Advance Lifts highlights innovative container dumper series
Optimize workflow efficiency with versatile and reliable container dumping solutions Advance Lifts continues to offer cutting-edge solutions with its comprehensive Container Dumper Series. Container dumpers are used to empty containers’ contents onto various receivers. This series includes a range of high-performance products designed to meet the dumping needs of various industries, including package and letter handling, food processing, material handling, automotive, manufacturing, and warehousing. The Standard Container Dumpers (DP) are compact and ideal for medium-duty applications where space is a premium. With a 125-degree dump rotation and versatile dump heights, these models are perfect for operations requiring efficient and reliable dumping capabilities in confined spaces. The front-mounted cylinders and compact power units make DP models the go-to choice for tight spaces. For more demanding tasks, the Heavy Duty Container Dumpers (HDDP) are engineered to handle continuous use with enhanced mechanical advantages. These units feature angled cylinders straddling the bins for added strength and stability, a 135-degree dump rotation. They are designed for higher cycle rates, making them ideal for operations requiring robust and reliable performance. High Reach Container Dumpers (HRDP) is tailored for applications that need elevated dumping heights. These models offer a dumping carriage that can be raised to heights between 72” to 120”, ensuring exceptional versatility in reaching different containers or processing equipment. The HRDP models maintain the same robust construction as the HDDP, ensuring long-lasting durability even in challenging environments. The new High-Performance Container Dumper (HPDP) stands out with its up to 180-degree dump rotation, ensuring complete and efficient emptying of containers. Designed for continuous use, the HPDP can perform up to 22 cycles per hour across three shifts per day. Its robust design makes it suitable for high-demand environments, delivering exceptional performance without compromising on space. The new Ultra High-Performance Container Dumper (UHPDP) takes efficiency to the next level, combining the advanced features of the HPDP with enhanced control settings, including a unique shuffle mode for optimized operation. With the highest operational efficiency and the ability to handle the most rigorous tasks, the UHPDP is designed for industries requiring top-tier performance. Advance Lifts backs its products with some of the best warranties in the industry, reflecting its offerings’ superior durability and reliability. The standard warranty covers 1 year on electrical components, 250,000 cycles, and 10 years for structural components. The HPDP models include a 5-year, 500,000-cycle warranty, while the UHPDP models come with a 5-year, 1,000,000-cycle warranty.
Lift Tables for production line integration
The performance requirements of lift tables in a production process are far greater than those of stand-alone lifts. To ensure maximum reliability and uptime in these production environments, Southworth has introduced a Production Ready package for many of their most popular models. By incorporating a series of options, upgrades and heavy-duty features, the Production Ready package minimizes unplanned maintenance and costly production interruptions. With regular PM service, the interval before major maintenance and replacement of renewable parts is extended from 50,000 up to 200,000 cycles or more. Southworth LS, LSH and DL Series lifts can be furnished with the Production Ready package so there are literally thousands of configurations to choose from. Southworth Production Ready lifts feature oversized cylinder rods, high-strength alloy shafts and pins, thicker composite bushings for increased strength and durability, regreasable needle-bearing cam followers, reinforced roller tracks with wear strips, upper limit switches, and soft connectivity for electrical connections. Southworth also recommends the Production Ready package for dynamic load handling on lifts with conveyor tops, pneumatic ball transfers or turntables, or where the lifts travel under load such as on AGVs or towed carts. It is also ideal for non-uniform loads that consistently place more weight on one end or side of the platform. Because the maintenance interval of these lifts is greatly extended, they are also ideal for use in areas with limited access for maintenance.
Advance Lifts highlights its Industrial Powered Turntables (TPH &TPL)
Motorized turntables allow products to be rotated safely and more accurately Advance Lifts, a North American manufacturer of industrial scissor lift tables and dock lifts, highlights its Industrial-Powered Turntables (TPH &TPL), designed to provide unparalleled efficiency, safety, and durability when rotating heavy loads in the material handling industry. Turntables are used in positioning jobs where loads are regularly rotated. There are two basic types of standard-duty turntables: non-powered and powered. Industrial-powered turntables are used when the rotational effort of a job is too high for a manual turntable. Powered turntables are available in both low-profile and high-profile configurations. Low-profile powered turntables (TPL) are used for power applications where low platform height is essential. There are 16 models with edge load maximums ranging from 50 to 1,400 lbs. Load capacities range from 2,000lbs to 10,000lbs with platform diameters ranging from min 24”/max 48” to 85”/max 96”. Circular platforms are required for this configuration because the drive motor is located at the platform’s edge and projects above the platform. The platforms are supported by lifetime lubricated roller-bearing cam followers. High-profile powered turntables (TPH) are used for power applications where low platform height is less important or the loads are square. There are 16 models with edge load maximums ranging from 100 lbs to 1,200 lbs. Load capacities range from 2,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs, and platform sizes range from 24×24” to 96×96”. Standard rectangular and round platforms are available. These heavy-duty rotating platforms have a drive motor under the platform. Inverted casters with tapered roller bearings or cam followers support them.
