Innovations compact machines also implemented in forklifts

Focus is on improving connectivity, performance, sustainability and safety

Following the addition of Doosan lift trucks to Bobcat's compact equipment portfolio and the rebranding that has led, among other things, to the introduction of the distinctive Bobcat design for the lift trucks, it is becoming clear, that the lift truck line will benefit substantially from the many innovations, which Bobcat has presented for its compact machines in recent years. The focus of the R&D approach is on improving connectivity, performance, durability and safety.

The acquisition of Doosan Industrial Vehicle, manufacturer of forklifts and warehouse equipment, allows Bobcat to offer its customers a complete range of material handling machines. Bobcat loaders and telescopic handlers, which can be equipped with attachments such as buckets, grippers, bale clamps, dump hoppers and pallet forks, are used in many industries for material handling and logistics work. With the Doosan Industrial Vehicle program also came an extensive line of forklifts, order pickers, pallet trucks and stackers. 

The lift truck program alone consists of dozens of models, including diesel lift trucks with lifting capacities from 2 to 16 tons; LPG lift trucks with lifting capacities from 2 to 7 tons and electric lift trucks with lifting capacities from 1.2 to 10 tons. 

R&D and innovation

Not only do the range of machines from Doosan Industrial Vehicle and Bobcat match up almost seamlessly, but so do their corporate philosophies. Both companies are committed to robust, powerful machines that can put in long hours and require little maintenance. Optimal comfort, ease of operation and operator safety are also important R&D principles. Product development has led to a number of interesting innovations in recent years. The electric machines introduced by Bobcat in recent years, such as the E10e and E19e excavators, the fully electric loaders T7X and S7X and the recently presented electric telehandler, the TL25.60e, stand out the most. Also introduced were the MaxControl remote control for machines and MachineIQ for remote monitoring of machines. With this tool, the status and performance of machines can be monitored and optimized. 

Data and connectivity

But developments go even further. According to Vijayshekhar Nerva, responsible for innovation at Bobcat EMEA, there are four key principles for R&D. The first is connectivity. Companies will have access to vast amounts of data relevant to operations, and that data must be available in real time; including in the machine. Another is the performance and productivity of machines. They must function optimally in the execution of work. The third principle is sustainability. This includes not only emissions, but also the use of durable, robust materials in the production of machines and ease of maintenance, which makes machines last longer. 

The fourth aspect is the use of work area information. A warehouse is a compact and complex environment where a lot is happening and many objects are present. Information from cameras and sensors provides an accurate picture of the environment, making forklift maneuvering easier and safer. For example, the environment and directions for work can be displayed in 3D on a screen. In the near future, with the help of virtual reality, information screens and buttons integrated into the forklift's windows, drivers will be able to get a full and transparent view of the work area and operate the machine. Using sensor data, forklifts can navigate (semi-)autonomously through a warehouse.

Electric forklifts

Doosan Bobcat recently presented a number of new forklifts, previewing its innovations for logistics and material handling. On display at LogiMAT in late April were prototypes of the B18NT 3-wheel electric forklift with lithium battery and the B30X-7 Plus hydrogen-powered forklift, among others. 

An important expansion is the new NXE series of electric forklifts with 4-wheel drive. The series consists of forklifts with capacities from 6 to 10 tons, suitable for heavy-duty applications in container transport, machine building and industry. The zero-emission machines can operate for an entire working day on a battery charge and are obviously well suited for work in halls and warehouses. The machines offer excellent visibility and (entirely in Bobcat style) as standard many comforts and features that make operation easier.