Should a safety assistance system actively intervene in the driving process to prevent accidents? Or is a warning sufficient? We asked our KION experts these questions – and also learned something about the alarm fatigue effect.
2026-01-28
When configuring a new forklift, order picker, or narrow-aisle vehicle, intralogistics specialists today can choose from countless options for intelligent assistance systems designed to make working with the respective vehicle safer. Our subsidiary Linde Material Handling, for example, offers Linde Speed Assist (which automatically adjusts the vehicle's maximum speed to the environment), Linde Reverse Assist Radar (which detects moving and static objects in the rear space), Linde Dynamic Mast Control (which prevents mast vibrations), and many more.
These assistance systems can be roughly divided into two categories:
Some systems can be set to function both actively and passively. One example of this is the Linde Reverse Assist Camera, which continuously monitors the area behind the forklift truck. If the camera detects a person in the critical area, the driver is warned by an audible signal and a vehicle monitor in the passive version. In the active version, the system ensures that the vehicle is braked without the driver having to intervene.
For Tobias Klein, Senior Strategy and Portfolio Manager Safety & Digital Solutions at Linde Material Handling, one thing is clear: warnings must be measured and targeted: "If an alarm is constantly flashing or beeping somewhere, colleagues will eventually ignore it." To avoid this so-called alarm fatigue effect, Linde MH prefers to use intelligent warning signals instead of shrill tones.
The simplest example of this is the Linde Blue Spot. This is a light attached to the forklift truck that projects a spot of light onto the ground in front of the vehicle – always in the direction in which the forklift is traveling. "This works very effectively," says Tobias Klein: "Pedestrians recognize the approaching vehicle in good time and can get out of the way – and no one is annoyed."
One advantage of passive warning systems is that humans remain in control. Well-trained drivers can respond appropriately to warnings and decide for themselves how to act. Tobias Klein: "Our experienced drivers appreciate that the systems provide them with information without patronizing them."
However, if the driver does not respond appropriately or overlooks a warning, an accident can still happen despite all the assistance systems. A passive system can only provide information—it is up to the driver to intervene. "A single moment of inattention can be enough," says Tobias Klein, speaking from experience.
Active systems are therefore being used more and more frequently. Klein calls them "electronic guardian angels" or "intelligent co-pilots" that not only protect people in everyday warehouse operations, but also prevent damage to goods, shelves, and vehicles. Of course, such active interventions are only welcome in the long term if they are targeted and reliable. “An assistance system must not become a ‘know-it-all’ that slows the driver down at every little thing,” warns David Krecman, Senior Manager HSE (Health Safety Environment) at the KION Group. If the technology brakes or stops too often without real cause, this can lead to frustration on the part of the operator.
Modern systems therefore no longer issue blanket warnings, but do so in an intelligent manner. The speed function on the Linde Safety Guard, for example, can be set so that the speed is only reduced in certain danger zones. Outside these areas, drivers can drive as fast as they deem appropriate.
The developers at Linde MH also pay attention to finely tuned sensor technology – and in some cases give operators the option to override the system. One example: The Linde Object Warning System for narrow-aisle forklifts automatically brakes the forklift when it encounters obstacles, but allows the driver to continue driving for a short time at the push of a button if the situation permits. The aim is to find a sensible middle ground with " " – the system only intervenes when it is really necessary, and the driver still retains a feeling of control.
When weighing up active and passive assistance systems, there is no simple either/or. Both approaches have their merits. To achieve maximum safety, it is important to strike the right balance between human control and technical support. The key is to find the right balance: a system should be as active as necessary, but as passive as possible. "At the end of the day, what counts is that everyone gets home safely," summarizes Tobias Klein: "To achieve this, we use every sensible measure – whether it's a warning or intervention."
Passive assistance systems warn drivers and pedestrians of dangers, for example by means of light or sound signals. Active systems intervene independently in the driving process, for example by reducing speed or automatically applying the brakes.
Active assistance systems intervene automatically to reduce hazards. For example, they can reduce speed or stop a vehicle if a collision is imminent.
Modern systems rely on targeted, intelligent warning signals, such as light projections like the Linde Blue Spot, which are intuitively perceived and do not cause distraction.
