Key Aspects of Workplace Safety and Efficiency Based on Dynamic Forklift Testing in the Context of Industry 4.0
Purpose: The research aimed to solve the problem of accidents involving forklifts in warehouses, logistics centers, and production plants. The research focused on comparing the efficiency of frontal forklifts and autonomous forklifts. A bibliometric review of thematic publications was also conducted using the Scopus database. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methods adopted to solve the research problems were bibliometric analyses and my own research. The research focused on comparing the efficiency of frontal forklifts and autonomous forklifts. Findings: The research methods adopted to support the work and solve the research problems were a literature search and own research. The research focused on comparing the efficiency of frontal forklifts and autonomous forklifts. The obtained data, generated using the WMS system, were analyzed and evaluated. The study assessed factors such as the time of the order-picking process, working time, and waiting time for orders. Practical implications: As a result of the research on the efficiency of the trucks, the hypothesis was verified positively. Autonomous forklifts showed a better result in the order execution time, with an average of 10 minutes. In contrast, in the case of the front forklift, the average value of the order execution time is 15 minutes. The data on the waiting time for the order are comparable; this factor also depends on the Internet speed and the computing power of the computers used. In the case of autonomous trucks, the data is sent directly to the truck, so it can start working immediately after receiving the orders. On the other hand, front forklifts performed better in the total working time, the average of which was 5 hours. This is a better result than the autonomous forklift, whose average total working time during the day was 4 hours. Originality: Based on the measurements and research results obtained, it can be concluded that many accidents involving forklifts are caused by excessive speed or by neglecting factors that may affect the occurrence of an accident at work, which may lead to significant material losses or loss of life or health.