When it comes to the lifting, repositioning and lowering of heavy goods, there are various ways to get the job done. Crucially, safety and efficiency remain top priorities within any kind of lifting application.
Two of the main categories that can be used to distinguish the broad spectrum of lifting equipment that exists include traditional lifting devices and intelligent lifting devices.
Understanding which one is right for your business is important, especially as technology continues to evolve.
Here is a brief overview of the differences between traditional and intelligent lifting devices to guide you.
Traditional Lifting Devices
Humans have been lifting things since records began. Therefore, the easiest way to describe traditional lifting devices is anything which came before the invention of automated technology, whereby human physical effort is a requirement.
Examples of traditional lifting devices include:
- A-Frames and tripods
- Block and tackle
- Cranes
- Hand trucks (dollies)
- Hoists
- Jacks
- Lever systems
- Manual pallet jacks
- Rope and pulley systems
Over the years, each of these has developed to become more efficient and even offer greater lifting capacity. For instance, cranes offer fantastic versatility in terms of the types of cranes available, and also their flexibility to adapt to different environments and overall lifting capabilities.
Traditional Lifting Benefits
The three main benefits of traditional lifting devices include cost-effectiveness, simplicity and flexibility. Unlike intelligent devices, businesses don’t face huge investment costs when wanting to use traditional lifting devices to improve the safety and output of any lifting tasks.
Traditional Lifting Considerations
While some traditional lifting devices (i.e. cranes) can offer a wealth of benefits, this isn’t the case for the more rudimentary contraptions. In particular, basic tools can increase the risk of injury due to improper lifting techniques, and can also have limited efficiency. For the traditional tools which require significant physical effort, this can lead to fatigue and reduced output.
Intelligent Lifting Devices
Intelligent lifting devices are integrated with artificial intelligence, automation, robotics or sensors to provide superior as well as precise lifting capabilities.
Examples of intelligent lifting devices include:
- AI-enhanced material handling systems
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Collaborative robots (Cobots)
- Exoskeletons
- Intelligent lifting frames and platforms
- Intelligent load positioners
- Powered suction lifters
- Robotic arms
- Smart hoists and cranes
- Smart pallet jacks and forklifts
In any environment where the need to lift or reposition loads is repetitive, heavy or complex, intelligent devices can offer increased capabilities compared with traditional devices.
Intelligent Lifting Benefits
Intelligent devices represent the very latest tools and technologies, including solutions born out of a need to increase capacity and overall safety. Therefore, compared with the more basic traditional lifting methods, intelligent devices can offer significant advantages.
Intelligent Lifting Considerations
There is a higher upfront cost for intelligent lifting devices. The lifting application also relies on the absence of any technical issues, which is a risk with any kind of technology. Therefore, there is a need to undertake regular maintenance to maintain and upgrade the machines. Compared with traditional tools, fixing any issues can be more complex as well as costly.
Summary
When it comes to choosing between traditional and intelligent lifting devices, the right option depends on the specific needs of the application. While traditional lifting devices can suffice for smaller and less risky operations, large-scale or repetitive tasks can benefit from the technological advances that intelligent lifting devices can provide.
Discover Our Material Handling Products For Safe & Efficient Lifting
Are you in search of safe lifting solutions for your business?
Metreel is a leading UK supplier of material handling equipment. We can come up with a variety of solutions to ensure efficient and safe lifting operations within your industrial facility.
Know what you’re looking for? Head over to our crane builder tool to get started.
Alternatively, you can browse our material handling products on our website to learn more about our product specifications.
For help with your purchase, don’t hesitate to give our team a call on 0115 932 7010.