Title: Design of control system to prevent forklift capsize

Authors: Mirko Rinchi, Luca Pugi, Fabio Bartolini, Luigi Gozzi

Addresses: Applied Mechanics Group, Dipartimento di Energerica Sergio Stecco, University of Florence, Via Santa Marta 3, Florence, Italy. ' Applied Mechanics Group, Dipartimento di Energerica Sergio Stecco, University of Florence, Via Santa Marta 3, Florence, Italy. ' Applied Mechanics Group, Dipartimento di Energerica Sergio Stecco, University of Florence, Via Santa Marta 3, Florence, Italy. ' Pramac Group S.p.A., Casole D'Elsa, SI, Italy

Abstract: The analysis of statistical data on work accidents involving forklifts and other industrial vehicles suggests the implementation of sensor-based monitoring and control/supervision systems in order to increase work safety. In fact, drivers| training and proper safety procedures are not sufficient to assure to drastically reduce fatalities and other accidents involving humans. The human factor is responsible for the majority of said accidents: in this context, reliable measurements on machine operation and the surrounding environment together with advanced reasoning and decision-making techniques may reduce the impact of human errors and/or prevent them. Authors have developed in collaboration with the Pramac Group, an international supplier of handling equipments, an innovative control system briefly called in this work active vehicle protection system.

Keywords: forklift trucks; industrial vehicles; stability control; work accidents; work safety; forklift capsize.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2010.033730

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2010 Vol.5 No.1, pp.35 - 58

Received: 30 Jul 2008
Accepted: 31 Aug 2009
Published online: 29 Jun 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article