Autonomous high reach forklift provider Third Wave Automation has launched new technology that allows a single operator to manage multiple reach and extended reach forklifts simultaneously. 

The Armada fleet management system (FMS), which can be integrated with other warehouse management systems, uses first-of-its-kind technology to give remote operators insights into the location of potential obstacles, even those not visible to the naked eye. 

Third Wave Automation says the Armada system also provides a better view of target pick and place locations than manual operators.

"Third Wave Automation is driving smarter automation in the warehouse with its AI-powered Shared Autonomy Platform. However, this would not be possible without an intelligent fleet management system that provides a powerful connection between remote operators and the autonomous forklifts on the warehouse floor,” says Arshan Poursohi, Third Wave Automation's co-founder and chief executive officer. 

The Armada system allows supervisors to quickly respond to real-time changes in the warehouse environment, with tools such as on-the-fly region block, task prioritisation, schedule management and intuitive assist queuing.

Third Wave Automation will display its new technology at the Automate Conference in Chicago from 6 May.