Discussions on sensor-based Assistance Systems for Forklifts

A forklift is a piece of common equipment used to move, lift and transload goods and materials in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. Handling errors by the forklift driver, insufficient safety awareness, improper workplace design or a combination of these factors can cause injuries or fatal accidents. Sensor-based assistance systems are able to minimize safety risks and increase work efficiency. However, there is no comprehensive overview and no structuring scheme of sensor-based assistance systems for forklifts. For this reason, we provide a classification scheme of assistance systems for forklifts. We also offer a proposal for choosing forklift assistance system according to the logistics processes that may have a huge potential for error.