Lift and Tilt table lowers to floor level for hand pallet truck accessibility
An extension of the popular ZLS line of floor height lifts, the new ZLS-T from Southworth is a combination lifter and tilter designed for accessing items stored in containers, totes, or gaylords. Its unique pan-style platform sits essentially flush with the floor when lowered allowing it to be loaded and unloaded by a hand pallet truck. It is ideal for use in facilities without forklifts or stackers or in areas where forklifts are prohibited. Lift and tilt are controlled independently so operators can precisely position loads at the most convenient height and angle for easy access without bending, reaching, or stretching. As the level of items in the container changes, the operator adjusts the height, angle, or both to maintain optimal ergonomic positioning throughout a shift. The ZLS-T tilts loads up to 30˚ while at any height from floor level to 33½” making it ideal for use with tall- or short-sided containers and drop gate containers. The operator controls lift and tilt position from either a hand pendant or foot control switch. Capacities of 2,000 or 4,000 pounds are available. The platform is 50” x 48”. A single-power unit with a 1 HP motor that operates on 115/1/60 power is used for both lift and tilt functions. ZLS-T models can be equipped with a wide range of safety and convenience options including bellows accordion skirting, photo-eye toe protection, portability chains, three-phase power units, custom platform sizes, and corrosion-resistant finishes.
Advance Lifts highlights its MSL Multi Stage Scissors Lift Tables for the food processing industry
Durable Lift for travel food processing applications with limited available platform length Advance Lifts, a North American manufacturer of industrial scissor lift tables and dock lifts, highlights its MSL Multi Stage Scissors Lift Tables, extremely durable lifts requiring both high vertical travel and compact platform lengths, a combination that is not possible with single scissor designs for applications in the food processing industry. The MSL Series hydraulic lifting platforms are constructed with superior quality, ensuring durability and minimal lifecycle costs while extending their lifespan. Advance Lift’s patented “Platform Centering Devices” double or triple the lift life. The MSL Series lifts are available in a wide range of capacities and sizes, all designed for durability, and cost-efficiency. The lighter capacity units feature solid steel legs, providing a more compact and cost-effective design. Meanwhile, the larger capacity units are constructed with structural tubing legs to enhance rigidity, reduce weight, and optimize costs. Quality is evident throughout the entire system. The cylinders are machine-grade and feature clear plastic return lines, enhancing quality, longevity, and reliability. Pressure hoses are double-wire braided with JIC fittings. To withstand temperature variations, the MSL Series lifts use mild steel reservoirs instead of the plastic often found in competitor systems. The entire system is completely primed and finished with baked enamel. The MSL Series comes in 36 models, with a wide range of sizes, speeds, and load capacities, with vertical travel options ranging from 48″ to 144″, platform sizes up to 66×98 or 54×104, and load capacities of up to 12,000 lbs. Custom sizes are available to fit your specific food processing needs. All the controllers are Underwriter Laboratory-listed assemblies. Advance Lifts hydraulic lifting platforms conform to all applicable ANSI codes.
