Third Wave Automation Inc. today said it is collaborating with The Raymond Corp. to launch and expand AI-enabled capabilities across select lift trucks.
“The partnership with Raymond is a major step forward in expanding physical AI automation on Raymond automated lift trucks,” stated Arshan Poursohi, CEO of Third Wave Automation. “The combination of Third Wave software and Raymond’s best-in-class material handling equipment creates an unmatched automated solution, with substantial gains in throughput, flexibility, and safety.”
Founded in 2018, Third Wave said it focuses on providing predictable automation plus human adaptability. Its shared autonomy approach combines machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and remote operator oversight to help industrial vehicles operate effectively in dynamic environments.
The Union City, Calif.-based company also said it supports safer and more efficient warehouse operations with flexible deployment and scalable automation.
Raymond and Toyota integrate AI into fleet
Third Wave Automation said its platform pairs autonomous lift trucks with fleet management and remote assistance. A remote operator can supervise multiple vehicles and intervene in seconds when needed without affecting other vehicles, the company claimed. In typical operations, one operator can manage up to 10 forklifts from an off-floor location, helping improve both productivity and operational efficiency.
Raymond, a brand of Toyota Material Handling North America, said it will offer Third Wave’s automation capabilities as part of its ecosystem. It said it will provide customers a scalable path to improve warehouse performance through AI-first technology.
The integration will support automation across key warehouse workflows, including dock-to-dock and trailer loading and unloading operations, with a focus on rapid time-to-value and measurable operational outcomes. Raymond and Third Wave also said they will deliver fleet visibility and operational insights that complement automation deployments, helping customers measure performance and drive continuous improvement.
The initial lineup will include an automated Raymond Swing-Reach truck and several soon-to-be-announced products, each integrated with Third Wave’s technology and targeted for commercial availability. Raymond’s Solutions and Support Centers will distribute the trucks.
Raymond to offer Third Wave tech as part of its ecosystem
Third Wave Automation and Raymond have collaborated since 2021. Toyota Ventures was an initial backer of the partnership, followed by investment from Woven Capital, Toyota‘s growth fund.
“Our investment in Third Wave Automation was rooted in a conviction that physical AI would transform industrial operations and the enormous potential we saw in their technology to lead that transformation,” said Prashant Bothra, principal at Woven Capital. “This partnership is a testament to what’s possible when Toyota Group’s global teams, technology, and strategic capital can accomplish when working together. We’re bringing differentiated capabilities to market faster and at greater scale.”
“We have been purposefully and thoughtfully integrating advanced technology and AI-driven capabilities across Raymond’s integrated ecosystem of solutions to help customers optimize workflows, improve visibility, and better connect their operations,” said Michael Field, chief operations officer at Toyota Material Handling North America.
“Adding Third Wave’s technology to our Raymond lineup is a natural extension of that approach, enhancing the solutions available to our customers while supporting more connected, scalable warehouse operations and automating the right application where it makes sense,” he added.
Raymond is a leading global provider of material handling products and intelligent intralogistics systems. For more than 100 years, it has built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement.
The Greene, N.Y.-based company said its integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality, and advanced energy systems can optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to new levels of performance.