Third Wave Automation’s forklifts can operate in four modes: fully autonomous, remote assist, remote operation, and manual operation. | Source: Holman Logistics
Holman Logistics needed to automate a variety of materials handling tasks. The Kent, Wash.-based company yesterday announced that it plans to deploy Third Wave Automation Inc.’s autonomous high-reach forklifts at its multi-tenant warehouse in Spanaway, Wash.
“We are excited to explore the impact Third Wave Automation’s autonomous solution can have as an integral component of our operations,” stated Brien Downie, president of Holman Logistics. “This technology provides an opportunity not only to help us to maintain our industry-leading safety standards, but also to have Holman be among the first companies to deploy such an innovative solution in warehousing and distribution operations.”
Founded in 1864, Holman Logistics provides warehousing, manufacturing logistics, omnichannel fulfillment, and transportation services for customers in the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. The third-party logistics provider (3PL) also offers services for multi-client and dedicated accounts at Holman-owned and customer locations across the U.S.
Holman Logistics to automate multiple tasks
With Third Wave Automation’s forklifts, Holman Logistics said it will automate tasks including managing full-pallet inbound movements, racking, transporting pallets to outbound dock floor positions, and replenishing empty locations.
Third Wave Automation claimed that its TWA Reach and TWA Extended Reach are the only high-reach automated forklifts on the market that offer four modes – fully autonomous, remote operation, remote assist, and manual operation. They can work alongside warehouse staffers and use TWA’s Shared Autonomy Platform, which enables a single operator to manage multiple forklifts simultaneously.
TWA added that its forklifts provide improved visibility and collision avoidance. The systems include obstacle-detection systems, guided by 3D lidar and 3D camera feeds, to offer remote operators insights into the location of potential obstacles, even those not visible to the naked eye.
“This new forklift technology can also provide career-enhancement opportunities for current lift operators by allowing them to spend more time helping to make operational planning decisions rather than completing tedious, repetitive tasks,” Downie said. “Third Wave Automation forklifts support our strategic initiative of using technology to operate safely as well as efficiently.”
Third Wave Automation provides visibility
“Third Wave Automation is directly addressing the core challenges faced by many warehouse operators,” said Arshan Poursohi, co-founder and CEO of Third Wave Automation (TWA). “Bringing the power of AI, automation, and shared autonomy to intelligent forklifts enables us to deliver world-class performance while driving greater productivity and ensuring safety on the warehouse floor.”
Founded in 2018, Third Wave Automation said its products and services can alleviate stress on supply chains. The Union City, Calif.-based company also offers software, including its Armada Fleet Management System, which it said provides the visibility and tools needed to effectively manage lift truck fleets and respond to edge cases in a timely and effective manner. It also uses machine learning and artificial intelligence in its Shared Autonomy Platform.
The Collaborative Autonomy Platform combines hybrid autonomous vehicles, intelligent fleet management, remote operation, and assistance capabilities to provide materials handling systems that improve over time, said TWA. The company claimed that the platform “requires no infrastructure upgrades, integrates into existing workflows, and delivers immediate value to customers on deployment.”