Rider mezzanine access lifts
How to get personnel and material from ground level to mezzanine level quickly, safely, and efficiently Scissors lifts have been moving men and material from ground level to higher elevations for more than 60 years. They offer a distinct advantage over vertical reciprocating conveyors because people ride industrial scissors lifts along with the materials that they are moving. This greatly enhances the utility of the mezzanines. The cost is very competitive with VRC’s and the installation can offer significant savings because industrial scissors lifts come from the factory fully assembled instead of in kit forms like elevators and some vertical reciprocating conveyors so they avoid costly field assembly by elevator installers. Only the gates and enclosures need to be assembled on-site. Three main features make industrial scissors lifts different from other kinds of lifts: Scissor lifts are fully assembled at the factory and not field assembled from kits. Scissors lifts have no external guide rails and/or pulley mechanisms to entangle riders. All the stability and lifting is provided by the scissors lift mechanism beneath the platform. Rider scissors lifts use constant pressure push buttons which means the rider operator is in constant control of the lift movement. Governing codes The International Building Code for 2015 was printed in June of 2014 and has clarified matters greatly. Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems, Section 3001.2 Referenced standards, sites ANSI MH29.1 Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts. This clears up any confusion with other codes such as ASME17.1 for elevators, ASME B20.1 for vertical reciprocating conveyors or ASME 90.1 for other types of scissors lifts. Virtually all states, counties and municipal agencies accept the references cited by the International Building Code because they respect the rigorous (multi-year and multi-constituency) review process conducted by the ICC (International Code Council). Note that the MH29.1:2012 was the standard reviewed and accepted and that this version differs substantially from previous versions. Also, note that other codes such as those governing the height of guardrails or enclosures on mezzanines or upper floors must be reviewed in conjunction with the industrial scissors lift code. Enclosure heights at upper levels may vary in different jurisdictions. The essential ingredients of a proper mezzanine lift One of the essential ingredients of a proper mezzanine lift is a properly configured industrial scissor lift. The platform should be equipped with 42” high guardrails with mid rails and 4” toe plates. The lift platform should have electrically interlocked gates that prevent lift movement unless the lift gates are closed. The interlocked gates are not required by code but will be a common sense addition required by most municipalities and inspectors. The unit should have proximity switches or limit switches for each level. The control shall be a constant pressure pushbutton that the rider operator must keep depressed to maintain movement of the lift (the use of call/send buttons is not allowed with riders on the lift). The lift should also be equipped with an emergency down valve on the power unit to lower the lift in case of power failure. Again, this is not a code requirement, but most municipalities or inspectors will require it. Another essential ingredient of a proper mezzanine lift is a smooth mezzanine fascia. The entire surface of the mezzanine adjacent to the lift from ground level to the top of the guardrail on the upper level must be equipped with a smooth face to eliminate shear points. This may be wallboard, polycarbonate GP sheets or fine mesh. Interlocked doors & windows are allowed. A proper mezzanine lift would also include an enclosure system. The sides not adjacent to the mezzanine must be enclosed from ground level to the height of the highest guardrail in the fully raised position. The guardrail on the mezzanine and the access gates on the enclosure must be electrically interlocked to prevent lift movement when the gates or doors are opened and mechanically locked so that they cannot be opened unless the lift platform is present. The gap between the platform and the mezzanine should be 1”. The gap between the platform and the enclosure on all other sides should be approximately 3” to 4”. This gap requirement is not by code, but another common sense requirement required by most inspectors. The configuration should look like this: Advance lifts will always supply a configuration drawing after receipt of order so that users and inspecting authorities can make comments before the equipment is built and shipped. What about inspections of these lifts? Advance Lifts has studied elevator inspection forms from several states and realized that the forms closely followed the underlying elevator code. Advance Lifts then developed an inspection form following the same reasoning based on the latest draft of ANSI MH29.1. This form was then reviewed by elevator inspectors and further refined into its current form which is called the “Inspection Checklist For Industrial Scissors Lifts At Mezzanines” form AL-2010 Rev 1. This should be a big help to elevator inspectors and municipal building commissioners around the country. Landing lock option All multistage scissor lifts have some sway and some deflection inherent to their design. The BFL models typically used in mezzanine access lifts are exceptionally stout and rigid, but there still is some sway and deflection. This is by no means dangerous, but some people find this undesirable. Therefore, Advance Lifts created a Landing Lock (patent pending) which consists of two (2) locking pins that are extended into receivers when a unit arrives at an upper elevation. This eliminates sway and deflection at the loading edge of the platform. A discussion about specific applications is necessary to determine a recommendation on this option. By Henry J. Renken, Advance Lifts, Inc.
