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LABOUR COSTS BOOST AUTOMATION DEMAND
UK lift truck operator’s average yearly earnings according to
talent.com) the NI changes will add in the region of £800 per operator, per year, to a company’s staff costs. “With the prevailing shortage of warehouse workers already driving wage competition, interest in automated systems was high before the budget, but since the increase in NI costs announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of ‘serious’ requests we’ve been getting for information about automation and robotics has increased significantly,” said Toyota’s Paul Freeman, head of business development. “By effectively making it more difficult and costly to recruit
Above: Logistics services companies are transitioning to a more automated operation
Toyota Material Handling says it has experienced a surge in enquiries for its range of automated and robotic warehouse solutions since the increase in National Insurance employer contributions was announced in the government’s autumn 2024 budget statement. The hike in the rate at which NI contributions are paid – from
13.8% to 15% – combined with a lower threshold after which employers start paying NI on an employee’s salary, has added considerably to the wage bill of most companies. Indeed, it is estimated that for each individual forklift truck driver employed on an annual salary of around £23,400 (a
warehouse personnel, the Chancellor has accelerated the trend for companies in all sectors to introduce automated and robotic solutions as a way of mitigating the impact of the high cost of labour on operating overheads,” he continued. He added that companies are particularly keen to explore the
role that driverless forklift truck technology – such as Toyota’s Autopilot series – could play in their intralogistics processes. “Transforming traditional lift trucks into automated guided vehicles (AGVs) not only eliminates reliance on forklift operators: the technology also delivers notable reductions in product and building infrastructure damage as well as increases in productivity and throughput rates,” said Mr Freeman. “Logistics services companies were already starting to
transition away from their traditional reliance on people to a more automated approach, but since the budget the pace of change appears to have rapidly increased,” he added. ■
unique but unmistakably Toyota appearance. Inspired by the iconic shape of the katana, the dynamic frame line under the operator’s seat and the accentuated design of the cabin add to the pristine look.
The Traigo_i, specifically designed with lithium-ion batteries, offers an easy access to the charging port integrated into the counterweight allowing for quicker and more efficient opportunity charging. On the standard Traigo48 models equipped with lead-acid battery, the side chassis panel door allows for quick and efficient battery exchange.
PERFORMANCE MEETS INNOVATION The new Toyota Traigo48 forklifts range boasts high levels of productivity. SyncoDrive from Toyota offers an important reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous model, ensuring optimal efficiency and enhanced responsiveness. The combination of an IPM (interior permanent magnet) synchronous motor for traction, and advanced controllers for swift load handling operations delivers smooth, reliable performance across tasks like stacking, loading, unloading, and horizontal transport.
Further enhancing their efficiency, the 48-volt electric trucks can also be equipped with an optional high-performance motor for lifting, offering an additional boost to productivity. This combination of advanced technology and performance ensures that Toyota’s new Traigo48 range will meet the needs of demanding applications, while also reducing energy usage.
Thanks to these improvements, the new Traigo48 can achieve up to an 18% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous model.
DRIVER COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY The Toyota Traigo_i model takes the operator experience to the next level, focusing on ergonomics and comfort. With an emphasis on providing a spacious work space and excellent legroom, the Traigo_i creates an environment that promotes productivity and comfort for drivers, even during long shifts. “The symmetry of the design gives the truck functional aesthetics, usability benefits and operational efficiency,” said Magnus Oliveira Andersson, head of design at Toyota Material Handling Europe.
“Unmatched design that puts a new
perspective on the evolution of Toyota Material Handling Europe’s design language and demonstrates its future philosophy.” Additionally, as part of the new overall design, the operator compartment on both designed for lithium-ion and standard models has been enhanced with features such as a smaller steering wheel, an adjustable steering column and a new armrest with choice of levers.
There is also an integrated colour touchscreen display providing an easy man-machine interface. Forward visibility is further enhanced by the updated overhead guard and the new lower dashboard design. The full-floating driver compartment, mounted on four suspended dampers, drastically reduces vibrations, ensuring a smooth, low-noise operation that enhances operator comfort and lessens fatigue. An optional wide visibility glass roof further enhances visibility, allowing operators to have a clearer upward view on the forks and loads, adding to the overall safety. With all these improvements, driving becomes more intuitive and comfortable, greatly enhancing driver ergonomics and efficiency. ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2025 | TTJ
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