In June 2024, Linde Material Handling introduced its new safety system, the Reverse Assist Radar, designed specifically for forklift reverse operations. Reversing is one of the most delicate maneuvers in terms of safety, often leading to accidents due to the limited rear visibility for the driver. Linde's new system employs sensors to detect collision risks with people, objects, or infrastructure. If necessary, the Reverse Assist Radar autonomously brakes the forklift with a force of up to 3m/s², adjusting the braking intervention based on lift height, speed, steering angle, and distance from the obstacle.
In addition to acoustic alerts, the system can be integrated with a 7-inch display that provides visual warnings to the driver. The standard detection area covers the rear width of the forklift but can be configured according to specific customer needs. The Reverse Assist Radar can be combined with other Linde safety assistance technologies, such as the Front Assist Camera, an AI-based camera that detects pedestrian hazards and can decelerate the vehicle accordingly.
"More than half of industrial truck accidents occur during reversing," explains Leonardo Lanza, Product Specialist at Linde MH. "One of the main reasons is the driver's limited rear view. The blind spot begins when the viewing angle exceeds 180 degrees; however, even before reaching 180 degrees, the driver cannot optimally identify people and objects in the vehicle's rear path. For this reason, we decided to offer a reverse assistance radar based on sensors. The choice of sensors helps maximize the safety system's effectiveness, making it not vulnerable to suboptimal visibility conditions."
