Autonomous Forklifts & Tuggers

Buying advice

Fix pallet quality before automating moves

A driver adjusts for a cracked bottom board, a leaning load or stretch wrap trailing over the fork pockets. An automated truck usually stops and calls for help instead, and every stop costs a move. Before trials, sample the pallets arriving at your docks over a few weeks and log how many would need a person to touch them. Set up an inbound check that diverts damaged or overhanging loads to a manual lane, and agree a pallet specification with your main suppliers. Ask each maker which pallet types, board patterns and wrapping conditions its truck has been tested with, and what the truck does when a load fails its checks.

Keep some moves and drivers manual

When the listings were checked in October 2026, published prices on this page sat between about $40,000 and $120,000, from the Swisslog CarryPick to the Balyo Reach Truck, and none needed a quote. Long, repeated runs from receiving to reserve storage, or from storage to a marshalling lane, are the usual starting point. Trailer loading, damaged goods and blocked locations often stay with people, which means your remaining drivers still need training and assessment. Under OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.178, each operator's performance must be evaluated at least once every three years, and HSE notes that about a quarter of all workplace transport accidents involve lift trucks. Keep that training budget in your business case.

Ask where the maker's safety case stops

ISO 3691-4:2023 sets safety requirements for driverless industrial trucks and their systems. A maker can show conformity for the truck, but your racking, doors, dock levellers and pedestrian crossings also decide whether the whole system is safe. Ask each supplier to state in writing which parts of your operating area they assessed, who marks and maintains restricted areas, and who repeats the assessment when you move a rack line. ISO lists the 2023 edition for revision, so ask how documentation and software will follow the next one. OSHA's powered industrial truck rule was written around operated trucks, which leaves more of the driverless case to the standard and your own risk assessment.

What to look for

• Load capacity and lift height for your pallets and racking
• Navigation method, and how it handles mixed traffic with people
• Charging, uptime and fleet-management software

Common questions

Can autonomous forklifts share space with manual forklifts?

Most are designed for mixed traffic, slowing and stopping for people and vehicles. Your safety assessment should define zones and right-of-way rules.

Do they need special infrastructure?

Many navigate with onboard sensors and existing features of your building. Some need reflectors or markers. Check each model's navigation method.

Sources and further reading

• ISO 3691-4:2023 Industrial trucks: safety requirements and verification, Part 4: driverless industrial trucks and their systems — International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
  Safety requirements and verification for AGVs, AMRs and other driverless trucks and the systems they work in.
• 29 CFR 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks — Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
  The US federal rule on forklift design, operator training and evaluation, and safe operation at work.
• Managing lift trucks — Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
  HSE guidance on supervising lift-truck work and on the approved code of practice for operator training.