinary ones. So if you are in need of buying several forklifts then it will cost you more and the budget can become upset.
The maintenance and training is huge
As the cost of these forklifts is more; so is the expenditure of training and maintenance. Different maintenance is required for these forklifts. There are several bugs and program errors that have to be eliminated to make it perfect.
Leaves people jobless
As discussed in the point where businesses don’t have to pay for the operators; but this also means that these people will not be getting jobs.
What is the final take?
It is true that the self-driving technology will change the Forklifts for sale near me when these will be used in various industries and businesses. But still, a lot has to be done to reduce the harm and increase the advantages.
MARENGO, Ill. (Feb. 19, 2025) – Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, the exclusive manufacturer and provider of UniCarriers® Forklifts across North, Central and South America, proudly announces the winners of its Premier Club Awards for2024. This prestigious program honors the top nine UniCarriers Forklifts dealers throughout the Americas who exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence, performance and customer satisfaction.
Each year, Premier Club winners set the highest standards in dealership professionalism, consistently exceeding expectations in market performance, aftermarket parts sales, new equipment sales, and overall service quality. Their dedication to innovation and reliability continues to elevate the UniCarriers brand and inspire the entire dealer network.
“We take great pride in recognizing our Premier Club dealers, whose dedication and outstanding performance push the boundaries of excellence,” said Eric Gabriel, Vice President, Dealer Sales Americas, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Their relentless commitment to quality service and industry leadership plays a critical role in strengthening the UniCarriers Forklift brand and delivering superior solutions to our customers.”
The following nine dealers excelled in these fundamental areas and receivedthe respected status as a UniCarriers Premier Club winner for 2024:
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc., and its group companies have helped customers Move The World Forward for over 100 years. A technology-driven manufacturer, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas offers scalable solutions from material handling to automation and extensive fleet support. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, its complete portfolio of advanced solutions spans across five leading brands – Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat® lift trucks, Rocla AGV Solutions, UniCarriers® Forklifts and Jungheinrich® warehouse and automation products. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network offering industry-leading customer service and product support. Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd. For more information, visit www.LogisnextAmericas.com.
About UniCarriers® Forklifts
Starting from its roots with Barrett Industrial Trucks, TCM and Nissan to the long-standing UniCarriers® Forklift brand, we have built our brand on the legacy of three industry leaders. UniCarriers Forklifts are manufactured and distributed by Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. group, a next-generation material handling and logisticssolutions company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. Delivering value that never quits – UniCarriers Forklifts are supported by an extensive dealer network spanning more than 130 authorized dealerships with nearly 250 locations across North, Central and South America. For more information, visit UniCarriersForklifts,UniCarriers Forklifts on YouTube and UniCarriers Forklifts onLinkedIn.
Atlanta, GA, Feb 6, 2025 - Today Exotec®︎, a global warehouse robotics provider, announced the commercial launch of the Next Generation of Skypod®︎ system with higher performance, improved storage density, and advanced software features.
The Next Generation of Skypod comes with a number of design improvements including a new and more compact Skypod robot, a workstation for robot-to-robot picking, high-throughput Exchanger, and denser storage. These redesigns combined with new software features improve the throughput at a single workstation by 50% while also enhancing storage density up to 30% compared to the previous generation.
The key differentiator for the Next Generation of Skypod is the ability to handle both each and case picking, positioning Exotec to better address multichannel needs with a single solution. The system also natively supports a number of value-added logistics features that traditionally require external equipment and complex subsystems. This not only enables customers to simplify the flow of goods through the warehouse, but also significantly shrinks the system footprint by cutting down the need for conveyors, sorters, external storage, and packing stations.
Specifically, the Next Generation of Skypod supports:
Integrated Buffer: Next-Gen Skypod handles buffering within the system. Following order preparation at the Workstation, completed or semi-completed orders get automatically stored inside the racks until they are ready for outbound, or further consolidation. This helps reduce the need for staging areas or any other external buffer systems.
