Directory · 25 suppliers · checked 23 September 2026

Best autonomous forklift companies and suppliers in the UK (2026)

Compiled by Dr Mohammed Aroussi, updated 23 September 2026

The best autonomous forklift companies in the UK are the manufacturers, dealers and integrators that can supply, commission and support driverless pallet-handling trucks on a British site, and this directory lists 25 of them with the same eight facts checked for each. Every field comes from the supplier's own website or Companies House on 23 September 2026; where a page does not say, the entry reads not stated. Nothing is ranked and no prices are quoted.

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UK buyers meet four kinds of supplier. The forklift manufacturers' UK arms (Linde, Toyota, STILL, Jungheinrich, Hyster, Crown, Mitsubishi Logisnext) sell automated versions of their own trucks through national service networks. Robotics manufacturers (Balyo, AGILOX, VisionNav, AiTEN, MiR, Global AGV, KUKA) build driverless trucks and reach the UK directly or through distributors. Vendor-neutral integrators such as FlyWei design the fleet, choose the machine per task and run mixed fleets on one fleet manager. Independent dealers resell one or more of the above and add local hire and service.

Two fields matter most when you compare them. Navigation type decides whether the site needs reflectors or floor works (natural-feature laser SLAM needs neither). A stated VDA 5050 interface decides whether trucks from different makers can share one control system later. In this directory only FlyWei, Jungheinrich, KUKA and MiR state VDA 5050 on the pages we checked.

All 25 suppliers at a glance

The table repeats the four fields buyers filter on first. Click a name for the full eight-field entry.

#CompanyTypeUK baseVDA 5050Hire or lease
1FlyWei RoboticsVendor-neutral systems integratorOffice One, 1 Coldbath Square, London EC1R 5HL; delivery UK-wideYesPurchase, hire (term agreed per site) and leasing over 3, 5 or 7 years subject to credit approval
2MotionTech UKSystems integratorCharles Park, Cinder Hill Road, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8RENot statedNot stated
3Oakmount Control SystemsUK distributor and integratorEstover Road, Plymouth PL6 7PY; Automation House, Lufton Trading Estate, Yeovil BA22 8HZNot statedLease options available
4RARUK AutomationUK distributorOld Bridge Way, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5HQNot statedFinance plans: 0% interest, 3-month deferred payment, 33 monthly payments
5Granta AutomationPalletising integratorCambridge areaNot statedNot stated
6Linde Material Handling UKForklift manufacturer, UK armKingsclere Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XJNot statedYes: leasing, rental, rent-to-own and short-term rental
7Toyota Material Handling UKForklift manufacturer, UK arm234 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DXNot statedYes: rental solutions
8STILL Materials Handling LtdForklift manufacturer, UK armJacks Way, Hill Barton Business Park, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1FGNot statedYes: forklift hire and rental
9Jungheinrich UK LtdForklift manufacturer, UK armSherbourne House, Sherbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes MK7 8HXYesYes: contract hire, Full Flex rental, leasing and hire purchase
10Hyster (Hyster-Yale) UKForklift manufacturer, dealer-servedServed through exclusive UK dealers (dealer finder on site)Not statedYes: leasing and rentals
11Crown Lift Trucks UKForklift manufacturer, UK armBasingstoke head office; regional centres Warrington and GlasgowNot statedYes: rental forklifts
12Mitsubishi Logisnext UK (Logisnext UK Ltd)Forklift manufacturer, UK armJane Morbey Road, Thame OX9 3RR; Leftfield Park, Walsall WS2 8DQNot statedYes: forklift leasing and rental
13KUKA Robotics UKRobot manufacturer, UK armGreat Western Street, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 7LLYesNot stated
14BalyoRobotics manufacturerNot statedNot statedNot stated
15AGILOXRobotics manufacturerNot stated (no UK location listed)Not statedFinancing options mentioned, terms not stated
16VisionNav RoboticsRobotics manufacturerSold in the UK through Wise Robotics (Lincoln) since 2022; European subsidiary in RotterdamNot statedNot stated
17AiTEN RoboticsRobotics manufacturerNot statedNot statedNot stated
18Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR)Robotics manufacturerUK distributor RARUK Automation, Shefford, BedfordshireYesDistributor finance plans (0% interest, deferred payment options)
19Global AGVRobotics manufacturer (converted trucks)UK distributor Oakmount Control Systems (Plymouth and Yeovil)Not statedLease options available through the UK distributor
20Trucks Direct UKIndependent UK dealerDoranda Way, West Bromwich B71 4LE; Northern, Midlands and Southern officesNot statedYes: contract hire and lease purchase over 3 to 5 years
21StacatrucIndependent UK dealerThatcham (Berkshire), Stockport, Blandford, BecclesNot statedYes: short-term and long-term contract hire
22Lithium Forktrucks UKIndependent UK dealerShaw Cross Business Park, Dewsbury WF12 7RFNot statedNot stated
23ForkwayIndependent UK dealerDewsbury (West Yorkshire), Maidenhead, SouthamptonNot statedYes: hire from 1 day to 5 years, lease options
24HiremechIndependent UK dealerTariff Road, Tottenham, London N17 0DY; depot in WellingboroughNot statedYes: hire by hour, day, week, month or year
25Radnes ServicesIndependent UK dealerImperial Way, Croydon CR0 4RRNot statedYes: next-day forklift hire

