Around 40,000 visitors are expected by the close of ProMat today

By the time ProMat 2017 wraps up in Chicago later today, an expected 40,000 visitors will have been through the venue.

This year's show boasted 950 exhibitors, and visitors also had the choice of more than 130 educational seminars over the four days.

Here are some of the event highlights.

The big guys
KION Group used the show for its largest new product line launch, with offerings covering the entire supply chain, from forklifts to fully automated solutions, over its Linde, Baoli, Dematic, Dematic Egemin and Dematic Retrotech ranges. On show were five new Linde and Baoli forklifts, developed specifically with the needs of the North American market in mind. The Linde Series 1347 is an electric, cushion-tyre truck powered by either a 36 V or 48 V battery. The Linde Series 1219 and 1319 are two internal combustion, counterbalance torque converter trucks. Powered by a Ford 2.5 L fuel-injected engine, the 1219 is suited for outdoor applications, whereas the 1319 is suited for indoor use. The Baoli KBD Series features a Kohler Tier 4 Final diesel engine and load capacities up to 7,000 lb (3,175 kg).

Yale Materials Handling Corporation introduced the latest innovation in its robotic forklift lineup. The Yale MC10-15 Driven by Balyo is a counterbalance stacker model, capable of not only point-to-point horizontal transportation, but vertical movement - able to autonomously retrieve or deposit pallets from elevated spaces. This vertical capability offers the versatility to accomplish a variety of warehouse tasks using a single truck, including easy transfer of pallets from floor-level staging areas to conveyor lines, loading and unloading in cross-docking applications, and stacking on elevated storage racks. The counterbalance stacker model uses the same infrastructure-free navigation technology as the Yale MO70T tow tractor and MPE080-VG end rider Driven by Balyo models.

UniCarriers is showing its new three-wheel, electric forklift trucks

UniCarriers Americas Corporation (UCA) introduced three new three-wheel, electric forklift trucks: TX30M, TX35M and TX40M. These new forklifts replace the current Platinum TX Series as UniCarriers continues to upgrade its full line of forklifts. The new trucks incorporate advanced technologies that deliver improved performance and reliability as well as additional features that are desired in materials handling operations. They are backed by UniCarriers Americas' two-year/unlimited hours limited warranty. "Our previous generation three-wheel lift trucks were very solid and reliable performers, but with the new TX-M Series, we've been able to make significant and measurable improvements in every area," says Mark Porwit, director, corporate planning, UniCarriers Americas.

The next tier
Hyundai Forklift used ProMat to launch the BCS-9 stand-up counterbalance battery forklift for narrow-aisle operation in distribution and manufacturing environments. The three new models - 15BCS-9, 18BCS-9 and 20BCS-9 - are available in 3,000, 3,500 and 4,000 lb. (1,360, 1,590 and 1,800 kg) capacities. "Like all Hyundai stand-up battery lift trucks, the smooth-running BCS-9 forklifts feature a compact design that delivers improved work efficiency and maximum space usage," says Tim Webb, manager of marketing and product development at Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas. "The powerful and efficient dual-drive motors with 100% AC technology enable superior throughput with faster speed." The trucks are protected by Hyundai's three-year, 4,000-hour standard warranty.

Manitou's new ME 316

The Manitou Group also showed off new products, including a preview of the entry-level MI and ME models. Manitou says it designed the MI/ME industrial forklifts to the "Manitou Design" quality and service standards while offering them at competitive price levels. The new models are being shown alongside the Final Tier 4 compact four-wheel drive MH25-4 forklift.

Big Joe is showing seven new equipment prototypes, two new models that were launched in January, 10 other recent product line additions, and the core model of the Big Joe brand, the IBH in-between handler made in the USA. The equipment is available for test drives on the show floor. The exhibitor has four additional hands-on demo areas where it is showing the Big Joe PDSR power-steering walkie reach truck and prototypes like the B25, RTT, eStep, eCart, eDolly and the new lithium-powered e25 eTruck.

Hoist Liftruck flagged its new terminal tractor line and expansion of its electric product options. Hoist will roll out its first AC power-driven motor on the electric Lazer Series. Another popular cushion tyre product on the line, the FR Series extendable counterweight, will also offer an electric option this year, powered by an AC motor as well.
Hoist will also be bringing on an electric version of the recently launched T-Series terminal tractor.

Ireland's Combilift is showing its new Combi-CS counterbalance pedestrian stacker which combines optimum narrow-aisle performance with full visibility of the forks, load and surroundings for enhanced health and safety procedures. With tilting mast, the compact design of the Combi-CS enables it to work in the smallest operating aisles for a machine of its type and lift capacity - 1,850 lb. at 24 in. (840 kg at 60 cm). The patented multi-position tiller arm offers a host of benefits compared to conventional pedestrian stackers: better visibility of the load and surroundings, the ability to work in narrower aisles for space-saving operations, with maximum safety guaranteed. 

Komatsu Forklift USA is demonstrating its AM50 series of compact three-wheel electric TOTAL AC forklifts, available in both cushion tyre and solid pneumatic tyre models with 3,000, 3,500 and 4,000 lb. (1,360, 1,590 and 1,800 kg) capacity. The AM50 offers features that improve operator comfort and reduce overall operational costs. Inclusions range from high-visibility masts to a rubber-mounted rear axle that absorbs shocks and vibrations for greater operator comfort.

Carer Electric Forklift Solutions is showcasing its Carer A100X, (22,000 lb./10,00 kg) forklift, a robust model designed to transition companies from diesel to electric. In addition, the R160 (a 35,000 lb./16,000 kg capacity pneumatic-style forklift), ideal for high-capacity operations that value zero emissions and a lower operating cost, is on display at the show. The manufacturer is hoping to attract interest from end-users and dealers.

