Bosch does not manufacture complete forklifts. Instead, the company is a leading Tier-1 supplier of advanced electric drivetrains, automation software, and safety systems that power the next generation of material handling equipment. Through its Bosch Engineering and Bosch Rexroth divisions, the company equips heavy-duty forklifts with zero-emission powertrains, real‑time localization, and camera‑based assistance – transforming how warehouses, ports, and industrial facilities operate.
800‑Volt Electric Drive – The Heavy‑Duty Game Changer
At LogiMAT 2026, Bosch Engineering unveiled a high‑performance 800‑volt electric drive system purpose‑built for heavy‑duty intralogistics machines, including large forklifts, terminal tractors, and seaport transporters. The system enables zero‑emission operation in applications previously dominated by diesel engines.
The drive system consists of the Bosch SMG230 electric motor and a highly efficient inverter with silicon carbide power modules. Key specifications include:
Voltage range: 400 to 850 volts
Continuous power: 188 kW
Continuous torque: ~250 Nm
Peak torque: Up to 550 Nm
Inverter efficiency: >99%
Power advantage: +80 kW vs. comparable 400‑volt systems at identical weight
The compact dimensions allow straightforward integration into existing machine platforms, enabling fleet electrification without complete redesigns. The safety and diagnostic concept draws on Bosch’s automotive expertise, adapted specifically for intralogistics requirements.
eLION Software – Intelligent Electrification
Bosch Rexroth’s eLION application software serves as the intelligent core for electric drivetrains in mobile machines, including forklift trucks. Built on the BODAS ecosystem, the modular software covers three critical functions:
Travel drive control (EDA): Dynamic drivetrain performance with hill‑hold, recuperation, gearbox shifting, and parking brake control – optimized for forklift trucks
Pump drive control (PDC): Efficient hydraulic pump control with silent operation and thermal load optimization
Electric power control (EPC): Central management of the high‑voltage system, battery charging, and power distribution to all consumers
These ready‑to‑use, scalable solutions simplify integration for machine manufacturers while maximizing performance and safety.
ROKIT Locator – Real‑Time Fleet Localization
The Rexroth ROKIT Locator is a laser‑based localization software that provides centimeter‑accurate real‑time positioning for manually driven forklift fleets. Using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology with data from up to two laser scanners, it maps dynamic environments without requiring reflectors or markers.
Key benefits include:
Up to 30% savings in personnel resources
Scan‑free workflows and optimal task routing
Automated order picking and automatic inventories
Reduced empty runs and search efforts
Indoor and outdoor operation
Commissioning requires just a few steps – no expert knowledge or warehouse infrastructure modifications are needed. The system integrates with existing WMS, ERP, and forklift control systems.
Automation Toolkit – From Manual to Autonomous
Bosch Rexroth offers a comprehensive automation toolkit for mobile robotics, enabling manufacturers to build autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from modular components. The Robotics Kit ROKIT allows efficient automation of both mobile robots and manual forklifts.
The open ctrlX AUTOMATION platform combines control, I/O modules, and laser‑based localization software that precisely positions mobile robots and manual forklift trucks. The ACTIVE Fleet Manager, based on the VDA 5050 standard, orchestrates mixed fleets from different manufacturers under one control station.
Electromechanical cylinders, linear guides, and screw drives from Bosch Rexroth ensure precision and low‑maintenance operation in forklift lifting mechanisms.
Camera‑Based Assistance System – Safety First
Forklifts present a high risk of accidents – in Germany alone, over 13,500 forklift accidents resulting in personal injury were reported in 2020. Bosch addresses this with a multi‑camera assistance system that improves visibility around the entire vehicle, protecting people and objects in the forklift’s surroundings while reducing driver stress.
The system is designed to ease operators’ burdens through simple, intuitive operation, maintaining or even increasing long‑term productivity. Additionally, Bosch’s collision avoidance system (CAS) – based on the open BODAS ecosystem – can intervene directly in the 800‑volt drive system, using radar, ultrasonic sensors, and smart cameras for precise object and person detection.
Why Bosch Matters to the Forklift Industry
Bosch does not sell forklifts – but its technology is rapidly becoming the standard by which next‑generation forklifts are built, powered, and automated. Through its 800‑volt electrification, eLION software, ROKIT localization, and camera‑based safety systems, Bosch is enabling:
Zero‑emission heavy‑duty operations in ports, terminals, and distribution centers
Intelligent fleet management with real‑time positioning and optimized workflows
Automated and autonomous forklifts through modular robotics toolkits
Enhanced workplace safety with advanced driver assistance systems
For OEMs, fleet operators, and warehouse managers, Bosch represents the engineering backbone of the forklift industry’s electric and autonomous future – delivering automotive‑grade reliability, efficiency, and innovation to the material handling world.
To explore Bosch forklift solutions for your operation, contact Bosch Engineering or Bosch Rexroth directly through their official channels.