TVH
Lift Table stocking program offers over 2 dozen models for shipment in one week or less
Southworth Products Corp has announced a new program to provide fast delivery of several models of lift tables and other vertical lifting and positioning equipment by shipping eligible products in one week. The Swift Lift 1 program combines the thoughtful application of modern engineering, materials planning, and manufacturing technology to go well beyond any other availability program in the industry. Swift Lift 1 offerings are built around Southworth’s most popular hydraulic Lift Table Series including LS, LL, and ZLS Floor Height units. Available models have capacities from 1,100 to 6,000 lbs. and platforms up to 48” x 96”. Most lifts can also be modified to include limit switches, footswitch or hand pendant controls, and several voltage options and paint colors. The Swift Lift 1 one-week commitment also extends to most PalletPal Manual Palletizers and Dandy Lift Portable Lifts. “When a customer is relying on one of our products to solve an ergonomic problem or clear a production bottleneck, every second counts. With Southworth and Swift Lift 1 they can be assured that no one will provide a better solution with a faster delivery,” says National Sales Manager, Pete Horne. Southworth also remains fully committed to providing custom engineered solutions with the industry’s shortest lead times.
High-Duty Cycle Lift Tables offer extended time between maintenance
For applications that require frequent cycling (lifting and lowering) of lift tables, Southworth offers high-duty cycle packages that increase recommended maintenance intervals from 50,000 cycles to 200,000 cycles. The dramatic increase in cycles is attributed to upgraded components including more rugged and durable wear parts. In addition to better accommodating higher cycles, these components also deliver longer life and better performance in applications that involve oversized or non-uniform loads which can cause uneven wear in standard lifts. High-cycle lift tables are often specified for integration with other handling systems, like conveyors and sortation systems, where standard maintenance intervals could create unnecessary system downtime and production bottlenecks. They are also a preferred option when lifts are installed in congested areas or where maintenance access is limited or difficult. High-cycle lifts are also recommended for applications where there is limited or no maintenance staff to inspect and maintain the equipment. Specific component differences between standard and high cycle lift packages include high strength, oversized alloy shafts and pins that are turned, ground and polished; hardened, regreaseable cam followers; glass filament wound PTFE impregnated epoxy backed bushings; steel roller wear strips; and an upper limit switch. In some cases, continuous-duty power units may also be specified. All Southworth LS Series lifts, including 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 lb. units, can be configured for high-duty cycles.
LiftWise® introduces high-capacity Hydraulic Lift Table to simplify maintenance, other operational tasks
The new LiftMaster 7000 from LiftWise allows users to lift or lower a variety of parts into position for maintenance or other needs. Featuring a high lift capacity with a compact and maneuverable design, the hydraulic lift table provides easy operation for some of the most demanding operational tasks. The LiftMaster 7000 has a lift-off capacity of 5,500 pounds and a full capacity of 7,000 pounds. A pump handle is used to precisely raise/lower the table with a maximum lift height of 38 inches. For easy maneuverability when moving and positioning heavy components, the LiftMaster 7000 includes 6-inch-diameter swivel wheels and locking casters. An optional bolt-on transfer top can provide additional versatility by allowing 6-degree rotation, 2-inch side-to-side movement, and 3.88-inch front-to-back movement. It has perforated sections that can be used for fine positioning items on the table by using a small pry bar. The transfer top has a 4,000-pound load capacity and can be easily removed when not needed. The LiftMaster 7000 is 32 inches wide and 72 inches long with the handle raised. The handle can be folded for a storage height of only 10.5 inches. LiftWise is the material handling group at Diversified Products. The company offers a wide range of products for material handling in assembly, welding, and servicing of equipment, as well as other various lifting solutions.
Southworth Products introduces Lift Tables for Fork-Free environments
ZLS Series Floor Height Lift Tables from Southworth Products have a pan-style platform that, when lowered, sits essentially flush to the floor allowing them to be loaded and unloaded with an ordinary hand pallet truck. Forklift-free loading and unloading have become increasingly important as many facilities have established fork-free zones, and some have eliminated forklifts entirely. Ideal for palletizing applications, ZLS Lifts gives workers unobstructed access to loads from all four sides. Once loaded, the hydraulic lift table can be positioned to any height up to 35-3/8”. The large 50” x 48” platform accepts a variety of pallet and skid sizes, including the open or closed bottom. Three models are available with 2000, 4000 or 6000-pound capacities. A 6” flexible, high-visibility yellow strip is mounted to the front edge of the platform to protect against toe injuries. Lifting and lowering is controlled by either a footswitch or pushbutton pendant. Units operate on standard 115/1/60 power. ZLS Series Lifts can be equipped with a wide range of safety and convenience options including bellows accordion skirting, photo-eye toe protection, one-touch auto-leveling, portability chains, custom platform sizes, and corrosion-resistant finishes.
