Holman Logistics has announced a plan to implement autonomous high-reach forklift solutions from Third Wave Automation, a pioneer in materials handling automation, at a Holman multi-client warehouse facility in Spanaway, Wash.
Third Wave Automation’s autonomous forklifts offer flexibility by operating in four modes: fully autonomous, remote assist, remote operation, and manual operation. The high-reach forklifts work alongside warehouse teams and utilize the proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Shared Autonomy Platform, enabling a single operator to manage multiple forklifts simultaneously. Operators can execute and monitor workflows and configure warehouse zones dynamically to improve efficiency and safety.
“We are excited to explore the impact Third Wave Automation’s autonomous solution can have as an integral component of our operations. This technology provides an opportunity not only to help us to maintain our industry-leading safety standards but also to have Holman be among the first companies to deploy such an innovative solution in warehousing and distribution operations,” stated Brien Downie, president of Holman Logistics.
Holman Logistics will be able to automate a variety of material handling tasks including managing full-pallet inbound movements, racking, picking of pallets to outbound dock floor positions, and replenishing empty locations. The Third Wave state-of-the-art forklifts also provide improved visibility and collision avoidance. They leverage obstacle detection systems, guided by 3D lidar and 3D camera feeds, to offer remote operators insights into the location of potential obstacles, even those not visible to the naked eye.
"Third Wave Automation is directly addressing the core challenges faced by many warehouse operators," said Arshan Poursohi, Third Wave co-founder and CEO. "Bringing the power of AI, automation, and shared autonomy to intelligent forklifts enables us to deliver world-class performance while driving greater productivity and ensuring safety on the warehouse floor."
“This new forklift technology can also provide career enhancement opportunities for current lift operators by allowing them to spend more time helping to make operational planning decisions rather than completing tedious, repetitive tasks,” Downie added. “Third Wave Automation forklifts support our strategic initiative of using technology to operate safely as well as efficiently.”
Third Wave Automation’s products, the TWA Reach and TWA Extended Reach, are the only high-reach forklift automation solutions on the market today that offer users the flexibility to deploy their fleet in four modes – fully autonomous, remote operation, remote assist, and manual operation. Third Wave Automation brings people and automated systems together to improve throughput, efficiency, and safety beyond what people or automation could achieve alone.
Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to create its Shared Autonomy Platform, Third Wave Automation's Armada Fleet Management System provides the visibility and tools needed to effectively manage fleets of automated high-reach forklifts and respond to edge cases in a timely and effective manner. The Third Wave Automation solution easily integrates into existing workflows without costly infrastructure changes commonly required by traditional automation solutions. Customers immediately realize the benefits from day one.