AGVs
The growth of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) was discussed in a special session at ProMAT, featuring Brian Keiger, chief sales officer, Grenzeback Corp., and Sarah Carlson, VP of marketing and business development, AutoGuide AGV. Keiger predicted a move to smaller vehicles with increased lift capacities. Carlson said that future AGVs will bring products to workers, rather than workers going to them.

OTTO 100

OTTO Motors announced three significant advancements to its platform, including a newly redesigned, more rugged OTTO 100. The company launched a new model, OTTO M, describing it as "the boss of the self-driving vehicles". OTTO also unveiled a test drive program which will provide qualified opportunities to have a self-driving vehicle operating inside potential clients' facilities for five days.

The newly integrated Dematic Retrotech was at the show to exhibit its WCS/ WES software in action. The offering includes a full library of software modules that can be edited and built to accommodate any application and any industry. The software was shown with the ACTIV product, designed for high-density, automated storage.

Dematic Egemin, meanwhile, unveiled a straddle fork attachment for its E'gv Compact automated guided vehicles. The straddle changes the vehicle's centre of gravity, allowing it to move wider, heavier loads and make tighter turns. The fork attaches to the E'gv Compact's original tugger model. The E'gv Compact is a smaller version of Dematic Egemin's full-sized AGV and generally works in shuttle-style operations, such as picking pallets off one conveyor and moving them to another, or to a floor position.

I.D. Systems debuted its next-generation Vision Pro materials handling fleet management software. Chris Wolfe, I.D. Systems CEO, says the new software release is an exciting step forward and is the culmination of applying "our 19 years of industry knowledge, user feedback, and engineering capabilities to deliver the most advanced and reliable fleet management software available". 

Seegrid announced the expansion of its Supervisor application programming interface (API) to offer more advanced, connected solutions for customers. "Vehicle management alone isn't enough," says Jeff Christensen, vice president of products with Seegrid. "The true value of the Industry 4.0 movement is automation management. The interoperability of VGVs with factory and warehouse systems allows customers to streamline their material flow, reducing unnecessary waste, and improving operational performance across the floor."

Batteries, tyres and accessories

Delta-Q ICL1200

Delta-Q Technologies is displaying its first lithium-specific battery charger, the ICL1200. The 1,200 W charger is designed to optimally charge lithium battery systems with any lithium-ion chemistry and is suitable for use on any electric machine including scooters, low-speed electric vehicles, boom lifts, floor care machines, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and sports and utility vehicles.  The ICL1200 uses CAN bus communications and carries a comprehensive set of global regulatory approvals, including touch-safe requirements for the European electric vehicle market. Delta Group is debuting its wireless battery charging systems for the materials handling industry, capable of delivering efficiency of up to 93% in contrast with the current majority of industrial chargers that commonly waste more than 50% of the power consumed from the AC line. Delta's wireless charging systems  can be applied to a wide range of industrial vehicles, from forklifts to automated guided vehicles (AGVs), covering applications from 300 W to 30 kW, and can be designed for any power level depending on utility infrastructure and installation site. It can eliminate the need for expensive cables and connectors or human intervention to quickly and efficiently charge batteries. Delta is also displaying its DC-DC converters, motor drives and modular high-efficiency charging stations for forklift applications and onboard chargers designed to charge a battery within an industrial electric vehicle. 

Midac launched its lithium-ion range at ProMat showing its 24, 48 and 80 v systems. Midac lithium-ion systems enable 100% recharge in as little as an hour, giving back as much as 40% charge in as little as 20 minutes. Also on display is the Midac Block battery solution for pallet jacks and stackers. Midac president Filippo Girardi is confident that his products "will give many benefits to our customers in terms of lifetime costs, performance and environmental considerations".

Douglas Battery is showing its LegaC2 high-frequency modular chargers. The line of chargers feature some of the industry's most compact, efficient and versatile designs, available as a free-standing or wall-mounted design. The chargers are suitable for a wide range of battery capacities and are designed to maintain peak efficiency at all times. Due to the modular construction, charger modules can be switched on and off automatically.

EnerSys is demonstrating its NexSys batteries featuring its Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology that allows more plates to fit into the cell. More plates mean NexSys batteries can provide more power in 30% less space than conventional lead acid batteries. The company claims its TPPL technology also incorporates the highest purity lead in the positive and negative plates, and a very high purity sulfuric acid. This combination of materials minimises the risk of corrosion and sulfation common in conventional lead acid batteries.

Exide Technologies demonstrated its new GNB Marathon FPX Premium Flat Plate battery for motive power applications. The battery is designed for medium- to heavy-duty industrial use and for opportunity charging applications. The Marathon FPX claims an industry-leading flat plate cycle performance (1,600 cycles or five years) warranty.

Solideal PON 775

Camso introduced five new forklift tyre solutions at ProMAT. It is showing off the new Solideal PON 775 press-on tyre designed for highly intense applications; the RES 660 Xtreme Series designed for very intense applications with long runs, heavy lifting, and minimal forklift idle time; the RES 550 Magnum Series for medium and heavy loads with less frequent use and the RES 330 for machines running in confined spaces on an intermittent basis. To complement its industrial pneumatic line-up at ProMat, Camso is also unveiling the Solideal AIR 550, a new pneumatic industrial tyre for applications that cannot run on solid tyres.

Bolzoni Auramo is showing a number of attachments, including the new range of MZ Fork Positioners, the DS-DK Series Multiple Pallet Handler, the LS-C Series Carton and Appliances Clamp and the RC Series 360 Degree Rotator.

The show closes today at 3.00 pm and you can catch some of the action at our special ProMat Gallery.