CHAIN HOISTS | TECHNOLOGY REPORT


R Yoke says 2021 will be the breakthrough year for RFID/NFC technology


exponentially over the last ten years and maintenance cost has been reduced drastically having as a result a longer timespan for replacements. “In the future, we foresee smarter


products which are ergonomically designed, slimer and even safer to use with a strong focus on comfort, as well as being digitally connected to the operator using the latest technologies for a predictable maintenance upkeep and failsafe protection against any accidents. “Even if in the last 20 years safety


awareness has increased significantly, we still see there is a lot to do in emerging countries. Not just safety related routines limited to handling or lifting operations, but from a design, technological, materials research and maintenance perspective.”


DIGITILISATION Steven Hong, president of Taiwan- based manufacturer of lifting and safety components Yoke Industrial Corporation says 2021 will be the breakthrough year for RFID/NFC technology and in response to the focus on digitalisation it has launched a new technology for chain hoists called the SupraTag, ‘Tech for Safety’. The Yoke SupraTag digital platform means manufacturers can keep all their digital documents, standards, and pre-use guidance in one place, the equipment is safe and suitable for service; safe use instructions are available to every user who handles the equipment, which is fitted with the SupraTag or embedded chip and the equipment is in an up-to-date, reliable condition and has been inspected and


40 | May 2021 | www.hoistmagazine.com


thoroughly examined so it is ready to use. “We know there have been many false


starts for RFID/NFC technology, but we believe with the launch of the Yoke SupraTag and the associated software platform Ri Connect, Yoke will firmly see Tech for Safety overtake anything previously seen on the market,” he says. For the past two years Yoke has been embedding RFID chips into all of its YP lifting point, insulated swivels and pledges to continue to extend this feature into its other forged lifting components. “This industry contains some of the most enquiring and technically excellent minds, and we see 2021 being the year that they get their wish to digitalise their inspection management systems” adds Hong. “The lifting industry is a very mature


market and conservative to adopt new technology, many have tried and failed due to a too narrow approach, bespoke systems and high-cost hardware, the SupraTag is the key to opening the door on digital technology desired by many of our global partners and all other manufacturers.” According to Hong, current legislation


is risk-based, because it often uses inadequate paper-based lifting planning systems, which is not always available to the actual user. Safe use instructions are either stored away from the workplace, or in an office, and pre-use inspection knowledge travels in the hands of the few not the many. He says SupraTag will put all this information into the hands of every user, by way of their smart phone, laptop or other device. “This will help not only all manufacturers


of lifting equipment digitalise their information required by their customer, but also help other responsible persons to comply with HSE, LOLER, ASME and other global legislation to ensure the equipment is not only in good condition, but that it can be inspected prior to being used to carry out a critical lift,” says Hong. “It is often difficult or time consuming to


ensure all lifting equipment put into service for the first time, or during its lifetime has the correct documentation and safe use instructions, certification and pre use inspection records available at the point of use. The SupraTag allows this to happen, and it’s surprising no one has been able to offer this to the millions of people who handle critical and potentially dangerous lifting equipment each day.” Another company introducing


technology to meet current market demands is Kito, which has launched the Kito Electric Chain Balancer, which is a chain hoist which generates power balanced with the weight of the load, allowing an operator to hold the load with two hands and apply light force for fine positioning and horizontal insertion of a part. The product has two modes of operation; a float mode, which allows the operator to position the load by holding it in two hands, ideal for assembly and cylinder mode, or in sync with the operator's hand motion, for fine positioning. The electric chain balancer combines


Kito technologies and years of knowledge built over decades of chain-hoist development. With a built-in control, it responds quickly to the operator's motion


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