Perfect Sequencing: Next-Gen Skypod handles strict outbound sequencing prior to ejecting orders by using robots and the Exchanger. The robots group orders and deliver them in a specific arrangement to the Exchanger, which then routes the orders to outbound. This enables precise loading of pallets, containers, or trucks based on delivery routes, store planograms, or other unloading requirements, all without the need for external sorting equipment.
Pick-and-Pack: Next-Gen Skypod handles packing as an integrated part of the picking process. Operators pick directly into fulfillment containers, removing the need for manual packing operations downstream. This functionality pairs extremely well with right-size packaging solutions. These solutions can be integrated with Next-Gen Skypod to enable picking into right-size containers, significantly cutting last-mile costs.
“When designing the Next Generation Skypod, our goal was to create a solution that would set the industry standard of operational excellence and elegance for the next decade and beyond," said Romain Moulin, CEO and co-founder of Exotec. “We’re already seeing our customers reimagine their entire supply chain around the transformative capabilities of this innovation, from combining case and each picking operations to leveraging outbound sequencing to improve transportation costs. Witnessing this level of impact has been incredibly rewarding.”
Exotec developed the Next Generation of Skypod in response to evolving market needs and feedback from the existing customer base, which increasingly demands warehouse robotics to address a wider range of processes within the warehouse walls. Over the past two years, Exotec has sold and deployed the Next Generation Skypod system globally in stealth mode. The company has successfully secured over 20 projects worldwide, totaling $400M to customers including Oxford Industries (Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Southern Tide, etc.), Grainger, and E.Leclerc to strengthen their supply chain operations.
“We chose Exotec for its storage density and its operational flexibility. Robotic advancements have enabled us to set up a larger buffer area for prepared orders within the system,” said Maxence Maurice, CEO E. Leclerc Seclin. “Previously, I estimated that the customer journey, from arriving at the drive to leaving with their groceries, took between 10 and 15 minutes. Today, with the Exotec solution, it takes less than 5 minutes.”
For more information on the Next Generation of Skypod system, please visit www.exotec.com.
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About Exotec Exotec is a global warehouse robotics company powering the world's largest brands. The company combines the best of hardware and software to offer elegant warehouse robotic systems that drive operational efficiency, add resiliency, and improve working conditions for warehouse operators. 50+ industry-leading brands including Gap Inc., Carrefour, Decathlon, and UNIQLO trust Exotec to improve their operations across 100+ sites worldwide.
ATLANTA– February 5, 2025 – Vanderlande, the global partner for future-proof warehouse solutions, today invited ProMat 2025 attendees to visit booth #S1503 to learn more about the fully integrated technologies, best-of-breed solutions and comprehensive services available to warehousing operations regardless of where they are in their automation journeys. Vanderlande experts will also present two interactive conference seminars that will draw on real-world examples and lessons learned to show attendees how they can successfully deploy automation for the faster and more efficient warehousing needed to stay competitive and thrive.
Known for providing leading global brands with the most advanced distribution centers (DCs), Vanderlande offers the fully-integrated and comprehensive suite of solutions dynamic retailers, including omnichannel brands and e-commerce companies in the general merchandise, apparel and food sectors, need to excel. The company’s automation technologies encompass the systems, software, robotics and services needed to optimize throughput, order accuracy and storage capacity in the most demanding fulfillment and store replenishment operations.
With a consultative approach, Vanderlande meets organizations where they are, whether they are moving to build the most advanced greenfield facility or embracing automation for the first time. The company also works closely with numerous suppliers to identify, vet and deliver the most effective and proven solutions in order to deliver the flexibility customers need to confidently address widely varying materials handling demands, budgets and timelines.
“Every customer is unique and requires a tailored solution for automating their journey,” said Greg Conner, president of warehouse solutions, North America at Vanderlande. “Our fully-integrated suite of technologies, our collaboration with best-of-breed suppliers like Hai Robotics and our close connection with our partners in the Toyota Automated Logistics family reflects our commitment to provide end-to-end solutions that meet our customers where they are. Our goal is to help them achieve success whether they are a large-scale facility or a smaller warehouse that needs to address labor shortfalls, be more competitive or decrease workplace injuries.”
