Toyota launches 'SpotMe' warehouse safety system

Designed to reduce accidents at blind intersections, doors and exit paths, Spot Me is fitted not to the forklift, but to the actual intersections and other potential danger points.

Spotme uses infra-red (IR) direction-sensitive sensors to detect the movement of approaching forklifts and pedestrians at the crossroads, setting off alternating flashing LEDs to advise operators that either a pedestrian or other forklift is nearby.

TMHA national sales and product manager for BT and Raymond product, Dean Watson, said if a collision danger is spotted, a SpotMe warning unit is activated to help the forklift operator(s) and/or operator and pedestrian to avoid an accident.

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

"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 added that the alternating flashing LEDs used by SpotMe are far more efficient in preventing accidents than traditional 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 said.

"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."

Mr 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.

"The sensor and warning devices are simply fixed to the walls; no set-up is required on the mobile fleet," he said.

SpotMe will be available shortly from TMHA branches nationally. The system can be installed by TMHA service technicians or a customer's maintenance staff.