Forklifts have been around a long time. For example, Hyster and Yale, two brands Eastern Lift Truck Co. represents, have been at the vanguard of lift truck innovation for one hundred years, helping improve the efficiency and productivity of warehouse and other material handling operations around the world.
In recent years the forklift market has continued to grow, and the pace and scope of new technological development has increased as well. In 2024 the global forklift market revenue earned $134,251 million and is predicted to increase to $289,307 million by 2030. Manufacturers and dealerships have committed to new technology to help keep operators safe, owners deal with labor shortages, and generally improve the overall experience anyone operating or working around forklifts.
Let’s learn more about current and future forklift technology, by reviewing some key developments in forklift automation and robotics, telematics, data analytics and more.
2025 Forklift Trends to Watch
As a warehouse operator, knowing how the latest forklift technology can benefit your business is important. This knowledge helps inform your decision to upgrade equipment and stay competitive in your respective industry. The following forklift advancements may be just what you need to improve your operation:
1. Forklift Automation and Robotics
More and more warehouses and distribution centers are deploying driverless forklifts or autonomous mobile robots (AMR) to enhance operations. AMRs can perform storage tasks independently, such as routine transportation of carts and pallets. They use advanced sensors to navigate a warehouse, detect obstacles and reroute accordingly. AMRs are also equipped with advanced safety features to work alongside human employees. Regarding implementation, AMR systems can be deployed and tested within days or weeks.
Many AMRs are now equipped with swarm robotics, a feature that enables multiple AMRs to function collectively by interacting and sharing data. This forklift technology trend offers improved robotic coordination within designated warehouse floors. Because they can track each other’s movements, AMRs can maximize the transportation of goods and prevent errors.
Upgrading to the latest automated forklifts provides the following benefits:
- Boosts productivity: An AMR system can increase your facility’s accuracy and productivity through consistent performance.
- Fulfills labor demand: If your warehouse lacks forklift operators, having a reliable AMR ensures your carts and pallets are moved as needed.
- Helps decrease errors: Automation entails pre-programming, which helps reduce occasional operational mistakes from employees.
2. Electric Forklifts and Sustainability
Another crucial forklift technology trend (that has been ongoing for the past few decades) is the shift to electric forklifts. While traditional diesel and propane-powered forklifts are still available, many companies are upgrading to more eco-friendly electric forklifts that do not produce carbon emissions. This eliminates dangerous emissions, making it cleaner, safer and healthier for indoor workers. Electric forklifts are also much quieter, which helps improve safety and the overall warehouse environment.
As businesses upgrade their equipment, many choose energy-efficient electric forklifts powered by lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries charge faster and last longer than lead-acid batteries and may be opportunity charged. Lithium-ion-powered forklifts are more sustainable in the long term, convert energy into more productive work and help decrease operational costs.
3. Integrated Telematic Systems
Many new forklifts now come with telematics technology, a 2025 lift truck trend that enables warehouse managers to track and maintain their fleet remotely. This technology integrates advanced sensors and cloud-based data storage to help warehouses gather key information from their forklifts. This allows managers to access real-time operational data, such as productivity metrics, location, operator performance and forklift maintenance requirements. A bird’s eye view of ongoing fleet operations empowers businesses to plan and make strategic adjustments.
Telematic technology helps optimize fleet management more effectively. Here’s how it can benefit storage facilities:
- Improves fleet productivity: Better tracking and coordination enable fleet managers to maximize forklift use. They can review performance metrics and create a unified goal that helps streamline fleet operations.
- Prioritizes timely maintenance: Telematic technology can alert your computer system when forklifts need maintenance and repairs. Fleet managers can provide prompt repairs to ensure forklifts are in optimum condition.
- Reduces downtime: With improved tracking capability, fleet managers can easily assign available forklifts in an area if the initial equipment needs repairs. This ensures operations can run smoothly despite setbacks.
4. Data Analytics for Fleet Management
Companies are harnessing the power of data analytics, another dynamic forklift technology trend that transforms traditional fleet management. Advanced algorithms take data tracking to another level, giving businesses the insights they need to make smarter decisions. Data analytics can also incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology to extract more complex insights before implementing changes. By analyzing patterns, recognizing productivity trends and identifying pain points, warehouses can take a longer view to refine and boost their operations continuously.
Implementing data analytics with new forklift technology offers the following advantages:
- Optimizes fleet size: Data analytics can pinpoint underused assets and help fleet managers determine the appropriate number of forklifts. This allows businesses to save by not over-purchasing forklifts. Similarly, if the fleet lacks additional units, operational downtimes are reduced.
- Predictive maintenance: Fleet managers can identify potential maintenance issues before they become a big problem. This enables them to be more proactive about scheduling repairs, which helps prolong the life span of their forklifts.
- Improves operator safety: Fleet managers can review operator performance insights, helping reinforce proper safety protocols. With targeted support and training, it reduces workplace damage and injury to operators.
5. Emphasis on Workers’ Safety
Although this topic is number five on our list, it could very well have been listed first. The future of forklift technology is all about safety, with manufacturers focusing on features that protect workers and enhance safety regulations. Features like operator assist and forklift collision avoidance systems are becoming more common in warehouses and other industrial environments. Thankfully, collision avoidance systems dramatically decrease the risk of forklift crashes and tip-overs that cause injuries. Another crucial feature, load sensors prevent operators from overloading their lift trucks and causing accidents. Similar features like proximity sensors, warning lights and rollover prevention systems help reduce forklift hazards.
Safety standards are paramount and forklift manufacturers continue to meet safety regulations and anticipate future workplace challenges. By staying ahead of these trends, warehouse managers can implement proper safety requirements and shape the future of workplace safety.
Buy New High-Quality Forklifts at Eastern Lift Truck Co.
Upgrade to new lift trucks that boost warehouse efficiency and safety, and choose the latest quality forklifts from Eastern Lift Truck Co. We are your trusted partner for material handling equipment sales and services. Set your sights on the future and browse our reliable forklifts, including all types of electric lift trucks, robotic forklifts, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for storage facilities. Our inventory also includes high-capacity forklifts for outside the warehouse setting, rough terrain, and other demanding applications.
With over 50 years in the business, Eastern Lift Truck Co. is an well-established forklift dealership that provides sales, rental equipment and parts from the most reputable manufacturers. If you need forklift repairs and maintenance services, we have a dedicated team of trained technicians ready to serve you. We also offer warehouse products and services, such as pallet rack solutions, conveyor systems and warehouse design services tailored to suit your needs.
Contact us online today for a new forklift and other material handling services.
