A typical scenario: The forklift driver maneuvers carefully through a densely filled warehouse. He is under time pressure. Visibility is limited, the load obscures the view and yet every movement of the forks must be precise in order to avoid accidents and damage. Intelligent forks such as the Smartfork solution from Vetter Industrie are a relief in this situation: the Smartfork assistance systems also support the forklift driver and help to make the transportation of goods safer and more efficient. Every forklift truck application scenario requires individual solutions. To this end, Vetter has a modular system with various components that are designed to optimize the Smartfork specifically for the task at hand. Examples of this are Clearances, occupancy, overload, barcode recognition, person recognition, package identification.

Clear view of and in front of the load

According to the supplier, camera systems integrated into the forks are currently the bestsellers among the Smartfork assistance systems. There is a choice of the Smartfork Frontcam, the Smartfork Sidecam and the Smartfork Premiumcam, which combines the two aforementioned systems. The Smartfork Frontcam acts almost like a third eye, giving the driver a view of the area in front of the load. Integrated into the fork tip, which is only 25 mm thick, the small, robust camera provides a clear view, even when the human field of vision is blocked by the load. An inclination indicator on the forks additionally supports retraction and safe loading.

The Smartfork Sidecam, on the other hand, is partially integrated on the inside of one of the two forks. This allows the driver to look along both forks on the monitor. This makes it easier to aim at the entry pockets of the pallets so that the load can be picked up safely. The camera systems are industry-proof and the integrated installation protects against damage caused by force. The cabling is also integrated into the forks.

Precise insertion into pallets

The Easysecure function detects the depth of entry into pallets or load carriers. The light sensor integrated in the fork blade (at 800 mm from the fork tip) enables reliable detection of Euro pallets stored lengthways or crossways when picking up goods. Easysecure can be individually adapted to up to three load carriers. The variant of the light sensor in the fork tine tip is used for safe handling so as not to damage or lift the pallet behind. This information is particularly valuable for forklift drivers in block warehouses to prevent damage to the load and racking systems.

Safe thanks to laser and LED

The Smartfork laser ensures precision at any height. The laser integrated in the fork tip makes it easier to aim at the load, especially in high racks. Combined with the Smartfork Frontcam, the laser line can also be displayed on the monitor in the driver's cab. This gives the forklift driver a clear view of the entry pockets and transported goods. The Smartfork Flash assistance system not only ensures better control of the entry depth, but also greater safety. The flashing LEDs on the sides of the forks make lifting devices and forklift trucks visible from afar, even in dark areas. They can also indicate the permitted entry depth and thus help to pick up load carriers safely.