The Future of the Forklift

We’ve looked back at forklift history. Now, let’s look forward to the future of the forklift.

Forklift technology has stayed consistent, but changes in materials handling have necessitated some changes along the way. New advancements in tires, in mobility, energy efficiency and safety have been the biggest advancements in forklift technology.

Next on the horizon (in fact in some facilities it’s already here) are self-driving vehicles. These units can maneuver in the trickiest environments, avoid obstacles and let employees know where they and their payload is headed.

And check out this: Doosan’s forklift of the future:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMrb0oozJWg

Imagine what that unit could do for your productivity, facility safety and staff.  You’ll note, as well, that the unit in the video still has an operator. Finding that sweet spot between technology and staffing and economics will maybe be the biggest challenge as time marches forward.

Driving advancements in forklift technology, of course, are advancements in materials handling technology. The desire to have more storage and handling closer to where people live may result in more facilities and more need for staff and handling. Centralization as well; imagine a giant facility in every urban area where multiple companies store and manage their inventory through shared transportation and storage assets.

Our industry’s best practices are moving forward rapidly, and the technology will have to keep pace.  Expect major changes to come, and rapidly.  Competition will continue to move technology as well. The companies that offer services faster and cheaper are likely to lead the way in which technologies win out in the end.

Questions? We can help you prepare for what’s ahead and offer suggestions to move your facility and your materials handling processes forward.  We’ve got the staff with the experience to lead you forward.