Ergonomic lifting aids are a valuable addition to automated processes

Robots, AGVs, and automated sorting systems are rapidly transforming warehouses. Yet, a great deal of manual labor still exists on the periphery of the process. Non-standard packages, varying batches, full trailers, and limited workspaces do not always fit within a single automated line. According to Christian de Kleuver, branch manager at Erkon Lifting Aids, this presents a significant opportunity. “Where manual labor remains necessary, ergonomic lifting aids can alleviate physical strain and help employees work safely, efficiently, and sustainably. After all, lower back pain costs the Netherlands 4.4 billion euros per year. Furthermore, employers and employees are legally required to minimize that risk,” he says.

Large volumes of goods with uniform dimensions can be processed automatically with excellent results. As soon as products vary in size, weight, or packaging, the process becomes more challenging. A car tire, a cabinet, or a soccer ball rarely follow the same route and, moreover, sometimes have to be transported by different carriers. The TAWI High Frequency Lifter provides support for sorting and moving such a wide variety of goods and packages. As soon as the suction cup of this vacuum lifter is placed on a box, it lifts immediately. The operator does not need to press a separate lift button and lowers the load by venting the system. The joystick-style one-handed control keeps the load close to the body, allowing for fast and controlled operation. De Kleuver: “Various customers use this vacuum lifter to sort packages into roll containers.”

Versatile

Not every lifting operation takes place in the same location every time. The TAWI Mobile High Frequency Lifter therefore features a mobile design with an electrically operated telescopic column. This allows the vacuum lifter to be used in the warehouse for sorting and palletizing tasks, as well as inside a container.

“One of our customers uses the lifter in the warehouse to restack and sort packages. When a fully loaded container arrives, he drives the mobile vacuum lifter inside. This gives him a flexible solution.”

Faster pallet changes

Another labor-intensive process is replacing pallets. Consider, for example, damaged shipping pallets or goods that need to be transferred from wood to plastic to ensure a hygienic production environment. Restacking them manually takes time and places an unnecessary burden on employees.

The PARATUS® pallet changer slides a new pallet under the load without having to move the goods individually. “You don’t have to remove the product from the pallet and restack it from scratch. This saves you a lot of time.”

Support Compact

For order picking, bin handling, and loading delivery vans, the mobile HOVMAND lifting aid with platform offers a compact solution. The system easily maneuvers between racks and raises bins or boxes to the desired working height. Depending on the application, the lifting aid can be supplied with a platform, fork, or crane arm.

Experience Center

Erkon Lifting Equipment offers the most extensive selection in the Netherlands. After all, which piece of equipment is most suitable depends on many different factors: the type of goods, the available space, the lifting height, and the routing. In addition to on-site consultation, their Experience Center provides an opportunity to make the right choice. “Here, interested parties can test our products. Since it’s important that employees can perform their work without strain and with enjoyment, we recommend bringing along the employees who will be using the equipment.”

The fact that customers appreciate the opportunities offered by the Experience Center is evident from the growing interest that recently led Erkon to move to a much larger location in Ede: “Our showroom is now 2.5 times as large. And the great thing is that visitors are also allowed to test their own products and packaging here,” concludes De Kleuver.