Forklifts, Industrial Plant

Toyota’s ‘SpotMe’ system lifts safety in the warehouse

SpotMe’s infra-red direction-sensitive sensors detect the movement of approaching forklifts and pedestrians at the crossroads

Toyota Material Handling Australia's (TMHA) new ‘SpotMe’ warning system has been designed to guard against collisions at ‘blind’ intersections within a warehouse

TMHA has launched a new system to help improve forklift safety in busy warehouses.

The ‘SpotMe’ safety system has been designed to guard against collisions at ‘blind’ intersections within a warehouse.

It can guard against both forklift-to-forklift and forklift-pedestrian collisions.

The system was unveiled in Australia at the Safety Show Sydney, held at the Sydney Showground, September 3 to 5.

It will be available nationally from TMHA branches, or it can be installed by TMHA service technicians or a customer’s maintenance staff.

SpotMe’s infra-red direction-sensitive sensors detect the movement of approaching forklifts and pedestrians at the crossroads.

TMHA National Sales and Product Manager for BT and Raymond product, Dean Watson, says if a collision danger is spotted, a SpotMe warning unit is activated to help the forklift operator and/or operator and pedestrian avoid an accident.

“Warehouses are crowded, fast-moving environments requiring extra attention from forklift operators and pedestrians to maintain high warehouse safety levels,” he says.

“In areas with restricted visibility, Toyota’s SpotMe alerts forklift operators and pedestrians to the potential dangers of collisions, protecting the workers, the forklifts and the goods.”

Watson adds that alternating flashing lights (LEDs) used by SpotMe are far more efficient in preventing accidents than flashing beacons or other types of warning lights.

“SpotMe also provides benefits in reduced wear and tear on the forklifts, reduced energy consumption and less chance of damage to goods,” he says.

“With the SpotMe system installed there are fewer panic braking stops — and therefore improved operator behaviour.

“SpotMe also helps reduce the risk of dropping goods and keeps your forklift in better shape, while also saving energy.”

Watson said Toyota’s SpotMe can be used at crossings, blind corners, doors and exits.

“The warning unit can be connected to a standalone battery or plugged into the mains, and the sensor battery lasts up to three years,” he says.

“The sensor and warning devices are simply fixed to the walls; no set-up is required on the mobile fleet.”

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