Forward-Reach Autonomous Forklift Designed for Cruciform Pallets in Smart Warehousing

The next generation of warehouse automation demands more than basic mobility. It calls for intelligent machines capable of adapting to tight spaces, high racking systems, and complex pallet formats. Among the most challenging types of pallets in automation is the cruciform pallet, known for its full-perimeter bottom support. Many AGVs and forklifts struggle with this design—until now. The forward-reach autonomous forklift by Reeman was purpose-built to solve this challenge, offering seamless pallet interaction, precise handling, and fully autonomous operation in modern storage environments.

Why Cruciform Pallets Require a Specialized Forklift Design

A cruciform pallet (also called a perimeter base pallet) has bottom deck boards running in both directions, forming a full square or rectangular frame underneath. This structure offers more strength, rigidity, and stability—ideal for heavy loads and stacking. However, it also creates a problem for traditional forklifts and AGVs, which rely on inserting forks into open spaces beneath the pallet.

Standard AGVs often have difficulty aligning precisely with cruciform pallets, leading to improper lifting, friction damage, or complete failure to pick the load. Manual labor is sometimes still needed to adjust or position the pallet, defeating the purpose of automation.

Reeman’s forward-reach autonomous forklift resolves this with a design tailored to the cruciform structure. It uses advanced 3D pallet recognition, ultra-precise fork positioning, and a reach-forward mechanism to ensure clean, repeatable entries into the fork pockets—no misalignments, no delays, and no human intervention.

The Benefits of Cruciform Pallet Compatibility

The ability to autonomously handle cruciform pallets opens new possibilities for smart warehouses:

• Wider Pallet Compatibility
  Businesses can continue using existing pallet infrastructure (including cruciform types) without needing to invest in standardized AGV-compatible designs.

• Full Automation
  By overcoming a key barrier, Reeman’s forklift allows companies to eliminate manual corrections, achieving end-to-end automation across their logistics chain.

• Improved Safety and Stability
  Cruciform pallets provide better load distribution, reducing the chance of tipping or product damage during movement or lifting—especially at height.

• Higher Storage Density
  These pallets are often used in high-rack, compact warehouse designs. The forward-reach autonomous forklift can navigate narrow aisles with ease, making full use of vertical and horizontal space.

Forward-Reach Functionality in Narrow Aisles

The forklift’s 2-meter turning radius and compact body (only 980 mm wide) allow it to operate in ultra-narrow aisles and

 constrained layouts. This is especially important in e-commerce warehouses, cold storage, or urban fulfillment centers where space is at a premium.

With 360° obstacle detection, LIDAR, and ultrasonic sensors, the forklift can confidently navigate between racks, avoiding collisions while maintaining optimal speed. The front-mounted fork design enables it to approach racking systems head-on, making loading and unloading from door racks faster and safer.

Power and Performance Built for the Future

Equipped with a lifting height of 2.5 meters and 1.2-ton rated capacity, the Reeman forklift handles a wide range of products and materials. Its ±10 mm positioning accuracy and ±5 mm lifting accuracy ensure goods are placed exactly where they should be—critical for high-level racking or automated inventory systems.

To maintain uptime, the forklift includes quick-change battery slots and automatic charging functionality. It can detect low power levels, autonomously dock at a charging station, and resume operation—all without human intervention.

Full Connectivity and Modular Maintenance

Reeman’s forklift is more than a machine; it’s a connected part of the warehouse ecosystem. Supporting both Wi-Fi and 5G, it integrates with modern WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to receive task updates, send real-time data, and adjust routing based on live warehouse conditions.

Maintenance is simplified with a modular architecture, giving technicians fast access to internal systems like the drive motor, battery module, control board, and sensors. This means quicker diagnostics, fewer disruptions, and a longer service life.

Conclusion: Automation Built for Real-World Warehouses

Reeman’s forward-reach autonomous forklift is more than a response to a technical challenge—it’s a blueprint for the future of smart warehousing. By addressing the complexities of cruciform pallet handling, combining precision with maneuverability, and supporting real-time automation, this forklift stands as a reliable solution for high-performance logistics.

As warehouses become more dynamic, scalable, and integrated, adopting such intelligent equipment will be essential—not only for efficiency but also for staying competitive in a fast-moving supply chain landscape.