RFID forklift of the future
April 1st 2006 RFID specialist, Intermec, has teamed up with forklift attachment manufacturer, Cascade, to develop a prototype forklift of the future. The unit incorporates RFID technology built into a forklift's infrastructure, replacing the current cumbersome and inefficient bolt-on approach to data collection.
"Imagine a mobile RFID system that provides realtime, hands-free information on what the product is and automatically makes better decisions about how to handle that product," said Cascade product manager Brad Vandehey. "When you throw out preconceived ideas of what forklifts do today and think about how RFID capabilities could be built into the very structure of a complete forklift equipment system, you begin to realise the efficiencies this type of mobile data-collection system can deliver."
Forklifts envisioned by Cascade and Intermec have powerful dashboard computers positioned for maximum safety and efficiency, easy-to-reach RFID controls assimilated into the lift's control mechanisms, wireless realtime location tracking and navigational LEDs for optimal routing, and easy-to-adjust RFID readers designed into the frame of forklift attachments. More articles from Intermec Technologies UK Ltd: | 
