The Secret to More Productive Warehouses? Wireless Charging

How to Save Time and Get More Done with Wireless Charging

Wireless charging for forklifts, autonomous vehicles, and other material handling equipment saves time and enables teams to get more done. By powering fleets as they work and eliminating the need for manual labor to connect and disconnect chargers, wireless chargers improve operational efficiency and provide an ideal operator experience, where charging is so easy it becomes an afterthought. 

Continue reading to discover the specific ways wireless charging saves time and improves fleet productivity.

Automated Charging

‍Traditional wired charging methods require connecting and disconnecting cables, which can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple forklifts and/or battery types that require different chargers and charging procedures. Wireless charging eliminates this step, allowing for instant, automatic charging that occurs once the forklift enters the charging range. Resonant Link’s 19.2 kW, 400 A wireless charging system makes this process even easier through visual indicators on the charger that let operators know when they’re in the parking range.

Elimination of Cable Hassles

‍With wireless charging, there are no cables to manage, untangle, replace, or wear out, saving valuable time and reducing the potential for accidents, such as tripping over charging cables.

Seamless Charging During Breaks

‍Wireless charging allows lift trucks to be charged during scheduled breaks and planned downtime, including at planned stops like conveyors and ends of aisles, without the need for operator intervention. This continuous charging process ensures that equipment is always ready for use when needed.

Efficient Use of Time

‍Wireless charging maximizes the use of time, including planned downtime, ensuring that equipment is charged and ready for operation when employees return to their tasks. This is particularly valuable in multi-shift operations and large facilities where having dedicated wired charging stations and battery swapping rooms means operators have to drive elsewhere in the facility simply to charge their trucks, creating unnecessary downtime en route. Wireless chargers, instead, can be placed conveniently throughout the warehouse, on planned routes and where they can be used to further optimize operations.

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Quick and Simple Charging Process

‍With wireless charging, all that's required is positioning the forklift in the charge range relative to the transmit base station. There's no need to plug and unplug cables or align connectors, making it a user-friendly and time-saving process that requires very little training and can enable true autonomy for autonomous vehicles. The simplicity of wireless charging is especially valuable for new team members and english language learners. 

No Charging Wait Times

‍Traditional charging methods often involve waiting for trucks to power down to charge batteries, and waiting for batteries to charge to unplug chargers, especially when charging occurs during shifts, all of which leads to extended downtime. Wireless charging systems are designed to deliver rapid charging, reducing wait times, and work without needing a person. In fact, because charging starts and stops automatically, there’s no wait time at all.

Operational Flexibility

Wireless charging enables more flexibility in terms of when and where charging can occur. Forklifts and other vehicles can be charged at various locations within a facility, ensuring that they are always in proximity to a charging source when needed. Additionally, wireless charging stations can be moved as operations change or facilities are optimized for different needs.

Enhanced Safety

‍Wireless charging systems, with no exposed cables or connectors, contribute to a safer working environment by reducing tripping hazards, the risk of electrical accidents, and injuries from battery swapping. This helps maintain a safe and efficient workflow.

Optimized Productivity

‍With wireless charging, employees can focus on their core tasks, without being distracted by the charging process. This leads to increased productivity and improved workflow efficiency.

Low Maintenance

‍Traditional charging cables and connectors are prone to wear and tear, which leads to frequent maintenance and repair needs. Wireless charging systems have no moving parts to break or wear out, resulting in very low maintenance requirements.

Summary

Wireless charging automates charging processes, eliminates the time-consuming aspects of traditional charging, and ensures that equipment is readily available when needed. These time-saving benefits can significantly enhance productivity and contribute to overall operational efficiency in a variety of industries and settings.

Do you have questions about piloting wireless charging in your facility? Contact our team to discuss your power and energy needs.

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Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik.