Toyota Materials Handling Australia has launched the SpotMe warning system to improve forklift safety in busy warehouse.
The system is designed to guard against collisions at blind intersections or crossroads inside of warehouses using infra-red direction sensitive sensors, and is aimed at stopping both forklift to forklift and forklift to pedestrian collisions.
TMHA national sales manager Dean Watson explained that if a collision is spotted a SpotMe warning unit is activated to help avoid an accident.
"Warehouses are crowded, fast-moving environments requiring extra attention from forklift operators and pedestrians to maintain high warehouse safety levels," he said.
"In areas with restricted visibility, Toyota's SpotMe alerts forklift operators and pedestrians to the potential dangers of collisions, protecting the workers, the forklifts and the goods."
Watson went on to say that alternating flashing LEDs used by SpotMe were also found to be more efficient in preventing accidents than flashing beacons or other types of warning lights.
"SpotMe also provides benefits in reduced wear and tear on the forklifts, reduced energy consumption and lessc hance of damage to goods," he said.
"With the SpotMe system installed there are fewer panic braking stops -and therefore improved operator behaviour.
"SpotMe also helps reduce the risk of dropping goods and keeps your forklift in better shape, while also saving energy."
The unit can be connected to a standalone battery or plugged into the mains, with the sensor battery lasting up to three years.
"The sensor and warning devices are simply fixed to the walls; no set-up is required on the mobile fleet," Watson added.
The system itself will be unveiled at the upcoming Safety Show, next month.
It will available nationally from TMHA branches or can be installed by Toyota technicians.