Ingersoll-Rand has launched what it claims is “the world’s first truly comprehensive range of Ergonomic Handling Systems for use in manufacturing and for general material handling applications in industry”.

The Ergonomic Handling Systems are formed by combining Ingersoll-Rand’s aluminium, steel or stainless steel overhead rail systems with enclosed track trolleys, air-operated load positioners and/or articulated suspension devices such as manipulator arms. While they can be customised for any industry, Ingersoll-Rand highlights automotive, aerospace, white goods assembly, packaging, printing, textiles, breweries and pharmaceuticals.

On assembly lines, applications range from simple positioning of components on the line to specially designed assembly workstations; in the textile industry, they can be used to move bobins and other components on looms; while in printing works they can lift rollls of paper on and off presses.