Determination of maximal velocity of a four-wheel forklift in a curve with constant curvature for simulation purposes

Abstract

Efficiency evaluation for further optimization of existing solutions or making an efficient new solution of the material handling systems within the warehouses mainly is completed using different simulation techniques and environments. These are created by describing relevant characteristics in the process of modelling each of the system’s component. When modelling material handling devices for the performance evaluation of the material handling systems the focus is usually on kinematic characteristics as well as energy consumption. Forklifts are one of the mostly used material handling devices in warehouses and as such they are widely present in many simulation environments where their moving speed is very important parameter. The goal of this study is to determine the velocity of the forklifts in cornering situations from the perspective of quasi-static rollover, steady-state cornering and workers’ safety in the forklifts’ moving area which is essential for building more precise forklift models for simulation purposes.