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EtherealPheonix t1_isu3epb wrote

The autonomous tech sounds cool but don't forklifts often have extra weight intentionally added to help with balance while lifting large loads? Is there a reason they want it lighter?

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WehnerEd OP t1_isu4zl8 wrote

Yeah, great point. Having all the extra counterbalance weight reduces operational range on a single charge of the batteries/tank of fuel. Having the vehicle weigh less also greatly improves off-road performance in lumber yards, outdoor retail (think- supply chain for landscaping rocks), and mines.

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inhospitableUterus t1_isueovg wrote

There is a type of lift called a "straddle stacker" that lifts without counterweight by having legs out front. Looks like this is doing the same with hydraulic legs when it lifts/lowers, but those can come up after the load is on the lift because it's centered. Pretty neat idea looks like it would be very stable on troublesome terrain.

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shifty_coder t1_isubx6y wrote

Human operated fork lifts carry the load in front of the vehicle and operator. They have to be heavy to keep their center of gravity below and behind the load, otherwise the vehicle can tip.

These autonomous fork lifts deploy stabilizers to pick up the load, and then position it over the vehicle for transport. They don’t need to be nearly as heavy, proportionally to their load rating, as their non-autonomous counterparts.

Making it lighter, overall, just increases their power efficiency.

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Anon324Teller t1_isv8zqp wrote

I think since it’s designed to not need an operator they can mess with how the weight is distributed a lot easier than before

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