Forklift Camera Systems: How We're Solving Warehouse Blind Spots

Forklift and powered equipment cameras from Verkada and Samsara give fleet and operations managers real-time video, AI-powered search, and remote access to footage from forklifts, reach trucks, and other mobile equipment. Verkada extends its cloud-based Command platform onto equipment using a battery-powered gateway. Samsara's new 360 Camera, launched in June 2026, adds a single-module, full 360-degree view built specifically for operated equipment. LTT Partners designs, installs, and supports both systems for warehouse, distribution, and industrial operations.

Why do forklifts need dedicated camera systems?

Forklifts, reach trucks, and other powered equipment operate in tight, high-density spaces where operators can't see everything and managers can't be everywhere at once. When an incident happens, most operations have no footage and no data, only guesswork about what actually occurred.

That visibility gap has a real cost. Unmonitored equipment activity means no record of how high-value freight was handled, no data to coach operator behavior, and nothing to support training or safety compliance programs. Purpose-built camera systems for mobile, battery-powered equipment close that gap directly.

What is the Verkada solution for forklift safety?

Verkada's forklift camera solution connects cameras to a facility's Wi-Fi or LTE network through a Verkada gateway mounted on the vehicle. The gateway draws power from the forklift's onboard battery and outputs footage to the same cloud-based Command dashboard many facilities already use for building security. No new electrical infrastructure, NVR, or third-party software is required.

Key benefits of Verkada for forklifts:

• Enhanced workplace safety. Real-time monitoring and after-the-fact review reduce the risk of severe forklift accidents.
• Loss and shrinkage prevention. Increased visibility of high-value freight helps deter theft and reduce inventory loss.
• Operational oversight. Managers can monitor operator behavior and equipment usage, spot process gaps, and enforce safety protocols.
• Training and coaching. Recorded footage becomes a real-world library for reinforcing best practices with operators.

Hardware requirements include a power source in the 12 to 48VDC range, DC two-wire copper conductor wiring, Verkada cameras (fisheye or mini-dome models are recommended for equipment mounting), a Verkada cellular or Wi-Fi gateway, mountable surfaces, and standard Ethernet cabling. The main deployment requirement is reliable cellular coverage or existing Wi-Fi at the facility to carry the video connection.

What is the Samsara 360 Camera for operated equipment?

The Samsara 360 Camera, introduced in June 2026, is the first camera system built specifically for operated equipment such as excavators, forklifts, baggage tugs, and pushbacks. It is a single-module camera that captures a full 360-degree view from one mount point, with interactive pan and zoom so operators can see risks in real time and safety managers can review any angle of a recorded event afterward.

The camera is built to withstand harsh weather and rough operating conditions, which matters for equipment that runs outdoors or in demanding industrial environments. Samsara positions the system around one core outcome: moving from incident report to root cause in minutes instead of days. Alaska Airlines, an early reference customer, described the same shift on the airport ramp: real-time alerts and video evidence that extend from road vehicles to every type of ground service equipment, cutting investigation time from days to minutes.

Because the 360 Camera runs inside Samsara's Connected Operations platform, it also connects to the same system as an organization's telematics, maintenance tracking, and safety reporting data. That's useful for operations already using Samsara for a road fleet that want equipment yard visibility inside the same platform rather than a separate one.

Verkada vs. Samsara: which forklift camera system is right for your operation?

The right choice usually depends on which platform your organization already runs, or plans to standardize on.

Choose Verkada if physical security and facility video is already your center of gravity. It extends the same Command dashboard used for building cameras, access control, and sensors out onto the equipment moving through your facility.

Choose Samsara if you're already running, or plan to run, a connected fleet and equipment platform. The 360 Camera sits alongside telematics, maintenance, and driver safety data in one system.

Both platforms solve the same underlying problem: closing the visibility gap on powered equipment. Neither is a wrong answer. The decision comes down to your existing technology stack and long-term platform strategy.

How does LTT Partners help deploy forklift camera systems?

LTT Partners is a Solutions and Systems Integrator, not a reseller that simply ships hardware. As a Verkada partner and a Samsara-endorsed reseller and installer through our SCVS division, we work across both ecosystems, which means we help you choose based on fit rather than a predetermined answer.

That support covers three areas for every customer:

Expert solution design. We assess your facility's power and connectivity realities, including cellular coverage, existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, and vehicle battery specs, against your operational goals, then design a system (Verkada, Samsara, or a mixed deployment) that fits your environment.

Expert low-voltage installation. Mounting cameras and gateways on mobile, battery-powered equipment is different from installing a fixed camera on a wall. Our installation teams handle the DC power connections, mounting, and connectivity setup so equipment goes camera-ready without unplanned downtime.

Ongoing support, maintenance, and management. Cameras on moving equipment see more wear than fixed installations. We manage firmware, connectivity troubleshooting, and hardware replacement so your safety and loss-prevention data keeps flowing without adding technical work to your team's plate.

Frequently asked questions

Do forklift cameras need a hardwired power source?

No. Both Verkada and Samsara systems are designed to draw power from the vehicle's onboard battery, following the equipment manufacturer's best practices, so the camera system stays mobile with the forklift.

Can forklift camera footage be accessed remotely?

Yes. Both platforms provide cloud-based dashboards (Verkada Command and Samsara's Connected Operations platform) that allow footage to be reviewed from anywhere, without needing to physically retrieve a local recorder.

What's the main requirement before installing a forklift camera system?

Reliable connectivity. Facilities need either cellular coverage or existing Wi-Fi infrastructure strong enough to carry a steady video connection from equipment moving throughout the building or yard.

Is a forklift camera system the same as a dash cam?

No. Forklift and operated equipment cameras are purpose-built for low-speed, high-density indoor and industrial environments, often with 360-degree or wide-angle coverage, rather than the forward-facing view typical of a road vehicle dash cam.

Who installs Verkada and Samsara forklift camera systems?

Certified integrators like LTT Partners handle design, installation, and ongoing support for both platforms, so operations teams get a system tailored to their facility rather than a generic hardware install.

Ready to close the blind spots on your fleet? Contact LTT Partners to schedule a facility walkthrough and get a tailored recommendation for your operation.