Imagine a future where forklift accidents are prevented before they happen. Forklift operators follow all the right processes, productivity is increased, and picks per hour skyrockets.
This isn’t just the future of forklift safety, it’s the reality for hundreds of 3PLs, shippers, and manufacturers today, all made possible by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).
AI technology has become a game changer for forklift safety. For example, AI forklift cameras can monitor operator behavior and provide immediate alerts when an MHE accident occurs.
AI can also detect the leading indicators of safety incidents — the near misses and bad behaviors — so that supervisors can proactively coach operators before a forklift incident ever occurs.
This doesn’t just make warehouses safer for everyone involved, it also reduces downtime due to accidents and unforeseen maintenance, increasing productivity.
Let's take a closer look at how AI is being used in forklift safety and the benefits that it offers to logistics leaders.
Check out this forklift safety panel to hear how 3 logistics leaders are using AI to keep their people safe and productive.
How AI is Being Used in Forklift Safety
One of the biggest benefits of AI is its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and identify patterns that humans would miss.
This is extremely valuable in forklift safety because it allows operators to be monitored constantly (by AI, without dedicating manpower) and provides real-time feedback.
Here are 3 specific ways that AI is being used in forklift safety today:
24/7 Forklift Operator Monitoring & Behavioral Coaching
AI can be trained to identify a number of different events. Operators can be monitored for things like distracted driving (phone use), aggressive turning, or sudden braking.
If an operator exhibits any risky behavior, a notification is generated, and specific operator-focused coaching can happen before an accident happens.
Want to see OneTrack in action? Take a self-guided product tour here.
Driver on Forklift & Pedestrian Detection
Forklifts and pedestrians are like oil and water: they don't mix well. But it's often the reality of warehouse operations. Space is too constrained to keep pedestrians and MHE from crossing paths.
Here's how The Hain Celestial Group uses AI to help reduce forklift incidents, keep pedestrians safe, and increase operator accountability:
With AI, OneTrack's system can let you know if the lift was still in motion when the driver exited or if there was a pedestrian in unsafe proximity to a lift in motion.
It also helps supervisors to get real visibility into what's happening on the floor. Maybe processes could be changed for safer maneuvering around pedestrians.
Maybe operators need more training and accountability around the basics of forklift safety. Whatever changes need to be made, it starts with more visibility, and AI can provide that.
These precautionary measures can help establish a more holistic safety culture in environments where people and machines interact.
Warehouse Environment Monitoring
AI can also monitor the environment for debris on the floor, damaged flooring, or exclusion zones.
With debris on the floor, supervisors can get alerted and coach forklift operators to be more vigilant about cleaning up as they operate.
With cracks in the ground, maybe it's serious enough that it needs repair, but if it's out between racks, leadership may never see it without AI alerts.
Or a very popular use case is setting up exclusion zones. Now leadership can be alerted when MHE equipment is being operated somewhere they shouldn't, and you can resolve that risk quickly.
If a hazard is detected, steps can be taken to fix the issue or coach an operator on appropriate operating behavior.
AI Offers Significant Benefits for Forklift Safety
Machine learning and artificial intelligence offer several benefits for forklift safety.
By constantly monitoring operator behavior and providing relevant notifications on specific events, operators can be coached on specific behavior so accidents can be prevented before they happen.
This makes the workplace safer for everyone involved and increases productivity by reducing downtime due to accidents.
Book a custom demo with a product expert to see how AI can help improve forklift safety and create the safest, fastest warehouses on the planet.