1. Application Background
Distance Measurement Challenges in Intelligent Forklifts
With the rapid development of automation technologies, intelligent forklifts have become essential equipment in modern warehouses and logistics centers. By combining autonomous navigation, perception, and control technologies, smart forklifts can automatically transport, stack, and retrieve goods based on real-time environmental conditions and operational demands.
Compared with traditional manual handling, intelligent forklifts significantly improve handling efficiency, positioning accuracy, and operational safety. However, precise distance measurement remains a key technical challenge, especially during pallet detection, fork insertion, lifting, and positioning.
2. Limitations of Traditional Forklift Positioning Methods
Warehouse environments are often complex and unstructured. Pallets placed manually or by conventional forklifts frequently deviate from their ideal positions in both distance and angle.
As a result, intelligent forklifts relying solely on:
- Mechanical limit switches
- Single-camera vision systems
often fail to accurately detect pallet positions. This can lead to:
- Large alignment deviations during pallet docking
- Fork insertion failures
- Manual intervention requirements
- Reduced overall logistics efficiency
As logistics automation continues to accelerate, achieving precise positioning, target pallet detection, alignment, and automatic loading/unloading has become a top priority for intelligent forklift manufacturers.
3. Laser Distance Measurement Principle in Forklift Applications
Laser distance measurement determines the distance to a target by emitting a laser beam and calculating the reflected signal received by the sensor.
In intelligent forklift applications, laser distance sensors can be installed at different positions depending on the measurement task:
- Height measurement: Mounted on the forklift mast or cabin top, emitting the laser upward to measure lift height.
- Ground or positioning measurement: Mounted on the cabin or lifting mechanism base, with the laser emitted downward toward the ground.
Installation positions can be flexibly selected based on forklift model and structure. As long as there are no obstructions between the sensor and the target surface, the system can achieve high-accuracy, real-time distance measurement.
4. Advantages of Laser Distance Sensors in Intelligent Forklifts
Using laser distance sensors provides several key benefits:
- Non-contact measurement with no mechanical wear
- High accuracy and repeatability
- Real-time distance feedback
- Flexible installation options
- Improved pallet alignment and fork insertion success rate
These advantages make laser distance sensors well suited for autonomous forklifts, AGVs, and intelligent material handling equipment.
5. Recommended Product for Intelligent Forklift Distance Measurement
L4S-80 Laser Distance Sensor (RS232)
For intelligent forklift distance measurement, MyAntenna RF L4S-80 laser distance sensor offers a stable and cost-effective solution.
Key Features of L4S-80
- Measurement range: 0.03 – 80 m
- Measurement accuracy: ±1 mm
- Laser wavelength: 650 nm visible red laser
- Communication interface: RS232
- Power supply: DC 5 V
- Maximum measurement rate: up to 10 Hz (RS232 interface)
- Extended range up to 80 m with reflective target
Under indoor conditions (3 m white wall, static measurement), the sensor maintains ±1 mm accuracy, making it suitable for precise forklift positioning and height detection.
6. Interface Selection Considerations
Measurement speed varies depending on the communication interface. In general, data transmission speed follows this order:
TTL ＞ RS232 ＞ RS485 ＞ 4–20 mA
For intelligent forklifts requiring moderate speed, stable communication, and simple system integration, RS232 provides a practical balance between performance and complexity.
7. Typical Application Scenarios
The L4S-80 laser distance sensor can be applied to:
- Forklift lifting height measurement
- Pallet distance detection
- Fork insertion alignment
- Ground distance measurement
- Intelligent AGV and AMR positioning
About MyAntenna RF
MyAntenna Technology Co.,Ltd. specializes in industrial laser distance sensors and antenna solutions.
Our products are widely used in logistics automation, industrial vehicles, AGVs, and smart factory systems, providing reliable and precise distance measurement in demanding operational environments.
Related Products
No products selected in this application area