Russia Deploys Robot Forklifts to Power Gas Chemical Logistics Hub

At a massive gas chemical complex in Russia’s Far East, fleets of autonomous forklifts will soon take over warehouse logistics—guided entirely by lasers.

The Amur Gas Chemical Complex is set to become the first facility in Russia where logistics operations will be fully handled by autonomous forklifts. These robotic vehicles will transport cargo inside the warehouse, navigating independently using laser detectors capable of identifying objects up to 10 meters away. Each robot can carry loads of up to three metric tons.

The drones are programmed to locate specific pallets, lift them, and navigate the warehouse—slowing down for obstacles, yielding to other units, and rerouting as needed. Despite the automation, human operators in a centralized control room will oversee the system. They will respond to incidents and ensure the machines recharge on schedule. Each robot can operate continuously for up to 10 hours on a single battery charge.

The facility aims to move as many as 5,600 pallets of finished products per day, marking a major milestone in Russia’s transition toward industrial automation.