The Pros and Cons of Intelligent Lifting Devices versus Traditional Lifting Devices

Intelligent Lifting Devices (ILDs) are safer, faster, and more user-responsive than traditional handling devices. While the benefits are numerous, it's important for individual warehouses and manufacturers to carefully weigh the pros and cons of putting these devices on the line. 

• Intelligent Lift Assist Devices will likely require a larger up-front capital investment than traditional handling devices. It's certainly a factor that every warehouse manager will need to take into account. However, it's important to look at the long-term cost benefits of ILDs when weighing the pros and cons. ILDs can help boost productivity and decrease worker sick days, meaning that they could very quickly end up paying for themselves. Like all technology, the cost of ILDs will likely continue to come down in the future. However, investing in Intelligent Lift Assist Device technology now could give a forward-thinking warehouse the advantage in a crowded market.
  
  
• Like any new technology, ILDs require time to implement into a warehouse. While that's a con for anyone looking at their downtime numbers, ILDs are very quickly implemented when you work with an experienced manufacturing and installation team. They can install devices quickly and train users on their use in minutes. Lift Assist Devices are also a midway point between human labor and full automation. EHS Today notes that the hybrid of human user and automation offers "the advantages of reduced cost and greater flexibility than total automation."

If you are curious about the benefits of bringing ILDs to your warehouse, check out this case study from the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

There is no one-size-fits-all Lift Assist Device solution for materials handling. Which device, where it's installed, and how it's used will all depend on the individual application needs. That's why it's important to consider all the ILD options and carefully weigh the features and benefits. Then you can determine which device is right for your material handling needs. Gorbel offers several customizable Lift Assist Device solutions for the material handling industry, offering benefits such as:

• Anti-recoil technology 
• Infinite speed control
• Fail-safe load braking in case of power loss
• Four times faster than traditional lifting devices
• Built-in photosensor to ensure operator presence
• Capacity overload system prevents excess loads
• Full-stroke mode allows users to carefully position materials
• Precision controls so users can get delicate parts into place

The G-Force Q2 and G-Force iQ2

Gorbel offers two intelligent lifting devices that adapt to a variety of environments, the G-Force Q2 and the G-Force iQ2. Gorbel offers G-Force options for higher capacities, faster speeds, and more responsive performance. That way you can get the device that's needed to get the job done. This lifting device is ideal for applications in the automotive industry, heavy equipment manufacturing, parts assembly, repetitive lifting tasks, and much more.

The Easy Arm® Q2 and Easy Arm® iQ2

The Easy Arm® is an intelligent lifting arm that uses the G-Force device in combination with an articulated jib crane. This is a great option for smaller workspaces looking for a plug-and-play solution. The units are ready to install when shipped and simply bolt to the floor. That makes them easy to reposition in the future, too, if the needs of your materials handling team change. These Easy Arm® systems are especially useful if users need to reach around obstructions, work overhead, or unload machined parts.

Ready to implement technology into your warehouse that can help you achieve your operational efficiency goals? Talk to the Gorbel ILD team to learn more about which intelligent lifting device may be right for your materials handling needs. Get in touch with us today by giving us a call at 1-844-268-7055 or filling out the form on our contact page.