Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) provider ForwardX Robotics recently announced its new Apex series autonomous forklift, the C1500-L. With a load capacity of 3,300 pounds, or 1,500 kilograms, the Apex C1500-L leverages a combination of machine vision and laser simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) sensors.
ForwardX said its new forklift is equipped with the means to execute precision docking and pallet placement with an accuracy within 10 millimeters. The C1500-L can also discern the angles at which the pallets are positioned, performing real-time adjustments autonomously to ensure square entry into pallet pockets.
ForwardX’s C1500-L is also capable of performing triple pallet stacking with a maximum lift height of 14.7 feet, or 3.5 meters. Sensors in the forks enable variable pick and drop heights to prevent load damage during stacking operations.
Through the ForwardX f(x) robot fleet management software, the C1500-L can be integrated with ForwardX’s conveyor, towing, and deck-lift AMRs.
Total Spatial Awareness module features array of sensors
The Apex C1500-L is equipped with a CE-certified safety laser radar that can detect static or dynamic obstacles 85 millimeters or larger. ForwardX said its C1500-L’s safety performance surpasses the European CE-MD standard, with the ability to detect obstacles both on the ground and overhead.
ForwardX’s C1500-L forklift includes its new “Total Spatial Awareness” module. The new module incorporates two multi-line lidar sensors and three sensing cameras, which the company said ensures 360 degrees of 3D obstacle detection and avoidance and omnidirectional recognition.
With five laser radars, two wide-angle cameras, four pallet placement sensors, and a total of three multi-line laser radar sensors, ForwardX said the Apex C1500-L is capable of 360 degree stereoscopic obstacle detection.
ForwardX said the C1500-L can handle Euro pallets, GMA pallets, storage cages, storage racks, and cruciform carriers. The Apex C1500-L can cover inbound and outbound workflows, including pallet stacking, receiving, cross docking, order picking, inter-line transit, and integration with storage and production lines.
The ForwardX Apex C1500-L won MHI’s 2024 Innovation Award for best innovation of an existing product, presented at MODEX 2024.
Want to learn more about machine vision? This article was featured in the August 2024 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “Machine vision to increase robot precision.”
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