Experts from Vanderlande will be on hand at booth #S1503 to answer any questions on warehouse automation strategies and to showcase available technologies, among them:
STOREPICK: Vanderlande’s modular, robotic, end-to-end case picking solution upends retail store replenishment. Utilizing the company’s ADAPTO shuttle-based Automated Storage & Retrieval System, depalletizing and palletizing robots and Pallet AV load carriers and Automated Mobile Robots, STOREPICK automates the most labor-intensive tasks in the retail supply chain.
Load Forming Logic (LFL): A component of STOREPICK, LFL uses advanced software to replicate the most efficient and effective case pickers while overcoming the challenges encountered in food and grocery stocking operations. Employees or robots can use LFL’s powerful algorithms to quickly create the ideal pallet or roll cage based on which aisle SKUs are located in, the ideal order in which they are unstacked and shelved and how they can be arranged to maximize pallet stability or other imperatives, such as pallet density when striving to lower transportation costs.
FASTPICK: Drawing on ADAPTO’s exceptional speed, sequencing capabilities, and flexibility to work with a variety of cartons, trays and totes, Vanderlande’s high-performance item picking solution enables omnichannel and e-commerce distribution centers to effectively handle peaks in demand like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the constantly evolving holiday shopping season. Modular by design, STOREPICK also features Smart Item Robotics and enables employees to immediately excel in picking operations with the industry’s most advanced and intuitive Goods-to-Person workstation.
Hai Robotics’ Automated Case-Handling Mobile Robot (ACR): Offered in Vanderlande’s Tote AV tote-to-person picking and storage solution, Hai Robotics’ ACR is a highly effective alternative for materials handling operations that need to increase the effectiveness of their picking and storage operations, but do not have the resources or time to deploy Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) like Vanderlande’s ADAPTO. Utilizing traditional racking, the ACR can be deployed and begin delivering a proven return in just a few weeks.
“When considering any investment in warehouse automation it is imperative to ask the right questions and to work with providers to develop a detailed business case that looks at how various approaches, including investments in greenfield or brownfield sites, impact short-term and long-term goals and costs,” adds Conner. “At ProMat, we’ll explore the many ways automation can help address constantly evolving needs.”
Interactive, Educational Sessions
Experts from Vanderlande will also present two interactive sessions at ProMat that reflect the company’s extensive track record of success delivering solutions that help customers optimize and future-proof their operations. Details include:
Transforming Material Handling with Auto Case-Picking Robots – Theater B on Monday, March 17 from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. CST: Case-picking robots are a transformative innovation in materials handling and offer a wide range of benefits. Presented by Andrew Lockhart, director of strategic engagement, and Terrell Anthony, solutions consultant – this interactive session will explore how such systems enable continuous 24/7 productivity while lowering costs and eliminating many of the repetitive tasks that result in workplace injuries. The session will be particularly salient for professionals who want to understand the impact of robotics on their warehouses and how to integrate them into their operations.
Tailor Made Strategies for Automated Piece-Picking – Theater B on Wednesday, March 19 from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. CST: Piece-picking efficiency dramatically impacts throughput and order accuracy. In this interactive session, Jake Heldenberg, director of systems engineering, and Nabil Hasan, solutions consultant – will help attendees learn how to assess the needs of their warehouse operations and use proven data analysis techniques to create a successful automation strategy. Heldenberg and Hasan will also examine the different piece picking technologies available today and how to effectively integrate them into an end-to-end solution that’s tailored to address each business’s unique needs.
ProMat will bring supply chain professionals and solutions providers to Chicago from March 17-20, 2025. To schedule an appointment in Vanderlande booth #S1503, visit ProMat 2025 on Vanderlande.com or email info.us@vanderlande.com.
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About Vanderlande
Established in 1949, Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.
Owned by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) and a part of Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG), Vanderlande has more than 9,000 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a revenue of $2.4 billion, it has established a worldwide reputation over the past seven decades as a global partner for future-proof logistic process automation. Learn more about Vanderlande here.
Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warp, a tech-powered network of cross-docks and carriers offering various vehicle sizes, announced that 2025 it will extend its solutions and services to the U.S. government. Warp aims to modernize government freight logistics with machine-learning-driven planning, optimized network strategies, and flexible solutions to create efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain transportation.
