Mitsubishi Logisnext, Phantom Auto Partner on Remote Operation of Unmanned Forklifts
May 13, 2021
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas group, which manufactures and provides material handling and automation fleet solutions, has announced a partnership with Phantom Auto, which provides interoperable remote operation software. The partnership will enable operators, who are sitting up to thousands of miles away, to remotely operate unmanned tuggers, pallet jacks, counterbalances, and more, the companies said in a statement.
The human-in-the-loop technology enables logistics operators to improve operator safety and health, reduce downtime, and unlock multi-site efficiencies by “teleporting” flex staff on-demand, Mitsubishi said. Phantom will be offering forklifts with Phantom’s software integrated across specific types of electric-powered forklifts from Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas’ UniCarriers and Mitsubishi brands. The Phantom offering will allow logistics operators to remotely operate unmanned material handling vehicles from up to thousands of miles away; and complement autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) by remotely monitoring many vehicles simultaneously and remotely assisting or operating vehicles when the autonomy needs human assistance.
“Over the past several years, we’ve proven repeatedly that remote operation is transformational for logistics operators,” said Shai Magzimof, co-founder and CEO at Phantom Auto. “Phantom is helping customers scale unmanned operations sooner while enabling the next frontier of remote work.”
Mitsubishi said remote operation is a necessary complement to AGVs and AMRs, helping to address edge cases that prevent autonomous operations from scaling. With a human-in-the-loop approach, end-users can scale up unmanned autonomous operations without compromising on operational uptime, throughput, and safety, the company said.
“Remote operation unlocks amazing operational efficiencies for our customers,” said Brian Markison, senior director of AGV sales at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Our partnership with Phantom enables them to achieve unprecedented oversight and control over their material handling equipment, even with the vehicle operators located states or continents away.”
Phantom Auto was founded in 2017, and specializes in remote operation of all types of unmanned vehicles. For more details on the company’s software, visit the Phantom Auto website.
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