Vendor-neutral integrators and distributors

Design the fleet, choose the machine per task and support it on site. FlyWei is the London-based entry in this group.

1.FlyWei Robotics

Vendor-neutral systems integrator
HQ country
United Kingdom (London EC1R); company no. 16178044
UK base or region
Office One, 1 Coldbath Square, London EC1R 5HL; delivery UK-wide
Founded
2025 (UK company incorporated 12 January 2025); company no. 16178044
Models or product family
18 autonomous forklift models across pallet truck, stacker, counterbalance and reach classes, built by our manufacturing partners and run on the M4 fleet manager
Navigation type
Laser SLAM (natural feature, no reflectors or floor works)
VDA 5050 stated
Yes
UK service coverage
UK-wide: free, no-obligation site survey, 8 to 14 week deployment, UK-based engineers
Hire or lease offered
Purchase, hire (term agreed per site) and leasing over 3, 5 or 7 years subject to credit approval

CE-marked machines; deployments carried out with PUWER and LOLER in view. European demonstration site today; a UK demonstration facility is planned for 2027.

Source checked 23 September 2026: flywei.co.uk

2.MotionTech UK

Systems integrator
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Charles Park, Cinder Hill Road, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8RE
Founded
1997; L-A-C, Holloway and AMH trading as MotionTech UK from January 2026
Models or product family
AMRs and AGV forklifts from partner OEMs (brands not named); conveyors; ABB robotics partner
Navigation type
AMRs by LiDAR and cameras; AGVs by wires, magnets, tape or laser targets
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Nottingham base with customer service line
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: motiontech.co.uk

3.Oakmount Control Systems

UK distributor and integrator
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Estover Road, Plymouth PL6 7PY; Automation House, Lufton Trading Estate, Yeovil BA22 8HZ
Founded
2003
Models or product family
Global AGV L12 and L14 driverless forklifts (Linde trucks converted by Global AGV)
Navigation type
No magnets, lines or reflectors; Sick safety scanners; optional Pepperl+Fuchs 2D LiDAR
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
24/7 support and maintenance from Global AGV
Hire or lease offered
Lease options available

Source checked 23 September 2026: oakmountcs.net; Companies House 04854117

4.RARUK Automation

UK distributor
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Old Bridge Way, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5HQ
Founded
Not stated
Models or product family
MiR AMRs including the MiR Pallet Jack; ER-FLEX mobile cobot
Navigation type
Mapping technology that plans the most efficient path and re-routes around obstacles
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Bedfordshire base, technical support and integrator network
Hire or lease offered
Finance plans: 0% interest, 3-month deferred payment, 33 monthly payments

Source checked 23 September 2026: rarukautomation.com

5.Granta Automation

Palletising integrator
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Cambridge area
Founded
2006
Models or product family
AGVs and AMRs paired with Granta palletising systems
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
UK and Ireland
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: granta-automation.co.uk

Forklift and robot manufacturers' UK arms

Automated versions of their own truck ranges, sold and serviced through the UK subsidiary or its dealers.

