DIGITALISATION
RiConnect provides a platform for efficient and accurate information transaction between different parties along the supply chain.
communication, Read explains. “Tiger products now come with either a suitable SupraTag or embedded digital chip. RiConnect is an asset management tool which is controlled through cloud-based software. RiConnect provides not just a solution for asset management but also a platform for efficient and accurate information transaction between different parties along the supply chain, including product manufacturers, asset owners and inspection service providers,” continues Read. “It helps to maximise the utilisation of assets and optimise asset maintenance and inspection plans, while fulfilling the needs of all the stakeholders in the process.” At Kito Crosby, Premont explains, they have
introduced a new electric balancer to integrate with a collaborative robot (cobot) for complex lifting tasks in manufacturing operations. “The hoist is responsible for lifting loads, while the cobot positions them accordingly. This combination can be used as an alternative to manual labour traditionally performed by multiple workers.” Cobots can be combined with external hoist solutions, like Kito’s electric balancer, to increase their lifting capacity and vertical reach. The combination of hoist and cobots also have a smaller footprint than traditional industrial robots and equipment,
18 | October 2025 |
www.hoistmagazine.com
making them more flexible as well as safer for people to work alongside them in many cases. Artificial intelligence is expected to play a transformative role across countless sectors, including hoisting. Cobots represent one area of promise, as Premont highlights: “Digital ecosystems are developing where hoists interact with both humans and machines. As cobots become more affordable, their functionality can be extended by integrating intelligent hoists, enabling them to work together to carry out complex lifting operations.”
The customer is always right The industry-wide benefits of these technologies are undeniable, but the strongest driver behind digitalisation is customer demand. “More than ever, clients want the benefits that digitalisation brings – whether it’s analysing failure rates to prevent potential accidents, comparing product lifespans to reduce costs or ensuring sustainability across projects. Just as importantly, digitalisation ensures that site personnel can access critical safety documentation anytime, anywhere,” explains Whitehurst-Maiden. Premont agrees: “Customers consistently seek to advance safety, minimise operational
costs and optimise the productivity of their hoist operations. The adoption of emerging hoist technologies – including artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring and automation – facilitates streamlined workflows, improved throughput and predictive maintenance capabilities.” Real-time, data-driven insights are also allowing operators to respond quickly to lifting anomalies, allocate resources more efficiently and make better strategic decisions.
Sustainability is another major benefit. “Quality, reliability and serviceability of products, increasing product life cycles, is essential. Emerging technologies help efficiency, safety and cost by eliminating paperwork,” adds Read. Tiger Lifting echoes this perspective: “At Tiger lifting, we think that anything that helps the many parties in the lifting equipment supply chain become more sustainable and efficient is a really positive step. The SupraTag is highly corrosion and impact resistant and when it (or other embedded RFID chips) are linked with the RiConnect system, digitalised product information relating to usability and traceability of a product is readily accessible.” The rise of digitalisation is not without challenges, however. “Working with our
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