Forklifts are essential to the efficiency of warehouse operations, often moving heavy loads and navigating through narrow aisles. However, operating forklifts comes with inherent risks, especially when reversing. Studies have shown that more than half of all industrial truck accidents happen when the vehicle reverses. This is primarily due to the driver’s limited view of the rear and blind spots. The challenge intensifies when forklifts maneuver in busy and cluttered areas, where pedestrians, shelves, and other machinery create a complex environment.
Addressing safety concerns about material handling equipment, Linde has introduced the Linde Reverse Assist Radar, a sophisticated assistance system designed to minimize the risk of collisions and ensure safer operations in intralogistics. The system’s high-precision sensors, intelligent detection algorithms, and active braking interventions provide robust protection for drivers, pedestrians, and the infrastructure around them.
How Linde Reverse Assist Radar Works
The Linde Reverse Assist Radar is a state-of-the-art system that leverages radar technology to monitor the area behind the forklift continuously. This solution detects both stationary and moving obstacles, evaluating the level of risk in real-time based on multiple factors, such as travel speed, steering angle, distance to the obstacle, and lifting height.
When the system identifies a potential hazard, it initiates a multi-stage response. First, the driver receives acoustic and visual warnings, prompting them to check the surroundings. If the risk persists or escalates, the system actively intervenes by automatically applying brakes, bringing the forklift to a standstill. This automated braking is highly effective, with a deceleration force of up to 3 m/s², significantly more potent than comparable systems.
A unique feature of the Linde Reverse Assist Radar is its ability to distinguish between relevant hazards and harmless objects. For example, the system disregards goods and static fixtures positioned near the path, like in a block warehouse. This precision minimizes unnecessary warnings and prevents unplanned stops that could disrupt workflow. The detection range is customizable to adapt to various warehouse layouts and safety requirements, allowing operators to fine-tune the system for optimal performance.
The system can also be tailored to monitor specific areas at different speeds. It detects moving objects, such as pedestrians, when the forklift is traveling at walking speed, while static obstacles can be identified at speeds of up to 15 km/h.
The Linde Reverse Assist Radar maintains high reliability across diverse environmental conditions, accurately detecting obstacles even in low-light or foggy settings. Its ability to recognize objects at knee height enhances safety by identifying partially hidden or crouched-down people.
A Safer Working Environment with Linde Reverse Assist Radar
In fast-paced and often congested warehouse environments, safety should never be compromised. The Linde Reverse Assist Radar is more than just a safety feature; it’s an intelligent system that proactively prevents accidents, protects people, and reduces damage to goods and infrastructure. With this advanced solution, Linde Material Handling sets a new standard for safety in intralogistics, providing operators and business owners with the peace of mind they need to focus on productivity without sacrificing safety. By minimizing the risk of reversing accidents and supporting drivers in challenging situations, this system not only safeguards human life but also ensures operational continuity and efficiency.
About the Author:
Yauhen Krutsko is the Editor-in-Chief at Truck1, a European marketplace for commercial vehicles and machinery. With extensive experience in the transportation and logistics sector, Yauhen is dedicated to providing expert insights, industry trends, and in-depth analyses to help businesses and professionals stay informed on the latest developments. To reach Yauhen, his email address is eugene_k@truck1.eu. This article was created with support from Truck1.
