Geodis and Phantom Auto produce the first remotely operated forklift

Global logistics provider Geodis has partnered with Phantom Auto, an expert in long-range remote operation software for unmanned vehicles, to develop a forklift truck that can be controlled from a distance by a remote operator or ‘digital driver’ – able to switch between different vehicles and between different warehouses with the click of a button, all from the safety of a distant office.

It said the first successful tests took place in France – Levallois and Le Mans – as part of a multi-year cooperation between Geodis, Phantom Auto, and Fenwick-Linde to create the first remotely operated forklift, capable of being controlled from thousands of miles away. It said the development was “the precursor of a revolution in the nature of work in the logistics industry, expanding opportunity to people from historically underrepresented demographics” – including women, people with physical disabilities, and people that are geographically isolated.

The solution uses a Fenwick forklift combined with Phantom’s secure, network-agnostic, and interoperable remote operation software to enable remote workers to operate the vehicle, unlocking efficiency and equipment utilisation gains, Geodis said. For example, one remote worker can operate multiple forklifts at a number of warehouses at different times of the day, all from one central location. 

This cooperation stems from a creative idea from a Geodis manager and was developed in the framework of the Geodis internal innovation programme, the company explained.

Geodis remote operators, also referred to as digital drivers, will be able to ‘teleport’ between different vehicles and between different warehouses with the click of a button, all from the safety of a distant office. Phantom’s software provides Geodis’ remote operators with real-time eyes and ears all around each vehicle, enabling them to safely and confidently guide the vehicles from wherever is convenient.

Geodis said the innovative programme was “aimed at improving comfort and safety, and creating job opportunities for people with physical disabilities and others that are historically underrepresented in the logistics industry”.

It said the  remotely operated forklift programme contributes to: reduce injuries and increase overall safety in warehouses; reduce the number of people physically inside warehouses to enhance worker comfort; create new future-proof remote operator jobs that can be carried out within a office environment; hire individuals who may have physical disabilities restricting their use of traditional forklifts, as well as individuals from other historically underrepresented demographics; recruit from regions outside of where warehouses are located, including areas of higher unemployment.

“Phantom Auto’s technology enables dynamic balancing of workforce allocation, safer warehouses, enhanced worker well-being, and employment opportunities to those who otherwise could not physically drive forklifts,” said Stéphanie Hervé, Geodis’ Chief Operating Officer Western Europe, Middle East & Africa. “This innovation will be of benefit to the wider community and indicates the future of logistics operations. We believe that technology should serve people, and that is what this partnership with Phantom Auto illustrates.”

Shai Magzimof, co-founder of Phantom Auto, commented: “Phantom is proud to have partnered with Geodis in Europe in this ground-breaking initiative, which delivers multiple benefits in efficiency and the provision of a safer working environment.”

Co-founder Elliot Katz added: “Phantom’s remote operation software can help people with physical disabilities not just to get from point A to point B, but also with actual employment opportunities, and we are thrilled that Geodis is using our technology for good.”

Fenwick-Linde is the French subsidiary of Linde Material Handling, part of KION Group, a globally operating manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, and a solutions and service provider for intralogistics. 

Geodis is a top-rated, global supply chain operator offering Supply Chain Optimisation, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport solutions. It has a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries.

Phantom Auto specialises in remote operation of all types of unmanned vehicles with customers throughout the world. Founded in 2017 in Silicon Valley by a team of real-time communication and robotics experts, Phantom Auto’s interoperable solution enables people to remotely monitor, assist, and operate fleets of unmanned vehicles from up to thousands of miles away – including forklifts, robots, trucks, passenger vehicles, and more.