LiDAR-based ProximityAssist operator assist system debuts amid rising focus on pedestrian safety.
Crown Equipment Corporation has unveiled a new operator assist feature aimed at reducing forklift collisions and reinforcing operator training. Known as the ProximityAssist System, this LiDAR-based technology dynamically detects objects in a forklift’s expected path of travel and responds by slowing the vehicle, giving operators critical reaction time and sensory feedback to help avoid incidents.
The system is now available on select new Crown models, including reach trucks, order pickers, and stand-up counterbalance lift trucks, and can also be retrofitted onto certain turret trucks, tow tractors, and rider pallet trucks.
“The ProximityAssist System can be a valuable tool for reinforcing operator training and increasing awareness,” said Jared Green, director of global sales for automation and emerging technology at Crown Equipment. “It is important to note that this type of detection and alert system does not eliminate the responsibility of operators and pedestrians to be aware of each other and maintain a safe working environment. Operators must be fully trained and capable of operating the lift truck safely with or without the assist feature.”
ProximityAssist: Advanced Detection Built for the Real World
What sets Crown’s ProximityAssist System apart is its ability to integrate with a forklift’s steering and travel systems to automatically adjust the sensor’s field of view in real time. This dynamic field of view adapts based on steering direction and travel speed to focus detection on the likely path of movement, more effectively than static systems that monitor a fixed zone.
The system uses LiDAR sensors that are housed in rugged steel to protect them from workplace damage. Positioned low to the ground, they are configured to detect objects such as racking, pallet loads, boxes, and other obstacles close to floor level, particularly when traveling in the power unit direction. The goal is to provide actionable awareness without compromising the operator’s control or overloading them with distractions.
Forklifts equipped with Crown’s InfoLink® 7” Touch Display or the Gena® operating system’s 7” touchscreen will also provide visual and audible alerts when an object is detected, reinforcing situational awareness.
Why Forklift Safety Features Matter
The rollout of new assistive technologies like Crown’s ProximityAssist System comes at a time when forklift safety remains a critical concern across industries. According to OSHA, forklift-related accidents cause approximately 85 fatalities and over 34,000 serious injuries annually in the United States alone. Roughly one in four of these incidents involve a pedestrian being struck by a forklift—often due to blind spots, congestion, or insufficient warning.
The National Safety Council further reports that 24,960 nonfatal injuries involving days away from work were attributed to forklifts in 2023. Many of these incidents occur in warehousing and manufacturing environments where forklifts and foot traffic must coexist in close quarters.
Given this backdrop, the adoption of systems that both assist the operator and enhance existing training becomes even more essential. The ProximityAssist System isn’t intended to replace safety fundamentals—it reinforces them.
Designed for Seamless Integration
Crown emphasizes that the ProximityAssist System is not a one-size-fits-all add-on. Instead, it is engineered and configured for each specific forklift model, ensuring alignment with how the vehicle steers, travels, and maneuvers. This model-specific integration enhances detection accuracy and operator confidence.
“Our design, engineering and onboarding process distinguishes the ProximityAssist System from other operator assist systems, generating reliable performance to increase user acceptance and build operator confidence,” Green added.
The combination of smart sensor placement, adaptive software, and seamless touchscreen alerts makes the ProximityAssist System a compelling safety enhancement for new and existing Crown customers.
To learn more about this technology and how it fits into Crown’s broader safety and innovation strategy, visit www.crown.com.