Blue Giant appoints Mack as sales manager of lift tables
Blue Giant Equipment Corporation has just announced that Ron Mack has been appointed as Sales Manager for Lift Tables. Ron has been in the lift table business for 23 years and he will be a great asset to the Blue Giant team. Ron has worked in the material handling industry for over 25 years and has spent the last 23 years specializing in managing and selling lift table equipment across the United States and Canada. Most recently, Ron managed all aspects of sales, customer service, and dealer relations for a leading manufacturer of ergonomic work positioning equipment. Jeff Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated “With Ron’s industry experience, product expertise, and strategic planning skills, he will be a great asset to the Blue Giant Lift Table team. His wide range of skills will be essential as we continue to grow and develop our lift table business.” With strong expertise in new business development and sales management, combined with extensive industry experience and knowledge, Ron will play a crucial role in the continued success and development of the Blue Giant lift table business.
Orion demonstrating updated features on its Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping Systems at PACK EXPO East 2022
Orion Packaging Systems, a ProMach brand, is exhibiting updated features on its Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System in booth 2214 at PACK EXPO East, March 21-23, at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Penn. Orion is an industry-leading stretch wrapper and pallet unitizing machinery manufacturer of automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrapping equipment, including rotary turntables, rotary towers, and horizontal wrapping systems. The Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System with updated features automatically performs the entire film wrap cycle without the operator dealing with the film tail at the beginning or end of the cycle. To start the wrapping process, simply place the pallet load on the machine and pull a lanyard switch while backing away. Minimizing operator interaction significantly impacts efficiency by freeing staff to work on other tasks while the machine is wrapping. The Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System is engineered for 24/7 operation. It features a heavy-duty steel framework and turntable support system, AC motors, and a belt-driven carriage lift. Additionally, the wrapper is outfitted with Orion’s S-Carriage InstaThread Pre-stretch Film Carriage, which provides a consistent pre-stretch film of 260% at different tensions and 1” less neckdown – both of which allow customers to save up to 15% on film per load. The Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System comes with several performance features and benefits, including: 63” diameter turntable for loads up to 50” x 50” 80” maximum load height standard, optional up to 110” Load with a pallet jack, electric walkie or forklift Full surround deck for easier loading Precision ring bearing turntable support, with heavy-duty casters for additional support 7” IntelleVue color, HD touch screen HMI with up to nine different wrap recipes 15 RMP variable speed with “soft start” 6,000 lb. maximum load weight capacity Automatic force to load for even film tension AC/VFD motors reduce maintenance Forklift portable from front or rear Plan to visit Orion in booth 2214 at PACK EXPO East 2022 to see how it’s Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System with updated features can bring efficiencies to your next stretch wrapping application.
Mallard Manufacturing introduces new line of Ball Transfer Tables
Gravity flow solutions manufacturer connects the Gravity Conveyor Dots to improve warehouse flow and workplace safety — Rotate, Transfer, and Push Heavy Pallets, Parts, and Inventory with Ball Transfer Tables Mallard Manufacturing, an industrial gravity flow solutions supplier, is excited to introduce a new product line of ball transfer tables as an extension of their popular gravity conveyor systems. Ball transfer tables are used to assist workers with manual handling and rotation of heavy pallets, parts, and inventory items. Ball transfer tables are wheel-embedded steel tables that assist workers in moving heavy items from one conveyor to another or from a conveyor to a workstation. Ball transfer tables can be integrated into a gravity conveyor line or used as a stand-alone workstation. Ball Transfer Tables Improve Productivity – 4 Common Configurations Improve inflow and outflow of pallets for assembly, pallet building, quality control inspection, and more Connect transition points of raised or floor-mounted conveyor lines for easy pallet rotation and transfer Improve ergonomics & productivity to minimize worker fatigue for heavy cartons & totes on raised workstations Maximize dock area for safer, more efficient staging & intake without forklifts Customers can work with the Mallard Manufacturing team to create a customized ball transfer table using 12” sections and a variety of features and options.
