Toyota unveils new navigation systems for automated warehouse trucks

Toyota Material Handling Europe has introduced a new method of navigation for automated vehicles operating in warehouses. “Natural navigation” – which Toyota is introducing at the LogiMAT show in Stuttgart this week – uses recognisable reference points or landmarks within the warehouse, such as walls, racking and fixed objects, to calculate the truck’s location.

According to Toyota, natural navigation is a lower-cost alternative for warehouses where the surroundings remain fairly constant.

All warehouse trucks from the Autopilot range are currently equipped with reflector navigation, a navigation method in which consistent and high-contrast targets, called reflectors, are added to the environment. The reflectors installed in the warehouse allow the scanner on the automated truck to define its position based on its distance to the reflectors. This technique offers robustness, high accuracy and long reach.

From May onwards, Toyota’s Autopilot trucks will be able to support either reflector or the lower-cost natural navigation.

Hans Larsson, Director Logistics Solutions at Toyota Material Handling Europe, commented: “We are excited to introduce this navigation method to our range which allows us to support our customers with a wider offer and more cost-effective automation solutions. We are also unique in offering a combination of two types of navigation in one system.”