Mobile platforms - spider-type basket lift

Industrial development and the technological advances made over the last half-century show the increasing importance of goods transport and work carried out using lifting platforms. Fork-lift trucks, which are responsible for transporting goods and organising the warehouse, are entering a new phase of technical evolution, as are aerial work platforms, which are designed to manage hard-to-reach spaces.

The distinctive thirty-metre long arm aerial lift of the "spider" type allows its users to ascend to the sphinx's nasal cavity, which works well with its tracked chassis adapted to navigate difficult and uneven terrain such as sand. Its unusual utility form, which earned it the nickname 'spider', allows it to perform unusual tasks both indoors and outdoors. Its versatility of use is a credit to its success on the market - with such a platform, we are able to develop hard-to-reach spaces. The lift is best suited to conservation work in museums, replacing lights in a swimming pool or technical inspections of installations under sports hall roofs. The "spider legs", on the other hand, ensure the safety of the workers and do not damage the delicate ground found in the aforementioned cultural and sports centres. The compact dimensions of the folded elevator allow it to drive through narrow corridors and sneak through tight doorways. What speaks in favour of its mobility and affordability is its low weight, for a mobile lift, averaging 4,700 kilograms - enabling the platform to be transported by a 7.5 tonne truck. In addition, the new versions of the 'spider' lift are capable of operating for up to eight hours after a battery charge. Standard versions also include an automatic positioning system and asymmetric stabilisation types. The 'spider' lifts represent a certain leap from the wheel-driven scissor lifts we have known for a long time.

Mobile platforms are entering the next phase of technological evolution, evidenced by the newly launched robotic transport trucks. The wide and low-floor platforms move autonomously, which introduces new logistical solutions for warehousemen and managers. Over the years, we have seen more and more new improvements, resulting in their reputation today and the fact that they are being snapped up in consumer markets. What is the secret behind this brand and its machines? I invite you to read on.  

The problem is QR - these codes allow the machines to maneuver between shelves and avoid permanent obstacles, as well as other trolleys. They autonomously pick up objects and move them, and are able to manage the warehouse themselves according to the manager's guidelines. However, this technology has been around for a long time, so what is the origin of their popularity growth? It is an ever-expanding online trade (orders increase), staff shortage as well as better software of carts. Due to their remarkable maneuverability and compactness, they are able to move in narrow areas, and they can also perform rotational maneuvers around their own axis and rotate the available load. These trucks have a wide range of applications, from delivering materials to production lines to delivering them to designated people. They can carry loads of up to 600, 1000 and even 1500 kilograms. They remove cargo loads with the help of transport tables, under which they autonomously drive up and collect goods or a pallet, and then transport them to a fixed location. We can track their entire journey thanks to QR codes, but how is the transport process fully automated? The answer is laser scanners responsible for detecting moving and stationary obstacles. The truck regulates its speed itself and gives warning signals when it encounters an obstacle. In extreme cases, it has emergency stop switches on all sides, and additionally mounted shock absorbers protect it from damage during a collision. There is strength in the group, robots are best for mass load work from point A to point B. Their digitized navigation system allows remote task setting and limits the human workforce to one person managing their work. Looking at the changes taking place in the technological solutions of mobile platforms, we will not be surprised when in a few decades we will be able to see only remotely working warehouses.

We can distinguish forklifts according to the place of destination for work, e.g. in a cold store. Newer versions are often characterized by high storage capacities as well as compact dimensions, improved from the older types to be optimized for working conditions in unfavorable climates. Such trolleys are called the N-type, i.e. narrow having its place of sale in warehouses with a small space.

As such trucks need an operator, their control has been improved - the small chassis and the aforementioned compactness ensure comfort of driving and work. It performs much better than its predecessors, thanks to energy solutions that increase the efficiency of its battery and increased lifting height by 1.5 meters, which gives us a total of ten meters - i.e. the fourth floor of the block. It comes in various variants with a lifting capacity: 1.4 and 1.6 tons.

What is different about working in a cold store? Of course, the temperature. The trolley is adapted to use even at a temperature of -30 ° C, it provides comfort and takes care of the operator's health, thanks to the insulated and heated cabin, thus increasing the efficiency of his work. The applied solutions protect the windows and the transparent roof, which do not cover with frost and do not hinder visibility during maneuvers. What additionally is a modern element in their design is the equipment of the trolleys with a touch screen and the ergonomic design of the trolley interior - all components are close to each other, which makes it easier to control.

If you are interested in working in the position operator of mobile platforms or forklifts, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the offer provided by CSO Operator Training Centre. We will help you obtain the required qualifications and develop the skills needed to work in a given position.