Toyota Australia will join forces with Toyota Material Handling Australia and Toyota Fleet Management to launch autonomous Autopilot vehicles in its Altona warehouse next year.
The fleet, manufactured in Sweden by Toyota Material Handling Europe, will comprise six Autopilot Tow Trucks (TAE500) and one flagship Autopilot Reach Truck (RAE160). In addition to their Autopilot driverless technology, the trucks will also be usable as conventional manual warehouse vehicles.
The driverless technology will enable them to autonomously pick orders for customers and place product throughout the warehouse, as well as boosting mobility in lifting, towing, and conveyance.
According to Sean Hanley, vice president of sales and marketing at Toyota Australia, the mobility company thoroughly understands the importance of automation.
“Toyota Australia will continue to develop, progress, and employ these new ways of thinking whenever possible.
“We are committed to delivering the highest level of reliability, performance, and productivity, and Autopilot ticks every one of these boxes,” he said.
The trucks feature integrated navigation and safety systems, including scanners and obstacle detection devices; emergency stop buttons, warning sounds, and lights; and a blue LED warning light projected in front of each vehicle.
They will also deliver energy efficiencies with lithium-ion batteries; automatic charging; high vehicle utilisation; and low maintenance costs.
