Driver Assist Technology in Cars — and Forklifts?

Cars today are smarter than ever. My own vehicle warns me when there’s a car in my blind spot, brakes if I’m backing out into traffic, paces itself on the highway, and even nudges me back if I drift out of my lane.

These features make driving safer and easier—but we’re not at 100% self-driving yet. So, I’m keeping my hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Driving Lesson

I remind my kids that if you’re in the center lane with a semi beside you and traffic merging ahead, ease up or move over. It gives that truck a safe option if merging cars don’t do their part.

All the smart features in the world can’t replace awareness and defensive driving. The same applies to forklifts in the warehouse.

Forklift Safety: Awareness Meets Technology

Now, imagine driving a large forklift every day through tight aisles, blind corners, and pedestrian areas with blue lights flashing, backup alarms beeping, and the occasional splintered pallet in your path. Operators are expected to do this repeatedly—without incident.

Just like driver-assist features in cars, modern forklift technology can make operations safer and more efficient. But what exactly do these features do—and are they right for your operation?

Smart Technology for Wire-Guided Fork Trucks (Orderpickers & Swing Reaches)

• Boost productivity with ZAP (Zone And Positioning). Think of this like forklift cruise control. It chooses the quickest, most efficient path between picks.
• Automatically slows or stops your truck if another one is in the aisle with IADS (Intelligent Aisle Positioning System).

Smart Technology for Standard (Non-Guided) Forklifts

Busy warehouses face real safety challenges—and now, we’re finally at a point where forklift automation can offer collision prevention.

• Detect obstacles and automatically slow the forklift with iWAREHOUSE ObjectSense—on most Raymond forklift models. ObjectSense is advanced and more expensive.
• Alert forklift operators and pedestrians to nearby traffic—even around corners with iWAREHOUSE FieldSense.  This affordable technology uses proximity sensors and works on any forklift model.

The Bottom Line and Forklift Technology

ZAP, IADS, and ObjectSense are exclusive to Raymond forklifts because they integrate directly with the truck’s controls. FieldSense, however, can be added to nearly any brand.

These advanced forklift technologies can help improve productivity and enhance safety—but they’re not a replacement for training and operator awareness. Just like on the road, your best defense in the warehouse is an experienced operator who stays alert.

Ready to explore the right forklift technology for your operation? Let us know—we’re happy to help.

And remember to stay sharp, stay safe, and drive smart—on the road and in the warehouse.