Industrial exploitation of computer vision in logistic automation: autonomous control of an intelligent forklift truck

The paper describes an application of computer vision in the autonomous guidance of a traditional forklift truck, ROBOLIFT, which is a product of Elsag Bailey Telerobot and FIAT OM. Computer vision represents the main sensory system for both navigation and load recognition. The system is now shifting from the prototype stage to production and commercialization. Field tests have been carried out and results are reported.