Linde Material Handling, a leading provider of materials handling equipment, has introduced a new range of next generation automated forklift as part of its updated product portfolio.
This fleet expansion comes as more warehouses are turning to automation to protect from labour shortages while unlocking greater efficiency and reduced costs.
The new lineup includes the Linde K MATIC k VNA turret truck; a very narrow aisle forklift with a load capacity of 1.5 tons and a lift height of up to 14.5 meters.
Other additions include the Linde R-MATIC k reach truck, available in three versions with lift capacities up to 2.3 tons for wide-aisle areas, and the Linde L MATIC AC counterbalanced pallet stacker with cantilevered forks for flexible pallet handling.
These additions complement previously launched automated models such as the L-MATIC HD k pallet stacker and the compact L-MATIC core variant, completing Linde’s updated portfolio and offering a broad range of options to intralogistics players.
Pascal Kuster, Sales Trainer Automated Guided Vehicles at Linde MH, said, “There is a clear and growing transition toward automated solutions in the industry right now. More operators are looking to transform their warehouse processes to meet future demands and improve efficiency.
“Each of these new trucks is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems or support an end-to-end automated solution. This helps customers improve material flow with minimal disruption and reduced implementation time, while maximising productivity and operational flexibility.”
The new vehicles feature sensor-based pallet positioning systems with ‘intelligent’ forks for the precise storage and retrieval of qualified load carriers such as Euro pallets, mesh boxes and CHEP pallets.
This system can detect empty rack locations, identify obstacles and automatically adjust for misaligned pallets, ensuring safe load handling.
The forklifts, which operate on either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, are managed via Linde’s MATIC:move+ software platform, which supports real-time monitoring, order tracking, predictive maintenance and integration with WMS and ERP systems.
The Linde Warehouse Manager software also enables coordination between automated and manual vehicles and supports integration with safety systems like the Linde Safety Guard.
To further support safety, the forklifts include a range of standard and optional features including:
- 360° scanners
- Emergency stop switches
- Lights and acoustic safety signals
- 2D curtain lasers
- Reflector technology for navigation
Pascal highlighted how technology goes hand-in-hand with planning, strategy and standardisation when integrating automation.
He said: “Our new vehicles play a key role in our automation solutions; however, good project planning and preparation are just as critical to success – after all operations are investing in much more than just a product.
“The standardisation of processes is an essential prerequisite for any automation project and it’s important to remember that automated trucks do not always replicate manual workflows one-to-one, so understanding and adapting processes is crucial.
“For example; if a reach truck operator was previously also responsible for transporting goods from the receiving area to the high-bay racking, in an automated system it may be more efficient to use an automated pallet stacker for this.”
He added: “We work closely with customers from the initial planning stages through implementation and beyond. This includes defining key performance indicators and simulating material flows using digital twin technology to ensure smooth integration and reliable operation.
“We also recognise the impact that downtime can have and deliver rapid maintenance and repair once solutions are in place.”
Pascal highlighted that investment in automation helps operations empower their workforce by shifting employees toward high-value tasks, while unmanned vehicles take care of routine load movements.
