Big Joe Expands Autonomous Equipment Lineup at Automate 2026

Big Joe Autonomous Solutions introduced four new autonomous material handling products at Automate 2026, expanding its portfolio of equipment designed for warehouse, manufacturing and distribution operations.

The new models include the AP44 autonomous pallet truck, ASC40 autonomous stacker, ATC100 autonomous tugger and ACV40 autonomous three-wheel forklift. According to the company, the equipment is designed to help facilities address labor shortages while improving productivity and operational efficiency. All four models utilize Big Joe's lithium battery technology and are designed for deployment without significant facility modifications or infrastructure changes.

“Customers are looking for practical and approachable automation that simply works within their existing operations, not systems that require a complete redesign of their facility,” said Nick Malewicki, GM of Big Joe Autonomous Solutions. “This new lineup is designed to help operations move materials more efficiently while giving teams access to simple, scalable technology that can deliver value immediately.”

The AP44 autonomous pallet truck has a 4,400-pound capacity and can operate in manual, semi-autonomous or fully autonomous modes. In semi-autonomous mode, an operator can engage a pallet and allow the truck to complete transport and drop-off tasks independently. Fully autonomous mode enables the machine to perform horizontal transport missions without operator involvement.

The ASC40 autonomous stacker is designed for pallet staging, racking and line-side replenishment. With a 4,000-pound capacity, the unit is intended solely for autonomous operation and can place loads at heights up to 3 feet. Big Joe said the compact design is suited for facilities looking to automate repetitive stacking tasks in confined areas.

The ATC100 autonomous tugger is built to transport carts, components and in-process materials. The machine can tow loads up to 10,000 pounds and is designed for operation in environments where autonomous vehicles and workers share the same workspace. Operators can also switch the unit to manual mode when needed.

Rounding out the new lineup is the ACV40 autonomous three-wheel forklift. The forklift has a 4,000-pound capacity and is designed for indoor warehouse applications. The model can operate autonomously while also allowing manual operation by an operator when required.

"Big Joe has been on the leading edge of the industry's shift from internal combustion to electric, and now we're taking that same approach to autonomous vehicles as well – making it practical, accessible and scalable for the operations that need it most,” said Martin Boyd, chief marketing officer, Big Joe Forklifts. “These four new products aren't just additions to our lineup; they're proof that the path from electric to fully autonomous doesn't have to be disruptive. We're meeting customers exactly where they are and giving them a clear road forward."

Big Joe said the new equipment supports its strategy of offering both electric and autonomous material handling solutions, ranging from conventional warehouse equipment to collaborative mobile robotics. The company is showcasing the new products at Automate 2026, where attendees can view demonstrations of the equipment in warehouse, manufacturing and distribution applications.