Vertical Drive Wheel — Core Mobility for Autonomous Forklifts and Intelligent Logistics

With the growth of warehouse automation, autonomous forklifts and AGV/AMR robots have become essential tools for material handling. Behind their efficient movement, the Vertical Drive Wheel plays a key role in enabling flexible and precise mobility.

What is a Vertical Drive Wheel?

A vertical drive wheel integrates the steering module and traction drive into a single vertical assembly. It drives the wheel forward while allowing precise steering, enabling autonomous forklifts and AGVs to navigate narrow aisles with agility. Compared to traditional horizontal drive wheels, vertical drive wheels occupy less chassis space and offer stronger load-bearing capacity.

How It Works

The core structure of a vertical drive wheel includes:

• Motor: Provides traction and steering power, with a power range from several hundred watts up to 16 kW, adaptable to different payloads.

• Reducer: Converts high-speed motor rotation into high torque through gears or planetary mechanisms, ensuring smooth movement.

• Wheel: Made of PU or rubber, diameters 150–470 mm, balancing durability, quiet operation, and obstacle-crossing capability.

When in operation, the steering motor rotates the wheel to change direction, while the drive motor outputs torque to propel the wheel forward, enabling precise navigation and agile movement for autonomous forklifts.

Key Advantages

1. High maneuverability
   Enables smooth turning in narrow aisles, suitable for high-density warehouses and complex pathways.

2. Strong load capacity
   Supports 500 kg to 6.5 tons, handling pallets and heavy-duty material transport efficiently.

3. Precision control
   Equipped with encoders, electronic limiters, and optional electromagnetic brakes for accurate steering and positioning.

4. Adaptable to diverse environments
   Explosion-proof, low-temperature, and high-IP protection variants ensure reliability in warehouses, outdoor, and cold-chain applications.

Application Scenarios

• Autonomous forklifts: Core drive module for flexible and safe operation

• AGV/AMR robots: Pallet handling, picking, and transport systems

• Industrial transport platforms and heavy-duty carts

• Omnidirectional industrial robot chassis

• Cold-chain and mixed indoor/outdoor logistics systems

With its high integration and technical optimization, the vertical drive wheel enhances mobility performance, simplifies chassis design, and supports the evolution of intelligent warehouse automation.