The forklift operator assistance system (OAS) is often misunderstood. Just another telemetry tool? Is it a magic wand that makes the device more powerful or can operate itself? Or is it a cumbersome tool that hinders productivity? Please continue to read the common OAS myths and the true stories of this emerging category of forklift solutions.
Misunderstanding 1: OAS is just another name for the telemetry system that the forklift manufacturer already has on the market.
mislead! The fact is that OAS is an all-inclusive term, including various 名媛直播 and technologies. It aims to do exactly what the name implies - assist operators. It includes telemetry and such as pedestrian awareness lights and alarms, automatic deceleration, forklift locking, etc. to help operators adhere to best practices that support safety and efficiency.
In order to further differentiate, telemetry technology captures and reports the status and use of forklift trucks, and provides data to inform more active methods to manage operator behavior. However, other OAS functions can play a more active role in providing operators with real-time alerts and automatic performance limits based on real-world operating environment, load and equipment status, making it easier to comply with best practices.
Mistake 2: Installing OAS on a forklift will reduce productivity and production.
It's broken! OAS can not only support specific on-site measures, but also maintain productivity, instead of giving priority to the other at the cost of sacrificing one. In fact, the fast-paced e-commerce warehouse accounts for a large proportion of the early adopters of OAS.
OAS can give priority to the best practices of productivity and forklift operation. In fact, some solutions thrive in warehouses with high throughput expectations. For example, some systems have the function of silence in the tunnel. Although forklift trucks may be affected by performance degradation if they are close to each other on the main passage, the nature of the narrow warehouse passage means that the equipment cannot maintain the same distance. In practice, the silence function in the tunnel can make two forklifts work in the same tunnel without slowing down the speed of the other.
Mistake 3: OAS is usually limited to ultrasonic technology for object and pedestrian detection, so it cannot record all potential hazards in the environment.
Not always! Many companies and OEMs use different technologies to detect objects, pedestrians, or both. Technologies such as laser radar, ultra-wideband (UWB) and ultrasound are very popular in these applications.
Mistake 4: Object and pedestrian detection only works on the moving path, and it will work if the object or pedestrian is standing straight or vertically.
incorrect! Although visual technologies such as laser radar and ultrasonic sensor can detect obstacles in the direction, forklifts equipped with Yale Reliant can be equipped with multiple sensors to detect in the appropriate direction according to the position of forklifts and obstacles. But what about the invisible obstacles, such as the forklift hidden in the shelf?
Some systems provide on-site line support and use UWB technology to calculate and respond to objects with electric badges within a certain radius. You don't want to miss a pedestrian coming out of the end of the aisle when the forklift approaches. The speed of the lift truck can be slowed down to crawl according to the rules of specific places to prevent operators from entering certain areas, such as designated pedestrian areas, corridors, door openings and tunnels.
Myth 5: OAS only reduces forklift performance to avoid obstacles.
Wrong! Of course, it is very common for OAS to enable the function to help operators avoid collision with obstacles, such as reducing speed when obstacles are detected, or responding to location-based rules at intersections or busy areas. However, due to the risk of overturning when the operator drives quickly at the corner, what about the functions designed to help the operator maintain the stability of the lift truck and cargo?
Myth 6: OAS only provides audible and visual alarms.
That's not the truth! Most OAS solutions deploy beeps and flashing lights for various situations, but these may be ignored in noisy and busy warehouse environments. What if the alarm goes further so that the operator can "feel" what is happening?
An advanced OAS can adjust the performance of the forklift in real time and remind the operator of the feeling of performance degradation, such as speed limitation or inability to lift the fork. For example, when entering a designated area with a large number of pedestrians, the system will actively reduce the driving speed to help remind the operator and improve the awareness of the situation.
Myth 7: OAS can expand the load capacity and allow the forklift to exceed its maximum load capacity.
False news! OAS does not support additional load capacity. Instead, these systems help the forklift operator avoid lifting loads that exceed the forklift capacity limit.
Some OAS functions can automatically stop lifting when the load weight exceeds the threshold of the forklift. Rather than just telling the operator that they are lifting too heavy a load - such a system only prevents them from doing so.
Myth 8: OAS is only controlled according to the application performance of other forklifts, objects and pedestrians connected to the same technology.
No, Although OAS can use ultra-wideband tag networks to sense equipment, personnel and infrastructure, technologies such as laser radar can provide additional detection layers to sense obstacles in the path, even if they are not connected to the same network. label.
Is it suitable for you?
OAS technology can help warehouse improve efficiency and comply with forklift operation best practices. However, like any new technology, to understand what is meaningful for your specific operation, you need to study the details in depth. Talking with your forklift dealer or manufacturer can help you better understand how the technology is suitable for your specific facilities and objectives. WMHS
Kevin Paramore is the emerging technology commercialization manager of Yale Materials Handling Corporation. For nearly 150 years, Yale Materials Handling Corporation has been at the forefront of forklift innovation, from robotic forklift to advanced power source and operator assistance system, including Yale Reliant technology suite.
