# Automated Robotic Forklifts OTTO's 'Lifter' Robot Can Carry Pallets Through Dynamic Environments By Colin Smith | Published 2022-03-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifter References: [zdnet](https://www.zdnet.com/article/supply-chain-woes-say-hi-to-the-worlds-smartest-forklift/) & [ottomotors](https://ottomotors.com/)  '[OTTO Motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otto-1200),' the company focused on creating autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions, has launched 'Lifter,' a [smart robotic forklift](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/q-series-electric-cushion-for-cat-lift-trucks). This forklift is compact, self-managed, and capable of performing various challenging tasks that previously required a human. While many AMRs have been created to [automate production lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phl-group) and other simple tasks through programmable robotic arms, OTTO stated that none have been able to "pick up a pallet on its own." The Lifter solves this problem and goes beyond this simple expectation. Not only can the Lifter pick up and carry a pallet autonomously, but it can navigate through both predictable and structured environments as well as certain crowded and dynamic environments, safely. OTTO's Lifter has accurate sensors that cover 360-degree viewpoints, allowing it to stop itself from colliding with people or objects. When factoring in the operation cost of the Lifter, the robot's "wage" works out to approximately $9 USD per hour, which is quite affordable considering this is below the minimum wage for a human. Image Credit: OTTO Motors ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) for Warehousing:** The Lifter from OTTO Motors demonstrates an opportunity for AMRs to take the lead in the automation of complex warehousing tasks beyond simple processes on production lines. - **Smart Robotic Forklifts for Dynamic Environments:** This technology provides a solution for efficient and safe automation of the movement of goods through unpredictable environments, which has previously been restricted by the limitations of human abilities. - **360-degree Sensing Technology for Safe Navigation:** The use of 360-degree sensors in robotics opens up opportunities to enhance the safety of various autonomous applications, including forklifts, drones, and autonomous vehicles. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Logistics:** The Lifter and similar smart forklifts can revolutionize the tasks in warehouses and pose an opportunity for logistics providers to consider the development of similar machines for their operations. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing can take advantage of these AMRs to increase their speed and efficiency in the transportation of goods across dynamic and crowded environments in the factory floor. - **Robotics:** 360-degree sensors and other sensing technologies can introduce new innovation opportunities for robotics manufacturers to enhance the safety of autonomous machines beyond manufacturing or warehouses. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [High-Weight Warehouse-Ready Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otto-1200.md) - [Autonomous Support Cargo Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evobot.md) - [Warehouse-Ready Robotic Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuka-kmp-1500p.md) - [Indoor-Outdoor Delivery Bots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ottobot.md) - [Robotic Locker-Style Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ottobot-locker.md) - [Factory-Ready Cargo Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dex-autonomous-robot.md) - [Pneumatic Suction Factory Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-robot-company.md) - [Factory-Implemented Pallet Mover Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pallet-mover.md) - [Warehouse Order Delivery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocado-600.md)