Crown Equipment has released its ProximityAssist System, a LiDAR-based, integrated operator assist technology which the company states has been developed with the specific purpose of aiding “operators in the operation of materials handling equipment”.

The ProximityAssist System automatically slows the forklift when it detects an object in its expected path of travel, while visual and audio alerts are also given.

Crown describes the ProximityAssist System as an integrated and responsive operator assist technology designed and configured specifically for the forklift model on which it is used. 

“Each configuration is designed to detect objects such as racking, pallet loads, boxes and other objects in the forklift’s expected path of travel,” Crown states.

Jared Green, Crown Equipment’s director of global sales for automation and emerging technology, says the ProximityAssist System “can be a valuable tool for reinforcing operator training and increasing awareness”.

“It is important to note that this type of detection and alert system does not eliminate the responsibility of operators and pedestrians to be aware of each other and maintain a safe working environment,” Green adds. “Operators must be fully trained and capable of operating the lift truck safely with or without the assist feature.”

Turkish mobile robotics company MND Robotics launched its autonomous forklift robot with LiDAR safety sensor system in October 2024 while Hyster launched its own in May 2021.