6.Linde Material Handling UK

Forklift manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Germany (KION Group)
UK base or region
Kingsclere Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XJ
Founded
UK company incorporated 1937 (as Lansing Bagnall)
Models or product family
MATIC automated trucks: L-MATIC and L-MATIC core stackers, L-MATIC AC counterbalance stackers, L-MATIC HD k, R-MATIC reach trucks, K-MATIC VNA, P-MATIC tow tractor, C-MATIC platforms, I-MATIC custom AGVs
Navigation type
Natural feature navigation without reflectors or floor tracks; QR-code navigation on C-MATIC; 3D camera on R-MATIC
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
UK dealer and service network (location finder on the UK site)
Hire or lease offered
Yes: leasing, rental, rent-to-own and short-term rental

Source checked 23 September 2026: linde-mh.co.uk; Companies House 00324340

7.Toyota Material Handling UK

Forklift manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Japan (Toyota group)
UK base or region
234 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DX
Founded
Not stated
Models or product family
Autopilot automated trucks: LAE250 low-lifter (2.5 t), SAE160 stacker (1.6 t, 4.7 m), RAE160 to RAE250 reach trucks (up to 11 m); T-ONE automation software
Navigation type
Reflector navigation, natural navigation (walls and racking) or dual navigation switching between the two
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
National service network; dedicated service and rental lines
Hire or lease offered
Yes: rental solutions

Source checked 23 September 2026: toyota-forklifts.co.uk

8.STILL Materials Handling Ltd

Forklift manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Germany (STILL GmbH)
UK base or region
Jacks Way, Hill Barton Business Park, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1FG
Founded
Not stated (site cites 100 years of STILL)
Models or product family
iGo automated trucks: EXV iGo, EXV-CB iGo and AXV 12 iGo stackers, FM-X iGo reach truck, MX-X iGo VNA, LTX 50 iGo tractor, ACH iGo AMR, OPX iGo neo order pickers
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Direct UK subsidiary with national contact line
Hire or lease offered
Yes: forklift hire and rental

Source checked 23 September 2026: still.co.uk

9.Jungheinrich UK Ltd

Forklift manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Germany (Jungheinrich AG)
UK base or region
Sherbourne House, Sherbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes MK7 8HX
Founded
Group serving customers since 1953; UK company incorporated 1963
Models or product family
Mobile robots for low-level, high-stack, VNA and underload transport; arculee S and M AMRs; SOTO; EKXa VNA automation
Navigation type
Reflector, marker, infrastructure-free contour or guided navigation, chosen per site
VDA 5050 stated
Yestrucks and control system communicate over standardised VDA 5050 or proprietary interfaces
UK service coverage
National coverage with free service hotline
Hire or lease offered
Yes: contract hire, Full Flex rental, leasing and hire purchase

Source checked 23 September 2026: jungheinrich.co.uk; Companies House 00757192

10.Hyster (Hyster-Yale) UK

Forklift manufacturer, dealer-served
HQ country
Not stated on the UK site (EMEA region)
UK base or region
Served through exclusive UK dealers (dealer finder on site)
Founded
Not stated (site cites almost a century)
Models or product family
Hyster Robotic CB Stacker and Robotic Tow Tractor
Navigation type
Infrastructure-free: maps structural features to self-locate; no reflectors, guide wires or magnets
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Exclusive dealer network servicing robotic solutions locally
Hire or lease offered
Yes: leasing and rentals

Source checked 23 September 2026: hyster.com/en-gb

11.Crown Lift Trucks UK

Forklift manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Not stated on the UK site (Crown Equipment)
UK base or region
Basingstoke head office; regional centres Warrington and Glasgow
Founded
Not stated (site cites more than 50 years)
Models or product family
Automated guided vehicles, DualMode reach trucks that switch between automated and manual, QuickPick Remote, Auto Positioning System for VNA
Navigation type
Not stated (Auto Positioning guides VNA trucks; ProximityAssist is LiDAR operator assist)
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
UK sales and service operation with dealer support
Hire or lease offered
Yes: rental forklifts

Source checked 23 September 2026: crown.com/en-uk

12.Mitsubishi Logisnext UK (Logisnext UK Ltd)

