Toyota debuts autonomous forklift

Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has unveiled its automated BT RAE160 reach forklift at the recent Auspack Packaging & Processing Machinery expo in Melbourne.

The Toyota BT RAE160 reach forklift, which is also available in two and 2.5-tonne capacities, is capable of constantly moving pallets from floor position into a rack and then back again, TMHA said.

Users can customise the forklift to operate to their unique requirements and integrate with their warehouse management systems. It uses a laser-based navigation system and complex range of sensors to safely and accurately handle materials without any human intervention.

The RAE range of autonomous material handling equipment is designed and manufactured by Toyota Material Handling Europe, with programming and installation performed locally by TMHA engineers.

The demonstrator Toyota BT RAE160 reach forklift at Auspack was fitted with optional 3D cameras which further enhance its load detection and rack detection capabilities, which according to TMHA, is currently the only such offering in Australia.

"We have used AGVs in production-based applications, but this is the first time we have been able to offer AGVs for large-scale warehousing such as 10 metre-high racking and such high-volumes of pallets," said TMHA product manager for automation, Neil Beveridge.

"The RAE Autopilot series with vision-aided load-handling was specifically designed for large-scale warehouse logistics, pallet warehousing, production and manufacturing facilities."

He added the Toyota BT RAE160 reach forklift can also be operated manually, providing the best of both worlds.

“So in that sense it's actually a 'hybrid' vehicle," Beveridge said.

"This makes it extremely attractive to the industry due to its ability to be used manually, helping in the transition between manual and autonomous processes.

“End-users are far less intimidated by the introduction of hybrid vehicles, as there is always a manual roll-back option."

In another first, the Auspack-demonstrated Toyota BT RAE160 reach forklift was powered by Lithium-ion battery technology.

"This is a game-changer for AGV systems because the battery can accept a high current, enabling short charging between duties," Beveridge said.

"Lithium-ion batteries charge much faster than traditional battery technology, in several short periods that align with the production cycles, without the battery running low.

“They are also up to 30 percent more energy-efficient than older battery technologies and charging doesn't degrade battery life as much, so they last longer.

"Also, being fully automated, our Toyota BT RAE reach forklifts can quickly charge themselves in between tasks without the need for human assistance or separate charging areas."

Beveridge added the Toyota BT RAE forklifts are very reliable and highly serviceable.

"Unlike other automated equipment which tends to be customised, our AGVs all benefit from the consistency of the Toyota Production System which ensures optimal quality, durability and reliability."