Optimizing Industrial Forklift Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Position

Abstract: In a freight system there are many pieces of equipment that compose a system context. The system of interest for our examination is less than truckload (LTL) assets. This paper extends previous research of the tractor fleet to the dock fleet comprised of forklifts and operators. Forklifts are used to transport heavy shipments (i.e., fixed assets) inside a warehouse facility. Electronic documentation of these shipments determines trailer manifests, informs customers on freight location, and observes service constraints in real-time. Placement of incoming freight (i.e., warehouse stock) is communicated to forklift operators via an electronic tablet to enable tasking. The tablet displays workflow and informs the operator where to dock or load freight being processed. Finally, we must understand how the forklift operator interacts with the screen. The luminous intensity, luminous flux, luminance, and illuminance resulting from the tablet placement are used to calculate screen glare and realize necessary adjustments. Methods utilized for this research include analysis of device design alternatives, mounting options, and operator visibility. Interviews were conducted to assess perceived distractedness by the operators. This research concludes with a recommendation for tablet mount location that will maximize forklift operation effectiveness within the LTL system context.

Keywords: Human Machine Interface, Parametric Calculations, Vehicle Tablet Mount Design, Model Based Systems Engineering, MBSE, SysML, Forklift

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005845

Cite this paper:

​