Sumitomo NACCO Forklift chooses BlueBotics’ ANT navigationto Drive new Pickio AGF

The Japanese forklift truck leader has partnered with BlueBotics to develop its latest automated vehicle, based on the Swiss navigation leader’s ANT technology.

18 February 2025, Obu, JP / St-Sulpice, CH: Sumitomo NACCO Forklift of Japan has partnered with Swiss vehicle automation leader BlueBotics to create a new automated guided forklift (AGF).

Under the partnership, Sumitomo NACCO Forklift will use BlueBotics’ ANT navigation technology and ANT server fleet management software to drive a new automated version of its popular Pickio vehicle platform, called the Pickio Pallet Picker.

“We are honored to work with such an important Japanese player as it expands its automated vehicle offering,” commented Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. “Driven by our robust ANT navigation and managed by ANT server fleet manager, Sumitomo NACCO Forklift’s Pickio Pallet Picker is a great fit for the country’s forward-thinking manufacturers and logistics operators.”

“We pride ourselves on working with the market’s technology leaders,” said Atsushi Hinami of Sumitomo NACCO Forklift’s Engineering Department – Emerging Technology Group, “so partnering with BlueBotics was the obvious choice. By implementing the company’s ANT technology, we ensure our new Pickio vehicle is precise, robust, and easy for companies to use, benefits that are key for Japanese enterprises.”

The Pickio Pallet Picker is designed to be used in flat picking areas. This ride-on, hybrid system can be levelled according to the height of the goods being transported and promises to significantly reduce the labor required for picking operations.

In addition to incorporating ANT technology by BlueBotics (which is a ZAPI GROUP company), the Pickio Pallet Picker also runs on Zapi motor drive technology.

About Sumitomo NACCO Forklift

Sumitomo NACCO Forklift was established in 1970 as a joint investment of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc. in the USA.

Sumitomo NACCO Forklift takes a customer-centric approach when building best-in-class forklifts. Constant communication with clients and the people on the ground in logistics ensures each vehicle delivers what is needed. Sumitomo NACCO Forklift focuses on the growing Japanese and Asia-Pacific market, with local presences throughout the region.

Visit sumitomonacco.co.jp/en/ to learn more.