Automated Forklifts

Hyster Automated Lift Trucks position you for the future.

Using automated lift trucks to do repetitive workflows like receiving, retrieving, transporting and storing loads can help relieve labor shortages, reduce costs and optimize your operation.

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Top Findings

40% of businesses say forklift operator turnover is their biggest challenge

Source: September 2020 Robotics & Automation Survey by Vertic INC.

BENEFITS OF ROBITIC FORKLIFTS

Dual Operating Modes

Can run autonomously on the programmed path and can switch to manual mode with the touch of a button, helping accommodate changing operational needs.

Infrastructure Free Navigation

Integrates into existing operations by mapping structural features to self-locate and navigate; does not require laser reflectors, guide wires or magnets.

Local Support

Hyster has an extensive network of exclusive dealers who service and support robotic solutions locally for fast service with less downtime.

Scalable

Has the ability to take on small tasks and expand as operational requirements grow.

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MAXIMIZE MOVEMENTS

AUTOMATED TOW TRACTOR

The robotic tow tractor offers an autonomous solution specifically for long, repetitive tasks such as milk runs, parts sequencing and garbage hauls with a 15,000-pound capacity rating. Ideal for tasks that typically lead to higher operator turnover, automating these mundane, repetitive tasks can help retain talent by promoting your skilled operators to more engaging, value-added tasks. If needed, the robotic tow tractor can also be used in manual mode for immediate task adding to the flexibility of the solution.

Standard trailer handling configurations
Kitting and sequencing in assembly operations
Stock replenishment and material hauling
Fully autonomous trailer hitching, battery charging

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Automated robotic counterbalanced stacker

REDUCE COSTS

AUTOMATED COUNTERBALANCED STACKER

The robotic counterbalanced stacker offers an autonomous solution for both horizontal transportation and vertical retrieval needs with a capacity rating ranging from 2,200 to 2,750 pounds. By automating tasks like moving pallets from conveyor lines to storage, you can reduce your ongoing labor challenges and avoidable damages to your product, facility and lift trucks.

Deposit or remove pallets from up to 67 inches (5.58 feet)
Handle smaller width pallets
Autonomous charging

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OPTIMIZE STORAGE

AUTOMATED REACH TRUCK

The dual-mode, pantograph robotic reach truck from Hyster is the first of its kind, capable of autonomously storing and retrieving loads from locations just over 400 inches (33 feet) high to maximize vertical storage space and address labor shortages. The robotic solution can serve both single and double-deep pallet storage and offers a 3,500-pound capacity rating, ideal for distribution centers challenged with inventory growth.

Autonomously charged
Deposit or remove pallets from just over 400 inches high
Operates within vast temperatures and integrates with variety of warehouse management systems
Ideal fit for distribution centers

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AUTOMATED FORKLIFTS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Benefits

1. How can automation address labor challenges?
Robots provide consistent performance in repetitive applications prone to high employee turnover, helping provide relief from the constant cycle of hiring and training.

2. Are robotic lift trucks safe?
They adhere to the B56.5 safety standard and site-specific safety protocols. Robots sense both ground level and suspended items, such as a ladder hanging off a carrier.

3. Do robotic lift trucks replace humans?
Adding robotic lift trucks is more about replacing the cycle of hiring and training for repetitive, turnover-prone positions. While this may reduce headcount, employees can be reallocated to engaging, value-added tasks.

4. How long might it take to see a return on investment?
For multishift applications, some operations can achieve return on investment in less than two years.

5. How long do robotic lift trucks last?
In most cases, a robotic lift truck can last longer than a standard truck due to the abuse often associated with manual trucks. We currently have robots in the field that have lasted over five years.

Technology

1. How does the truck navigate?
It uses the environment as a map, with LiDAR technology to self-locate and detect obstructions. No need to install targets, ground wires or reflectors or make other modifications – existing infrastructure is used to program and guide the truck.

2. Will the robot interface with my WMS or ERP?
Yes, the Robot Host Software communicates your WMS/ERP via standard or custom communication to follow business rules and protocols.

3. Can I adapt the robotic technology to an existing Hyster® truck?
No, robotic lift trucks are available for factory order only. They are not currently available as an aftermarket option to be installed in the field.

4. If a path change is needed, does Hyster need to make the adjustment?
For most changes, no. Alternative paths are built in during installation. However, major changes do require assistance.

5. How do robotic lift trucks manage work, such as recognizing when docks need to be emptied?
Ground sensors and drive-by scanners report to the robot host software to dispatch robotic lift trucks within the proper zone.

Requirements

1. What are the best scenarios for a Hyster robotic lift truck?

Multiple shifts
Repeatable paths
Long runs
Dedicated head count

2. What applications are not appropriate for robotic lift trucks?

Outdoor environments
Rough floors
Environments less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit
Facilities with walls, rack and building columns blocked by stacked loads
Ramps greater than 4 degrees

3. What type of surface and grade is best for a robotic lift truck?

Flat, free of bumps
No light reflection
No macadam or vinyl (due to static energy)

4. How many units are needed to justify the system?
The system is fully scalable. An application can start with one unit and then expand as desired.

5. Do I need perfect pallets?
No, but our robotic lift trucks require Grade A pallets or those that meet quality standards including no broken boards and no damaged or replaced stringers. Our Robotic End Rider requires a minimum weight of 600 pounds, though please note, there are ways to handle lighter pallets.

Adoption

1. Can I lease a robotic lift truck?
Yes. Finance and leasing arrangements are available.

2. What is the lead time?
26-36 weeks after purchase

3. How long does integration take?
Two weeks to more than nine months, depending on the number of trucks, type of application and site complexity.

4. Do I need to monitor robotic lift trucks during operation?
They are fully autonomous when performing programmed tasks, but a fleet does require a floor supervisor. Typically, one supervisor can monitor a fleet of 10-20 robots, depending on specific application and customer needs.

5. Who can provide service for robotic lift trucks?
Any certified Hyster® dealer. All Hyster robotic lift trucks are purchased with our standard class III warranty, which covers both the basic lift truck and robotic components. An Extended Protection Plan can extend the warranty up to 5 years or 10,000 hours, whichever comes first.

In Operation

1. How does the truck switch from automated to manual mode?
The operator can either push a button, step on the truck platform or pull down the tiller.

2. Can robotic lift trucks pass each other in the aisle?
Yes, but there are safety clearances set by B56.5.

3. How long does a fully charged battery last and what happens when the battery gets low?
Like a manual lift truck, the battery life and charge for a robotic lift truck depends on the type of battery and manufacturer. Hyster robotic lift trucks can be programmed to recharge based on a predetermined state of charge. The robot sounds a horn, triggers an alert and completes the current task before automatically going to a battery room. Or, robots can be programmed to return to the charging room at a specific time of day.

Hyster also offers autonomous charging for robotic lift trucks. When the robot is triggered to recharge, it will complete its current task and go to an auto-charging station, no human interaction required to facilitate.

Cost Saving

Hyster® robotic lift trucks can give your operation the consistency and productivity gains of automation, but did you know they can help lower operating costs? Our FAQ answers common questions about the cost savings associated with robotics.

Learn how robots help reduce costs

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Additional resources

Best Applications to Automate in Manufacturing

This infographic provides a view of what manufacturing tasks are best suited for automation with robotic lift trucks, including what models and capabilities match up best with common movements.

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MOBILE ROBOTICS AND SAFETY

From horizontal transportation to storing and retrieving pallet loads at height, increasingly capable robotic solutions are becoming regular fixtures at manufacturing and automation events, and in trade and business publications across the globe.