Reinforce Operator Training with the Crown ProximityAssist System

Crown Equipment’s ProximityAssist System is a LiDAR-based operator assist technology designed to detect objects in the path of a moving forklift and slow the travel of the lift truck.

Crown’s design, engineering and onboarding process distinguishes its ProximityAssist System from other operator assist systems to increase user acceptance and build operator confidence.

The ProximityAssist System is engineered and configured specifically for the forklift model on which it is installed. Each configuration is designed to detect objects such as racking, pallet loads, boxes and other objects within the forklift’s expected path of travel.

Many detection and alert systems are bolt-on technologies that do not offer a level of integration available from the forklift OEM. Some alert systems may include unprotected sensors, positioning them where they may be subject to damage. Sensors used in bolt-on systems may also be mounted at a height that can limit their effectiveness. LiDAR-based systems that are mounted too high may fail to detect objects close to the floor or mounted too low which may detect items that are not actually obstructions.

The following are benefits Crown’s ProximityAssist System brings to forklift operations.

• The ProximityAssist System responds when an object is detected, automatically slowing the lift truck to further enable the operator to take corrective action. Operators must maintain full control of the forklift at all times.

• Integration with the forklift enables inputs from the forklift’s steering system to adjust the sensor’s field of view to focus on objects in the expected path of the forklift.

• The detection zone is also adjusted by the travel speed of the lift truck, increasing in length at higher speeds and decreasing at lower speeds. This may encourage operators to slow down to minimize the number of appropriate ProximityAssist System responses.

• Visual and audible alerts are provided through the 7” Touch Display that is available with Crown’s InfoLink^® operator and fleet management system or via the touchscreen utilized with Gena, Crown’s newest lift truck operating system. These additional alerts coincide with automatic slowdowns to help the operator become aware of the object in the path of the lift truck and to take the necessary action.

• ProximityAssist System’s sensors are mounted in rugged steel housings to protect them from damage. They are located low to the ground and are designed for detection when traveling in the power unit direction. Placement is designed to detect objects such as racking, pallet loads, boxes and other obstructions at near-floor level.

The ProximityAssist System is designed to reinforce operator training and increase awareness but does not stop the lift truck. It does not eliminate the responsibility of operators and pedestrians to be aware of each other and maintain a safe working environment. Operators must be fully trained and capable of operating the forklift in a safe manner with or without the technology. These systems can be valuable tools, but they are no substitute for well-trained and attentive operators.

The ProximityAssist System is currently available with new Crown reach trucks, order pickers and stand-up counterbalance lift trucks. It is also available as a retrofit solution for these lift trucks as well as Crown’s turret trucks, tow tractors and select rider pallet trucks. For more information, visit crown.com.