For expanding the application of automated guided forklifts (hereafter AGF), there are issues that need to be addressed: the processing capacity is only about half that of manned forklifts, and the aisle width for AGF operation needs to be wider than that for manned forklifts. Therefore, this time, we have developed a prototype AGF that can perform cargo handling operation equivalent to those of a manned forklift by implementing new mechanisms (e.g., 3-wheel steering and new mast mechanism) and sensor and control technologies (e.g., 2D-LiDAR/SLAM), and evaluated the performance of the new AGF, which improves the warehouse storage efficiency and throughput simultaneously. As a result of its demonstration test, we confirmed that the new AGF achieves the processing speed equivalent to that of a manned forklift and that it can be used even in narrow aisles where manned forklifts cannot be used.
