New RFID Forklift System Can Improve Material Handling

M/A-COM Technology Solutions, Inc., a provider of microwave and RF design solutions and products, recently announced the introduction of a its new sensor-based RFID Forklift System. The system automatically records an RFID tagged pallet's exact storage location during handling and slotting processes, without requiring the operator to initiate traditional manual data collection methods.

"Our sensor-based RFID Forklift System automates and streamlines materials movement and management tasks," said Kevin Anderson, Product Line Manager, M/A-COM Technology Solutions. "From increasing inventory accuracy and reducing material losses to processing more pallets per shift while reducing labor costs, this forklift system brings immediate and significant cost savings to the material handling and inventory management operations."

The system utilizes an acoustic sensor, broad beam antenna and controller logic to identify an RFID pallet tag after it has been loaded onto the forklift. The system then identifies a pallet storage location, utilizing a narrow beam antenna, laser-height sensor and controller logic to confirm that the specific pallet has been picked up or dropped off at that location. These slotting transactions are fed to the enterprise system via WiFi connectivity. The RFID Forklift unit employs a high-performance Impinj Speedway reader loaded with fully released and supported forklift firmware.