Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Forklifts
Thinking of investing in self-driving forklifts for your warehouse? Before you make the change, find out about their capabilities as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Click each section below to find out more:
If you are looking to update your current forklift fleet, contact the professionals at Forklift Hub. We know everything there is to know about forklifts and you can trust us to help you make the right choice for your next purchase.
1. What Are Self-Driving Forklifts?
Self-driving forklifts, also known as automated guide vehicles (AGVs) or autonomous forklifts, can function and perform the tasks that a regular forklift does in a warehouse, without a human operator. Because self-driving forklifts work closely with humans, they are also affectionately referred to as "cobots".
Self-driving forklifts can do similar tasks to forklifts that are being driven by a human operator. They can move, lift, and stack items. They are programmed to track, monitor, and mimic the motions and actions of their human counterparts.
Self-Driving Forklifts can move, lift, and stack items like a regular forklift.
2. How Do Self-Driving Forklifts Work?
Use Advanced Computer Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI):
The combination of highly advanced computer technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are the reason why we are now seeing the use of vehicles and devices that are not driven by a human. Whether it is a self-driving passenger car or a robotic forklift, the same type of technology is incorporated.
Use Computer Vision to Navigate:
Self-driving forklifts use computer vision technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the route that they will take and to navigate through the warehouse. They can also detect and predict the movements of human warehouse workers that they come in contact with.
They can sense every detail of the space around them and can figure out the safest and fastest route around the warehouse to their destination, avoiding any obstacles. In addition, they can operate things like warehouse doors and roller tracks all without human assistance.
Recent breakthroughs have made artificial intelligence
finally possible.
3. Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Forklifts
Autonomous forklifts have many advantages as well as disadvantages. With any new technology you should weigh out both the pros and cons before deciding on switching to self-driving forklifts.
Pros
Safer Jobsite:
Accidents caused by human error such as going to fast or not following safety guidelines will be eliminated. Autonomous forklifts will mean that there will be fewer workplace accidents such as drivers injured from a forklift tip-over or collision. Workers will not get back injuries from lifting or moving heavy pallets by hand as the robot will do the heavy lifting for them.
Increased Productivity:
Automated forklifts don't get tired, they can work around the clock. They don't require regular coffee or lunch breaks. They also don't take personal or vacation days and they are never late for work. It also means that you won't have to pay overtime or shift differential pay.
Fewer Mistakes:
A properly programmed self-driving forklift will always know exactly where they need to go and what needs to be done. Even with the proper training, humans still are prone to make mistakes whereas a computerized device is much more reliable.
Some companies like Seegrid Corporation have successfully integrated self-driving forklifts into your newly expanded facility.
Cons
Huge Learning Curve Will Decrease Productivity Initially:
There is such a big learning curve involved in the implementation of self-driving forklifts that your productivity may be decreased at first. Once your workers learn how to and get used to working with their automated partners, you will see an increase in productivity.
Huge Capital Investment:
Because autonomous forklifts are such a new, state-of-the-art technology, the price tag to purchase these devices is huge. Over time and as the technology becomes more popular, the costs should come down, making them affordable for smaller to medium-sized businesses.
Training and Maintenance Costs:
You may find that the training and maintenance costs, particularly in the early days, are very high. You will need to train or hire someone who is able to program and maintain the self-driving forklifts. In addition, you will need to find a place where you can get replacement parts quickly should they breakdown. This may be difficult until the technology becomes more popular and the parts more readily available.
Take Away Jobs:
Switching to self-driving forklifts will inevitably take away jobs and could mean layoffs in your company. This could cause bad worker relations. However, there will still be a need for human workers to do tasks that the robot cannot do yet, such as wrapping and packaging certain items by hand before they get shipped.
Self-driving forklifts will probably mean fewer warehouse jobs in the future.
Forklift Hub: Top Quality New and Used Forklifts and Safety Training Too
If you are looking for top quality forklifts, contact Forklift Hub. We sell the best forklifts you can buy and our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose the perfect model that will best suit your particular applications. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and we can even provide top-notch safety training for your operators. Contact Forklift Hub today for all of your forklift needs.
Forklift Hub's intense and comprehensive forklift safety training program will provide you and your employees with the best safety training at the best price. This thorough program has a 98% pass rate. We can train individuals or groups at our facility or yours - you choose.
Our Safe Operation of a Lift Truck/Forklift Program is an excellent way for you to ensure forklift safety in your workplace. With our training you will experience:
Innovative training practices
Affordable pricing
Flexible and professional trainers
Comprehensive in-class and practical experience
Contact Forklift Hub today to book your next session.
