Holman Logistics will add a fleet of autonomous high-reach forklifts from Third Wave Automation to its multi-client warehouse in Spanaway, Washington.

Third Wave Automation says Holman will be able to automate a variety of material handling tasks with its new fleet, including managing full-pallet inbound movements, racking, picking of pallets to outbound dock floor positions and replenishing empty locations.

Holman's 350,000 sq.ft (32,500 sqm) facility in Spanaway is one of the company's 18 warehouses in the US. 

“This technology provides an opportunity not only to help us to maintain our industry-leading safety standards but also to have Holman be among the first companies to deploy such an innovative solution in warehousing and distribution operations,” says Brien Downie, president of Holman Logistics.

Third Wave Automation’s autonomous forklifts can be operated in four modes: fully autonomous, remote assist, remote operation and manual operation. 

The high-reach forklifts work alongside warehouse teams and use a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Shared Autonomy Platform, enabling a single operator to manage multiple forklifts simultaneously. 

Operators can execute and monitor workflows and configure warehouse zones dynamically to improve efficiency and safety.

"Third Wave Automation is directly addressing the core challenges faced by many warehouse operators," says Arshan Poursohi, Third Wave co-founder and chief executive officer. 

"Bringing the power of AI, automation and shared autonomy to intelligent forklifts enables us to deliver world-class performance while driving greater productivity and ensuring safety on the warehouse floor."

Third Wave’s Downie says the autonomous forklifts improve safety as well as efficiency.

“This new forklift technology can also provide career enhancement opportunities for current lift operators by allowing them to spend more time helping to make operational planning decisions rather than completing tedious repetitive tasks,” he says.