The mass adoption of driverless cars is pushing demand for the production of more autonomous vehicles. According to statistics on G2, the self-driving automobile industry worldwide is growing by 16% every year. The self-driving car is almost here, thanks to advancements in automotive technology in recent years. And the good news is that automobile innovations are not limited to passenger cars only. Industrial vehicles, including forklifts, skid steer loaders, compact tracks, cranes, and graders, also feature high-tech components that enhance efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, prevent accidents, and make the driving experience futuristic.
Electrification Of Skid Steers
With more automakers focused on electrifying all passenger and commercial cars, it’s only natural that skid-steer and other heavy vehicle manufacturers finally join the bandwagon. In January 2022, Doosan Bobcat unveiled an all electric compact track loader known as T7X. While there are other electric skid-steer loaders available in the market, the T7X is considered the first all-electric compact track loader for various reasons. For instance, the new electrified compact track loader doesn’t use hydraulic systems linked with the movement of buckets and arms. That’s because the manufacturer replaced the hydraulic system with electric cylinders and drive motors. This means the all-electric loader doesn’t use fossil fuels that contribute to high carbon emission rates.
Use Of Telematics
Today, industrial car manufacturers integrate telematic solutions in vehicles to provide operators with essential machine performance information. Since telematics monitor every aspect of track loaders and other heavy equipment in real-time, it’s easy to predict mechanical parts that require repairs or replacement before a breakdown occurs. One of the benefits of telematics is that it doesn’t focus on engines and fluids only. This solution also monitors tire pressure and tread condition on all four wheels. The data provided helps you determine whether you should replace your tire tracks to improve productivity and increase the tires’ lifespan.
Note that choosing skid steer rubber tracks like the case TV380 is crucial for reducing wheel spin when grading, lifting, or excavating. Installing the right rubber tracks on your compact loader tires helps improve traction, thus preventing accidents and downtime. To enhance tire performance and overall condition of your compact track loaders, set up telematics solutions to get timely reports on engine rpm, fuel consumption, tire pressure, and idle time.
Industrial Vehicle Automation
Advances in forklift technology have contributed to the development of several automated machines for lifting and moving heavy loads in manufacturing and construction sites. These automated machines include automated lift trucks, autonomous mobile robots, and automated guided vehicles. These high-tech lift vehicles have unique features that make them efficient and safe for material handling in various industries. For example, automated guided vehicles (AGV) perform multiple tasks, such as block stacking, pallet racking, drive-in racking, and mobile racking, without the need for human intervention because they use floor markings, cameras, and sensors.
Automated lift trucks learn tasks and routes from operators, who drive them in learning mode and then switch to automatic mode and drive themselves. AMR or autonomous mobile robots are the most advanced industrial vehicles because they rely on artificial intelligence to navigate and move heavy loads in warehouses and factories.
Advancements in the automotive industry are transforming how industrial vehicles function. Key developments in industrial vehicles include the use of telematics, electrification, and automation. All these advances aim to make compact track loaders, forklifts, graders and other heavy equipment efficient, safe, and greener.
Speak Your Mind