Automate 2026 was a milestone moment for Big Joe Forklifts Solutions, marking one of our most successful showings to date and displaying Automation That Simply Works. This year, we proudly launched four new completely autonomous vehicles, each engineered to help facilities boost safety, productivity, and uptime through simple, intuitive automation. The excitement around these innovations was unmistakable from the moment the doors opened.
The AP44
The AP44 is a 4,400 lb. capacity autonomous pallet truck designed to augment the workforce by transporting palletized goods. In manual mode, it functions as a standard electric pallet truck. Semi-autonomous mode lets an operator engage the pallet, step away, and let the unit handle transport and drop-off autonomously. Fully-autonomous mode requires no operator involvement, executing a variety of horizontal transport missions independently. Teams can run all three modes within the same operation, scaling autonomy task-by-task rather than committing to a single workflow.
The ASC40
The ASC40 is an autonomous counterbalanced stacker that introduces hands-free vertical material movement for pallet staging, racking, and line-side replenishment. A true robot with a 4,000 lbs. capacity, the ASC40 is optimized for autonomous operation only, with a compact footprint and the ability to pick and place loads at heights up to 3 feet. Perfect for facilities that need to automate repetitive stacking tasks in tight spaces, this model offers accessible automation for manufacturers and distribution centers seeking greater throughput without increasing labor requirements.
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The ATC100
The ATC100 autonomous tugger is purpose-built to autonomously tow a variety of trailer configurations. The vehicle enables facilities to
automate point-to-point transport of carts, components and in-process materials up to 10,000 lbs. The ATC100 also supports mixed human-machine operations in shared workspaces with ease, allowing operators to control the truck in manual mode at any time.
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The ACV40
The ACV40 4,000 lbs. capacity autonomous three-wheel forklift rounds out Big Joe's 2026 lineup. Ideal for indoor warehouse operations where traditional IC and electric forklifts have historically been challenging to automate. This solution gives fleets a direct autonomous replacement that allows manual use by an operator on demand. The ACV40 extends Big Joe's push to make autonomous operation accessible across heavier, more demanding applications.
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Booth Traffic & Engagement
From start to finish, booth traffic was exceptional. Attendees packed the space to see the new autonomous lineup in action, and the energy never slowed. Operators, engineers, integrators, and industry leaders all stopped by to explore how Big Joe’s practical approach to automation can fit into real-world workflows.
The conversations were equally strong, thoughtful, technical, and rooted in real operational challenges. Visitors came ready to talk about labor shortages, throughput goals, and the need for automation that doesn’t require massive infrastructure changes. Those discussions made it clear that our people‑first, right‑sized approach to autonomous equipment resonates deeply across the industry.
Productive Customer Meetings
Beyond booth traffic, customer meetings throughout the week were outstanding. Teams from across the country joined us to dive deeper into deployment strategies, integration timelines, and how our autonomous vehicles can support their facilities today and scale with them tomorrow. These conversations reinforced what we hear consistently: customers want automation that works with their people, not around them, and Big Joe is delivering exactly that.
Celebrating 75 Years in Chicago
Automate 2026 also gave us the perfect backdrop to celebrate a major milestone: Big Joe Forklifts’ 75th anniversary. We hosted a cocktail celebration in beautiful downtown Chicago, bringing together VIP guests, including partners and dealers, for an evening of connection and gratitude.
The event was a highlight of the week and a chance to reflect on Big Joe’s legacy of innovation, honor the people who helped build the brand, and look ahead to the next generation of solutions that will continue empowering the people who move things.
A Week That Sets the Tone for the Future
Between the launch of four new autonomous vehicles, incredible booth engagement, productive customer meetings, and a memorable anniversary celebration, Automate 2026 showcased the momentum behind Big Joe Forklifts and the growing demand for practical, operator‑centric automation.
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