Lift
Tool to operate forklift remotely
Second Prize
Envision the Future of the Lift Truck
Toyota and Autodesk design contest - 2022
Problem
How might we engage fork lift operators in their jobs to encourage employment and prevent injury or operation errors ?
Introducing Lift
Control technology experience for forklift operators to conduct their job remotely through a customised simulation that increases passion and reduces risk on the job.
Area of interest
Workforce
What forklift enhancements in universal design would benefit novice, expert, GenZ and aging operators?
Space
How would a forklift on the moon be different than one on earth?
Work environment
What improvements will aid in work environments with robots and pedestrians as well as manual, remote and automated forklifts?
Human Machine Interface
How can controls and the flow of information be improved?
Electrification
What are the owner and operator perceptions about electric forklifts outdoors?
Mobile Workstation
What amenities, improved comfort and storage enhancements are possible?
Research
7,000
lift truck drivers left the UK logistics industry in 2019
75 to 100
workers are killed annually in forklift accidents
34,900
serious injuries annually.
Lack of Safety
Shortage of Operators
Source
Occupational Health and Safety Administration: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=13456
Welfaux Materials Handling: https://www.welfauxmh.co.uk/why-the-uk-forklift-operator-crisis-is-accelerating-sales-of-automated-handling-solutions
Remote Operation is the future
Why?
Globallly hire operator
Physical disabilities
Reduces operators risk
Control multiple forklift
Reduces commuting stress
Product planning
Current state (now)
Operators drive on-site
Why this product
Remote operation reduces job risk and can improve engagement
Potential Problems
Technical Challenges
Building/maintaining trust.
Mental illness
Working from different locations, time zones, etc
Nerve issues
Learning and adapting to the tool
Lack of users dedication
Lack of precision
Potential Solutions
Gamifying the job experience with a simulated environment.
Specialised controls and new methods of driving.
Sturdy
Dedicated feel to the work and work flow to reduce the risk
Excitement
Game aspect of the working scenario to engage the user.
Inspiration from trip to Toyota Material Handling Northern California
Camouflage
The dark grey camouflage with the warehouse environment.
Color Break and Accent
The orange accent is makes the forklift appearance less chunky
Concept Development
How it works?
SIMULATED GAME MODE
TO DRIVE AND OPERATE
Choose the look of the simplified warehouse they are navigating through.
Precision points to engage operators.
Work faster than they would on-site.
Gesture Control Ring operate the robotic vehicle
SIMULATED PRECISE MODE
TO CHECK FOR ERRORS
Enter into a real environment simulation.
Check for errors or potential problems before transferring data into reality.
TRASFER DATA
SEND THE SIMULATED DATA TO REALITY
Portability
The slidable design allows users to take their controllers with them and operate in any location including co-working spaces or even coffee shops.
Driving
Slight movements and rotations control the lift and allow for optimal comfort for the operator
Fork operations
Use the key to lift and lower forks
Rotate slightly to tilt forks
Slide left and right to side shift forks
Push front and back to in/out forks
Gesture Control Ring (GCR)
The GCR is an accessory that allows operators to program specific controls for driving other robotic vehicles like drones.
Push and hold 3 sec to take out GCR
Key set
Key set can be swapped based on controls needed for specific vehicles beyond forklifts.
Before transferring data, the operator will need to confirm using their fingerprint to avoid accidental or unauthorised transfers.