Focused on optimizing every load, every time, Warp employs machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and groundbreaking consolidation techniques to blur the traditional lines of freight shipping by combining the best elements of LTL, FTL, and parcel delivery. Using its homogenous fleet including cargo vans, sedans, box trucks, and 53-foot trailers, Warp facilitates carrier injections, inbound vendor consolidation, pool point distribution, zone-skipping, store replenishment, and national retail distribution for some of the world’s largest shippers.
Unlike traditional FTL carriers, Warp offers per-pallet rates, ensuring customers pay only for what they use. Similarly, unlike traditional LTL carriers, Warp eliminates challenges such as unpredictable pricing, freight class adjustments, reweighs, and rebills. In the process of becoming an official government contractor, Warp will strategically align its technology, teams, and network to meet government needs while identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Many shippers that Warp has helped were previously paying for full truckloads without fully utilizing the space. Additionally, shippers relying on LTL services before switching to Warp often faced hidden fees, surprise surcharges, and unexpected rate adjustments. Our research indicates that these challenges are even more widespread in U.S. government transportation contracts.
“Partnering with Warp will save the government millions of dollars through reduced empty miles, shipment consolidation, route optimization, and scalable logistics—all without requiring government-owned infrastructure,” said Warp Co-founder and CEO Daniel Sokolovsky. “This is something we’ve been working on for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to showcase Warp’s capabilities and innovative logistics solutions on a national scale,” said Warp Co-founder and CRO Troy Lester.
About Warp Warp is a technology-enabled leader in middle-mile logistics, focused on creating efficient, scalable solutions for high-density, high-demand supply chains. By connecting shippers, carriers, and warehouses through an integrated platform, Warp delivers innovative freight technology solutions that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With a suite of tech-driven offerings, including real-time tracking, cross-docking, and route optimization, Warp provides unmatched reliability, visibility, and transformative impact in logistics and supply chain management.
For more information on how Warp can enhance your logistics network, visitwww.weareWarp.com.
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Toyota Material Handling and Toyota Material Handling MidSouth partner to donate 5,000-pound-capacity pneumatic forklift at Concrete Industry Management’s annual charity auction.
The forklift’s winning bid of $40,000 significantly contributed to the auction’s total proceeds of $2.15 million, supporting CIM’s mission to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the concrete industry. Offered at five universities, CIM equips students with technical, communication and management expertise, preparing them for successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Proceeds from the auction are used to assist CIM in funding higher education programs that offer degrees in concrete industry management.
“Toyota is proud of our dealership, Toyota Material Handling MidSouth, for their commitment to philanthropy and the future development of our industry and workforce,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “We are extremely proud to partner with MidSouth on this forklift donation. With Toyota’s local and national involvement, we hope to highlight the incredible impact of the Concrete Industry Management’s annual charity auction.”
“Toyota embodies the belief in supporting local communities and the future of others,” said Nick Edwards, TMH MidSouth Sales Manager. “TMH Midsouth is grateful for the opportunity to support a new generation that shapes the communities and industries we serve.”
This donation builds on Toyota’s legacy of giving back. Previously, TMH MidSouth has supported regional non-profit food banks, Goodwill Industries and flood victims of East Tennessee, further solidifying Toyota’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact in the communities it serves.
By supporting programs like CIM, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to strengthening communities and empowering future professionals and supporting education programs that pave the way for tomorrow’s workforce.
Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s philanthropic initiatives here.
About Toyota Material Handling
Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.
About Toyota Material Handling MidSouth
Toyota Material Handling MidSouth is a full-service dealer for Toyota Material Handling North America, the leading forklift manufacturer. With locations across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama, TMH MidSouth delivers comprehensive material handling solutions, including new and pre-owned equipment, rentals, warehouse supplies, and maintenance services. Committed to enhancing efficiency and productivity, TMH MidSouth provides businesses with reliable, innovative solutions backed by the trusted quality and performance of Toyota forklifts. For more information, visit TMHMidsouth.com.