Toyota warehouse to go autopilot in 2020

Toyota Australia, together with Toyota Material Handling Australia and Toyota Fleet Management will be deploying a fleet of autonomous vehicles at its Altona warehouse from its operation start in 2020.

Manufactured in Sweden by Toyota Material Handling Europe, the fleet will consist of six Autopilot Tow Trucks (TAE500) and one Autopilot Reach Truck (RAE160).

The fleet will be used to achieve mobility in conveyance, towing and lifting; as well as to autonomously place product throughout the warehouse and pick orders for customers.

All models in the range can also be used in manual mode for complete flexibility.

The hybrid machines feature integrated navigation and leading safety systems. These include scanners and obstacle detection devices to prevent collision for the protection of employees, equipment, and infrastructure.

Fleet Management, Emergency-Stop buttons, warning sounds, and lights will be standard across the range together with a blue LED warning light projected in front of the vehicle, to assist in noisy environments or when Autopilot is approaching a corner.

The Autopilot range is also energy efficient as it uses Lithium-Ion battery technology that has automatic charging capabilities and is low maintenance.

Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, said the company has a thorough understanding and appreciation of the importance of automation technology.

"Toyota Australia will continue to develop, progress, and employ these new ways of thinking whenever possible," Hanley said.

"We are extremely committed to delivering the highest level of reliability, performance, and productivity, and Autopilot ticks every one of these boxes.”