Uni-Craft Corp. “Upends” working conditions in the Mold Manufacturing Industry
A key issue in the mold manufacturing industry is handling. Having to move, lift and position such large, heavy, and odd-shaped objects for assembly without the proper equipment presents safety concerns for line workers and drains company time. Tough, industrial environments almost always present challenging conditions, but who says these challenges must be faced alone? For one mold manufacturer, the first step towards improving productivity and automating the positioning of molds during manufacturing, began with the discovery of Uni-Craft Corp. Uni-Craft’s expertise in designing and manufacturing ergonomic positioning equipment, custom to each application, made the choice clear. Workers at the mold manufacturing facility required assistance to safely flip and position a variety of heavy molds. Uni-Craft designed a custom Pass-Through Upender with Shuttle to “upend” the molds providing a safer and more secure method to flip, rotate, and reposition molds for further assembly. Uni-Craft’s Pass-Through Upender with Shuttle features two independently controlled platforms, which enable them to articulate with higher precision while supporting and positioning products for safe assembly. The platforms can lay 180° flat for products to simply “pass-through” processing and can also tilt up to 95°. Extra product support and security are essential for heavy, round, or odd-shaped objects such as molds. Uni-Craft mounted a v-shaped Shuttle to one of the platforms, adding a cradling effect to ensure stable object positioning and repositioning. For more information visit, uni-craftcorp.com/upender-shuttle. Uni-Craft has designed Pass-Through Upenders to automate the repositioning of a wide range of products from furniture to coils and more. The unique pass-through design allows the upender to be integrated with the infeed and exit conveyors to minimize the manual handling.
Floor level lift tables can be loaded by a hand pallet truck
¾ XZ Series Lift Tables from Presto ECOA feature Zero-Height platforms that sit just 3/8” above the floor. This extreme low height allows loads to be rolled on or off of them with a hand pallet jack, making them ideal for facilities without a forklift, or for use in fork-free designated areas. Loads can be accessed from all four sides of the platform making the lift well suited for palletizing operations. Six standard models are available and can be furnished in 2,000, 4,000, or 6,000 lb. capacities with either a 44” x 48” or 50” x 48” platform. Lifting and lowering are controlled by either a hand pendant or footswitch. The maximum platform height is 35-3/8”. XZ Series lifts are equipped with a 1 HP external power unit and operate on standard 115/1/60 electrical power. The front of the platform is equipped with a 6” deep flexible strip that yields on contact to prevent toe injuries. In addition to standard configurations, a variety of options are available including custom platform sizes, bellows skirting, and one-touch leveling.
Midland Pallet Trucks urges warehousing industry not to overlook human element during robotic revolution
As the robotic revolution continues to gain momentum in the UK’s warehousing and logistic sectors, Midland Pallet Trucks, a provider of high-quality lifting equipment including pallet trucks, manual stacker trucks and lift tables, is urging managers not to forget their human workers when investing in new robotic technologies. With Covid-19 being something of a turning point for the UK warehousing sector due to the added demand placed on the industry, many warehouse owners have been looking into ways to automate certain tasks to improve efficiency and streamline processes to maximize productivity. With the demand for good quality warehousing space hitting an all-time high due to the global pandemic and Brexit, the ability to move goods quickly through warehouses and distribution hubs is essential for businesses working within the sector to be as profitable as possible. Seen as the future of logistics and warehousing, robotic technology is set to allow later ordering cut-off times and next-day delivery subscription services. It’s likely that certain roles usually undertaken by humans will be carried out by robot control systems that are capable of working at the same rate of productivity 24/7 without the need for breaks or the risk of workplace injury. According to a recent report, it has been estimated that automated robotics goods-to-person order-picking can increase efficiency by an incredible 84% which will, in turn, save over 58% on labor costs as well as increasing picking performance from 100 picks per hour to over 600. However, as many members of the warehousing industry keep their focus firmly on robotics and efficiency improvements, Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks is urging those working within the sector to consider the bigger picture and not forget about the needs of the people that will still be a necessary part of warehouses of the future. ″There’s no denying that automation and robotics have a significant part to play in the future of the warehousing sector, but we mustn’t lose sight of those people that will still be working in the industry alongside this brand-new technology. “Just as robots need repairs and maintenance, humans need certain pieces of equipment to protect them against the risk of injury. When planning new warehouse layouts and labor needs, it is important that lift equipment for human workers isn’t forgotten as they will still be an integral part of the fabric of any warehouse.″