CCA - Forklift Display - Enhancing Visibility to Promote Safety in the Work Environment

Here is my concept placed within a forklift. It would be attached above like a rearview mirror in a car. Looking above for visibility in a car is a natural human interaction which is why it was placed here. This screen would be integrated into all forklifts in the future to promote safety and familiarity with Gen-Z operators. I used Fusion 360 and Keyshot in order to visualize my concept.

I began this project trying to get a feel for what it’s like to drive a forklift so I opted to use a forklift simulator. I also relied on a forklift simulator because of the familiarity Gen-Z has with video games and I was hoping to gain insight on how a simulator handles driving a forklift. I realized after playing the simulator that video games allow you to extend your visibility with additional perspectives. So I began testing camera placement in my car to test for the best potential areas cameras and a screen could be utilized to add visibility.

Using the forklift simulator and doing additional prototyping, I found the best placement for cameras a screen to be near the front, rear, and sides of a forklift. The display screen is best placed near eye level of driver.

For my concept, I wanted to stick with Toyota’s theme of orange and black. I also wanted to use materials like anodized aluminum and matte materials to decrease reflections my concept would have which could compromise visibility.

The screen has three distinct buttons with different features. One camera mode allows you to switch the screen to one essential camera. This feature would most likely be used when a forklift operator is stagnant and needs a specific camera to see the forks when lifting a package or when attempting to reverse. The multi camera mode allows you to view multiple cameras simultaneously. This feature would be used specifically when a forklift is in motion, which is the most essential time a forklift operator needs the most visibility. The dial would control which cameras would be displayed. For example one screen could show the left and right sides and maybe behind as well.