In a recent discussion with an OEM partner and a customer, ELOKON was asked about the maximum possible speed of travel of a VNA (very narrow aisle) truck, when the truck has a pedestrian alert system installed. Our product managers love these type of questions! They provided a detailed explanation of what is important to consider and evaluate when calculating the maximum possible speed of VNA trucks.

The braking distance of a forklift truck is the same as for cars: the faster you drive, the longer the braking distance becomes. In addition, other factors such as the friction between the warehouse floor and the drive wheel or the weight of the truck must be taken into account.
There is a constant parameter for the possible maximum speed: the "safe protective field" of the laser scanner to be used. This is a maximum of 7 m and is basically the same for all suppliers of personal protection systems.

In summary, a truck manufacturer and the supplier of the pedestrian alert and anti-collision system can only commit to a maximum speed of travel, once all factors above and measurements on site have been evaluated.