Forklift manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Japan (Mitsubishi Logisnext group)
UK base or region
Jane Morbey Road, Thame OX9 3RR; Leftfield Park, Walsall WS2 8DQ
Founded
Logisnext Europe formed 2020 from MCFE and UniCarriers Europe
Models or product family
Automated forklifts (AGVs); group Automated Compact Truck announced 2023; model names not stated on the UK page
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Two UK bases; no-obligation site assessments
Hire or lease offered
Yes: forklift leasing and rental

Source checked 23 September 2026: mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk; logisnext.com

13.KUKA Robotics UK

Robot manufacturer, UK arm
HQ country
Germany (KUKA)
UK base or region
Great Western Street, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 7LL
Founded
UK company incorporated 2011
Models or product family
KMF 1500P-CB counterbalance (1,500 kg, 3 m lift) and KMF 1500P-PS pallet stacker (1,500 kg, 2.5 m); KUKA.AMR Fleet Manager; orders from September 2026, deliveries from December 2026
Navigation type
SLAM-based mapping with LiDAR obstacle detection
VDA 5050 stated
Yeslisted among integration capabilities
UK service coverage
UK subsidiary with technical hotline
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: kuka.com/en-gb; Companies House 07696993

Robotics manufacturers selling into the UK

Driverless truck makers headquartered abroad, reaching UK sites directly or through a UK partner.

14.Balyo

Robotics manufacturer
HQ country
France (Arcueil)
UK base or region
Not stated
Founded
Not stated (site cites 20 years)
Models or product family
VEENY VNA, REACHY reach truck, LOWY stacker, LOWY CB counterbalanced stacker, TUGGY tugger
Navigation type
3D LiDAR mapping and a dynamic digital twin
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Not stated
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: balyo.com

15.AGILOX

Robotics manufacturer
HQ country
Austria (Neukirchen bei Lambach)
UK base or region
Not stated (no UK location listed)
Founded
2017
Models or product family
AGILOX ONE, OFL free-lift (800 kg), OCF counterbalanced forklift (1,500 kg), ODM (300 kg)
Navigation type
X-SWARM decentralised fleet with free route finding
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Not stated
Hire or lease offered
Financing options mentioned, terms not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: agilox.net

16.VisionNav Robotics

Robotics manufacturer
HQ country
China (Shenzhen; founded in Hong Kong 2016); US office in Georgia
UK base or region
Sold in the UK through Wise Robotics (Lincoln) since 2022; European subsidiary in Rotterdam
Founded
2016
Models or product family
VNP counterbalance stackers, VNE counterbalance trucks, VNR reach trucks, VNST slim forklifts, VNSL
Navigation type
Vision-guided with 3D SLAM
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Through UK partner
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: visionnav.com; logisticsmanager.com; partnernavigator.com

17.AiTEN Robotics

Robotics manufacturer
HQ country
China (Suzhou); European HQ Barcelona
UK base or region
Not stated
Founded
2017
Models or product family
AE counterbalance, AR reach, AS stacker, APx and APe, AVK, ASK and AM series; RMS fleet software
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Not stated
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: aitenrobot.com

18.Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR)

Robotics manufacturer
HQ country
Denmark (Odense; Teradyne)
UK base or region
UK distributor RARUK Automation, Shefford, Bedfordshire
Founded
Not stated
Models or product family
MiR1200 Pallet Jack (1,200 kg), MiR600, MiR1350 AMRs
Navigation type
Map-based AMR navigation with re-routing around obstacles
VDA 5050 stated
YesVDA 5050 Adapter released March 2025, supplied through certified integrators
UK service coverage
Through distributor and certified integrators
Hire or lease offered
Distributor finance plans (0% interest, deferred payment options)

Source checked 23 September 2026: mobile-industrial-robots.com; rarukautomation.com

19.Global AGV

Robotics manufacturer (converted trucks)
HQ country
Denmark (Nykøbing Mors; BILA A/S)
UK base or region
UK distributor Oakmount Control Systems (Plymouth and Yeovil)
Founded
2016 (company LinkedIn); BILA A/S founded 1998
Models or product family
L12 (1,200 kg) and L14 (1,400 kg) driverless trucks on Linde base units; Pallet Swap
Navigation type
No magnets, lines or reflectors; Sick safety scanners front, rear and side
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
24/7 support and maintenance via the UK distributor
Hire or lease offered
Lease options available through the UK distributor

Source checked 23 September 2026: global-agv.com; oakmountcs.net

Independent UK forklift dealers

Regional dealers that appear in UK searches for autonomous forklifts. Several list no automated range yet; they are included so the picture is complete.

