Holman Logistics plans to install autonomous high-reach forklifts from Third Wave Automation at its multi-client warehouse facility in Spanaway, Washington.

California-based Third Wave’s autonomous forklifts offer flexibility by operating in four modes: fully autonomous, remote assist, remote operation and manual operation. The high-reach forklifts work alongside warehouse teams and use the proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered shared autonomy platform, letting a single operator manage multiple forklifts simultaneously.

Operators can execute and monitor workflows and configure warehouse zones dynamically to improve efficiency and safety.

“We are excited to explore the impact Third Wave Automation’s autonomous forklifts can have as an integral component of our operations,” said 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 innovation in warehousing and distribution operations.”

Holman Logistics will be able to automate various material handling tasks including managing full-pallet inbound movements, racking, picking of pallets to outbound dock floor positions, and replenishing empty locations. The forklifts also provide improved visibility and collision avoidance. They leverage 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.

“Third Wave Automation is directly addressing the core challenges faced by many warehouse operators,” said Arshan Poursohi, Third Wave CEO. “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.”

Downie added: “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. Third Wave Automation forklifts support our strategic initiative of using technology to operate safely as well as efficiently.”

Holman (holmanusa.com) was founded in 1864, and provides logistics support, including warehousing, manufacturing logistics, omnichannel fulfilment and transportation services for the business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketplace. In addition, it provides services for multi-client and dedicated accounts at owned and customer locations across the USA.

Third Wave Automation (thirdwave.ai) was founded in 2018 in Union City, California, to alleviate increasing supply chain stress using intelligent automation products and services. Its TWA Reach and TWA Extended Reach are automated forklifts that give users the flexibility to deploy their fleet in different modes. Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to create its shared autonomy platform, Third Wave’s Armada fleet management system provides the visibility and tools to manage fleets of automated high-reach forklifts and respond to edge cases timely and effectively. This integrates into existing workflows without costly infrastructure changes commonly required by traditional automation options.