Innovative Magnetorheological Suspension Systems for Forklift Trucks

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This project aims to improve forklift design to reduce the vibration experienced by forklift drivers. Research consistently links forklift driving with a high incidence of back pain and musculoskeletal injuries through exposure to hand, arm and whole-body vibrations that are caused by the rigid passive suspension in traditional forklifts, which cannot properly absorb vibration stemming from deviations in driving surfaces, changes in mass, or common loading, lifting and unloading actions. The project aims to draw on the research team’s expertise in magnetorheological technology to develop and evaluate a new tuneable integrated semi-active wheel and chassis and seat suspension system that can vary damping and stiffness to control mass uncertainty and vibration.