20.Trucks Direct UK

Independent UK dealer
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Doranda Way, West Bromwich B71 4LE; Northern, Midlands and Southern offices
Founded
Not stated
Models or product family
AGV forklifts offered; authorised dealer for GreenPower, MiMA and STILL
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Nationwide delivery and service
Hire or lease offered
Yes: contract hire and lease purchase over 3 to 5 years

Source checked 23 September 2026: trucksdirectuk.co.uk

21.Stacatruc

Independent UK dealer
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Thatcham (Berkshire), Stockport, Blandford, Beccles
Founded
1980
Models or product family
Automated forklifts marketed as Autopilots; model names not stated
Navigation type
Not stated (safety scanners and obstacle detection cited)
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
UK-wide depot and engineer network
Hire or lease offered
Yes: short-term and long-term contract hire

Source checked 23 September 2026: stacatruc.co.uk

22.Lithium Forktrucks UK

Independent UK dealer
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Shaw Cross Business Park, Dewsbury WF12 7RF
Founded
Not stated
Models or product family
EP Equipment AGVs: pallet trucks, order pickers, stackers, forklifts and reach trucks
Navigation type
Distance-detecting lasers, all-round cameras, proximity sensors, 3D mapping
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Around-the-clock support with tiered maintenance options
Hire or lease offered
Not stated

Source checked 23 September 2026: lithiumforktrucks.uk

23.Forkway

Independent UK dealer
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Dewsbury (West Yorkshire), Maidenhead, Southampton
Founded
Not stated (site cites over 60 years)
Models or product family
Not stated (no automated range listed)
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
Yorkshire, Berkshire and Hampshire, most makes and models
Hire or lease offered
Yes: hire from 1 day to 5 years, lease options

Source checked 23 September 2026: forkway.co.uk

24.Hiremech

Independent UK dealer
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Tariff Road, Tottenham, London N17 0DY; depot in Wellingborough
Founded
Not stated (site cites more than 30 years)
Models or product family
Not stated (no automated range listed)
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
London, the South East and East Midlands
Hire or lease offered
Yes: hire by hour, day, week, month or year

Source checked 23 September 2026: hiremech.co.uk

25.Radnes Services

Independent UK dealer
HQ country
United Kingdom
UK base or region
Imperial Way, Croydon CR0 4RR
Founded
1973
Models or product family
Not stated (no automated range listed)
Navigation type
Not stated
VDA 5050 stated
Not stated
UK service coverage
London, Surrey, Kent and the South East
Hire or lease offered
Yes: next-day forklift hire

Source checked 23 September 2026: radnes.com

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How this directory was compiled

Each entry carries the same eight fields. Every value was read from the supplier’s own website, a fetched trade report or the Companies House register on 23 September 2026, and the source is named under each entry. Where a page does not state a fact the field reads “Not stated”; we did not fill gaps from memory or from third-party directories. Suppliers are grouped by channel, not ranked, and no supplier prices, market shares or install counts are quoted because none of the suppliers publishes them in a comparable form.

FlyWei’s own entry is held to the same rule: a London-registered, vendor-neutral integrator that runs mixed fleets on the M4 fleet manager over VDA 5050, deploys across the UK, and does not publish prices. If you represent a supplier listed here and a field is out of date, write to sales@flywei.co.uk with the page that shows the correct value and we will update the entry.

Frequently asked questions

Who are the best autonomous forklift companies in the UK?

There is no single best autonomous forklift company in the UK; there are 25 suppliers in this directory across four groups. The forklift manufacturers' UK arms (Linde, Toyota Material Handling, STILL, Jungheinrich, Hyster, Crown and Mitsubishi Logisnext) automate their own truck ranges. Robotics manufacturers (Balyo, AGILOX, VisionNav, AiTEN, MiR, Global AGV and KUKA) build driverless trucks and sell into the UK directly or through partners. Vendor-neutral integrators such as FlyWei in London select the machine per task and run mixed fleets on one fleet manager. Independent dealers resell and hire. Shortlist by navigation type, stated VDA 5050 support, UK service cover and the commercial route you need.

