Chilean wood products supplier Arauco has ordered 100 of Cyngn’s DriveMod autonomous electric forklifts, which aren’t due to hit the market until 2024.

Cyngn says it’s the largest pre-launch order for its DriveMod forklifts, which were announced in June.

Arauco vice president wood business Pablo Franzini says: “We are looking forward to implementing Cyngn’s self-driving forklifts that lift goods without human assistance into our fleet of materials handling equipment.

“These vehicles will help us continue our commitment to creating a safe, zero-injury work environment where we can efficiently streamline our operations and optimise performance.

Arauco plans to add more DriveMod units in coming years

“Automation goes hand-in-hand with our initiative to electrify our vehicle fleets as we continue to deliver on our environmental commitments.”

Arauco, which supplies to global furniture brands such as IKEA and Sauder Woodworking, distributes its products to more than 3,500 customers through 223 ports on five continents.

Cyngn chief executive Lior Tal says Arauco plans to add more DriveMod units in coming years.

“Working with a global power-house like Arauco is a testament to the transformative power of autonomous technology in the industrial sector,” Lior says.

“By combining our expertise in computer vision and AI algorithms, we are confident in delivering the performance and utility required for their operations with our DriveMod autonomous forklifts.”