IFOY tests Mobile Robot Company’s J1600 self-driving pallet jack

By AI, Created 1:06 PM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – The IFOY AWARD’s test team has finished assessing The Mobile Robot Company’s J1600, a hybrid pallet jack that can switch between manual and autonomous operation. The system is built for warehouses that want automation without major IT integration or infrastructure changes.

Why it matters: - The J1600 targets a middle ground between conventional electric pallet trucks and autonomous mobile robots. - The design is meant to automate repetitive transport work while keeping human control available at any time. - The approach could lower the cost and complexity of warehouse automation projects.

What happened: - Experts from the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year, the IFOY AWARD, completed their assessment of The Mobile Robot Company’s J1600 self-driving pallet jack. - The J1600 made its first public appearance at the IFOY Audit. - The Mobile Robot Company presented the vehicle as a solution that can be operated manually and switch to autonomous mode when needed.

The details: - The J1600 moves loads of up to 1,600 kilograms. - Operators select or create a task on an intuitive display and must confirm it by pressing a button. - The operator decides when to switch from manual to automatic operation. - The vehicle runs autonomously only when the environment is safe. - Navigation relies on 3D LiDAR SLAM technology with an industrial NVIDIA Jetson AI computer. - The system builds three-dimensional maps and avoids obstacles in dynamic warehouse environments. - A 3D camera scans and recognizes the environment up to 70 meters above the vehicle. - No infrastructure modifications are required. - The company positions the system as more reliable and accurate than traditional 2D systems in complex and changing situations. - Safety features include dual safety LiDARs, emergency stop functions and certified components. - The setup creates a 360-degree safety field for mixed human-machine environments. - Three blue light strips mark the safety zone around the vehicle. - The safety zone expands at higher speeds. - The system requires no extensive IT integration and is operational immediately after delivery. - Training time is around 30 minutes. - New drop-off locations can be added on the touchscreen by driving to the spot and tapping “Save Location.” - The number of drop-off locations is unlimited. - Load pickup is always performed manually. - The solution supports teach-and-repeat mapping, VDA 5050 and APIs. - The J1600 continuously learns its environment. - The vehicle can return to its starting point or drive autonomously to another defined destination.

Between the lines: - The IFOY verdict frames the J1600 as a practical automation tool for warehouses that do not want a full-scale robotics rollout. - The emphasis on fast setup, short training and simple route teaching suggests the product is aimed at users who need quick deployment rather than deep systems integration. - The manual pickup requirement shows the J1600 is designed as a hybrid tool, not a fully hands-off robot.

What’s next: - The IFOY test result gives the J1600 added visibility among intralogistics buyers and partners. - The company is positioning the vehicle for flexible automation use cases where human intervention must remain immediate. - Further adoption will likely hinge on how well the J1600 performs in mixed warehouse operations at scale.

The bottom line: - The J1600 is pitched as a fast-to-deploy, hybrid automation tool that brings autonomy to pallet transport without forcing a major warehouse overhaul.