How much does an AGV forklift cost?

Published market data puts one AGV forklift at about £34,000 to £151,000 for the truck alone, from an autonomous pallet mover to a VNA truck (AGV Network 2026 data in US dollars, converted at the ECB rate of 13 October 2026). That is a market range, not any supplier's price. None of the suppliers in this directory publishes a list price for an AGV forklift, and FlyWei does not either, because the cost of a working fleet is set by truck class (pallet truck, stacker, counterbalance or reach), navigation and safety options, the number of trucks, the fleet software, WMS integration and whether you buy, hire or lease. The honest way to compare is to give every shortlisted supplier the same site survey scope and ask for a written quote for the same unit count and integration. FlyWei's free ROI calculator lets you test payback against your own labour figures before any quote.

AGV forklift price guide →

What is AGV and AMR?

AGV stands for automated guided vehicle and AMR for autonomous mobile robot. Both are driverless vehicles that move goods around a site. A classic AGV follows a fixed guide path such as a floor wire, magnetic tape or reflectors and stops when the path is blocked. An AMR carries a map of the building, plans its own route and re-plans around people and obstacles. Modern AGV forklifts from the suppliers above mostly navigate the AMR way, by laser SLAM or natural features, so the two labels now overlap.

What is the difference between AGV and LGV?

An LGV, or laser guided vehicle, is a type of AGV. A classic AGV follows a physical path in the floor. An LGV replaces the floor path with a rotating laser that reads reflectors fixed to walls and racking, so it positions itself without wires or tape. Toyota's Autopilot range, for example, offers reflector navigation, natural navigation or both. A natural-feature SLAM forklift goes one step further and needs no reflectors at all, because it locates itself against the building's own walls, racking and columns.

Which automated forklifts are the best?

The best automated forklift is the one whose class matches the task. Pallet trucks and low-lifters suit dock-to-storage moves, stackers suit low and mid racking, counterbalance trucks suit wider aisles and heavier loads, and reach trucks suit high bays. Within a class, compare navigation type, safety certification (CE marking and a PUWER and LOLER compliant deployment in the UK), stated VDA 5050 support, UK engineer cover and the deployment timescale. FlyWei deploys 18 models across all four classes in 8 to 14 weeks from survey to go-live.

Which suppliers state VDA 5050 support?

On the pages checked on 23 September 2026, four suppliers state VDA 5050: FlyWei (the M4 fleet manager runs mixed fleets over VDA 5050), Jungheinrich (its control system communicates with trucks over standardised VDA 5050 or proprietary interfaces), KUKA (listed among the KMF 1500P integration capabilities) and MiR (a VDA 5050 Adapter released in March 2025 through certified integrators). Every other entry reads not stated, which does not mean unsupported; ask the supplier for it in writing.

Can I hire or lease an autonomous forklift in the UK?

Yes. Most manufacturer UK arms and dealers in this directory offer hire, rental, contract hire or leasing on their conventional ranges and several extend it to automated trucks. FlyWei offers purchase, hire with the term agreed per site, and leasing over 3, 5 or 7 years subject to credit approval, with rates tailored to fleet size, robot mix and site. Guidance Automation charges by the hour run (listed in our warehouse automation directory). Check whether software, commissioning, maintenance and support are inside the hire price, because that is where quotes differ most.

How do you choose between a forklift OEM and an integrator?

Choose the OEM route if your operation already runs one truck brand, the automation scope is a few fixed routes and you want one service contract. Choose a vendor-neutral integrator if the fleet will mix classes or makers, if you expect it to grow in phases, or if you want one fleet manager to run every robot over an open standard. Whichever you pick, insist on a site survey, a simulation on your real volumes, a pilot on one or two routes and a written UK support commitment before the roll-out.

Is there a UK demonstration site for autonomous forklifts?

Several manufacturers show automated trucks at their UK premises or at customer sites on request. FlyWei runs a European demonstration site today and plans a UK demonstration facility for 2027; until then UK buyers see the machines on a live customer site or on video from the demonstration site, and start with a free UK site survey.

Read next

Updated 23 September 2026 · FlyWei Robotics, Office One, 1 Coldbath Square, London EC1R 5HL · Company 16178044 · VAT GB506837185