The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that (as of July 27) all new foreign mobile robot approvals have been banned.
The purpose behind this ruling is to force US-based manufacturers to use domestic autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
FCC also cited security concerns that via foreign made technology could potentially be compromised by nations seeking to utilise US data as clarified by the agency and the US Department of War.
The FCC’s determination defines an advanced robotic device using four tests:
The device has to be mobile and ground-based
It has to operate away from a human operator, responding to commands or sensor data
It has to weigh more than 4.4 lbs, including any dock or ground station
It must combine an environmental sensor, network connectivity of at least 200 kbps, and control software that handles navigation, perception, data collection, or remote command
To this end, FCC names quadrupeds, humanoids, and wheeled or tracked ground vehicles as examples.
The agency also exempted fixed, stationary industrial robot arms, including articulating, parallel/delta, Cartesian/gantry, and SCARA robots built for industrial or medical use.
This is in addition to exemptions to connected vehicles, rail vehicles, drones (covered under a separate December 2025 action), unmanned underwater vehicles, and FDA-regulated medical and mobility devices.
FCC made it clear that devices already in operation but not on the exemption list are themselves exempt; the new ruling applies to new devices only.
The agency has established a Conditional Approval mechanism that may allow affected manufacturers to obtain the authorisations necessary to continue accessing the US market.
Applicants are expected to provide extensive information regarding corporate ownership, investors, supply chains, manufacturing arrangements, software and firmware architecture, cybersecurity controls, and other business-related information.
Ocado Group and grocery retailer Lotte Shopping have launched their first automated customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in South Korea, introducing a number of Ocado technologies for the first time.
The Busan facility will serve a catchment of around four million households across the city and wider Yeongnam region, supporting Lotte’s expansion in South Korea’s rapidly growing online grocery market.
The launch follows a partnership signed between the two companies in 2022. Lotte began using the Ocado Smart Platform in 2025, initially fulfilling online orders using Ocado’s in-store fulfilment software.
The new CFC introduces Ocado’s fully automated freezer, known as Auto-Freezer, which extends the company’s ‘hive and bot’ automation into environments operating at temperatures as low as -25°C. Ocado expects the system to deliver more than twice the productivity of a traditional manual freezer operation.
The facility will also support ‘dawn delivery’, allowing freshly packed grocery orders to reach customers before 7am – an important feature of South Korea’s e-commerce grocery market.
Ocado said the site is expected to be its most environmentally efficient CFC globally. It will support a 100% electric vehicle fleet for daytime deliveries and use more energy-efficient 3D-printed robots and multi-temperature totes to maximise delivery storage density. Lotte is also expected to install solar panels to reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes.
Nick De La Vega, chief revenue officer at Ocado Group, said: “This is another major milestone for Ocado as we launch one of our most advanced CFCs to date in one of the world’s leading markets for grocery e-commerce.”
Cha Woo Chul, chief executive of Lotte Mart & Super, added: “By delivering farm-fresh produce on schedule to 4 million households in the Yeongnam region, we will reshape the paradigm of domestic online grocery shopping.”
Online penetration represents some 28% of total grocery retail sales in South Korea, significantly higher than the majority of major grocery markets worldwide, with sales reaching KRW 52.3 trillion in 2025, (c. £26.5bn) according to Statistics Korea.
ACC Aviation, the international aviation consultancy and charter specialist, today reported strong second-quarter results for its air cargo charter division, marking a profitable first full quarter under dedicated cargo leadership since Jack Burt’s appointment as SVP of Cargo in April.
Over the course of Q2 2026, ACC Aviation coordinated a series of large-scale Boeing 747-400F widebody charter missions spanning three continents, executing complex, time-critical operations for clients in oil and gas, aerospace, and defense sectors. The results combined disciplined cost management with efficient deal structures, which made a positive contribution to ACC Aviation’s overall group performance, validating the company’s investment in building a dedicated cargo charter capability.
Widebody Missions Spanning Three Continents
Among the quarter’s landmark operations:
Houston, TX → Saudi Arabia: Urgent oilwell drilling supplies and critical downhole equipment, mobilized for active field operations, aboard a Boeing 747-400F.
Europe → Canada: High-value aerospace manufacturing components and precision systems requiring specialized handling and temperature-controlled transport.
United States → Europe: Defense-related cargo and priority military support equipment, moved under stringent security and compliance protocols.
Each mission required close coordination with aircraft operators, ground handling agents, customs authorities, and end-clients across multiple time zones, and regulatory jurisdictions which were delivered on time, on specification, and in full. According to Burt, recent assignments have highlighted non-negotiable cargo urgency, security and precision which are indicative of the added value and peace of mind that ACC Aviation brings to customers’ cargo operations.
“When a client calls us with an urgent mission, whether it’s drilling equipment headed to an active oilfield in the Middle East or sensitive defense cargo bound for Europe, they need absolute confidence in execution,” said Jack Burt, SVP of Cargo, ACC Aviation. “This quarter, our team delivered that confidence, backed by the strength of our operator network and the discipline of our processes.”
Built on a World-Class Operator Network
Underpinning the quarter’s results is the operational foundation ACC Aviation has built in recent months: a proprietary, industry-leading database of certified freighter operators spanning every payload category and region, paired with a streamlined quotation process engineered for urgent, time-critical charters.
“These outcomes reflect the investment ACC Aviation has made in building a specialized cargo charter capability with the right people, the right processes, and the right partnerships,” said Phil Mathews, Chief Executive Officer, ACC Aviation. “Beyond the Americas, our cargo charter capabilities position us to compete for and win missions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. As demand for reliable charter solutions grows worldwide, ACC is now well-placed to extend its reach in the global air cargo charter market.”
Looking Ahead
Building on this quarter’s momentum, ACC Aviation will continue to expand its proprietary operator database and cargo sector expertise, with a focus on high-growth verticals including energy, defense, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and humanitarian logistics. The Americas, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America, remains a priority growth region, leveraging ACC Aviation’s existing regional relationships and hub infrastructure in Fort Lauderdale and London. The division also plans for continued capability development across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
Euroairlines has announced the appointment of Aeroprime Group as its exclusive Cargo General Sales Agent (GSA) for India and Passenger GSA for the UAE, marking a significant step in expanding the airline’s footprint across high-growth aviation markets.
Through this strategic collaboration, Aeroprime Group will support Euroairlines in strengthening its cargo and passenger business by leveraging its extensive aviation network, market expertise, and technology-driven distribution capabilities.
The partnership is expected to create stronger synergies across cargo and passenger segments through enhanced interline opportunities, expanded distribution access, and seamless integration with Aeroprime Group’s modern airline retailing and distribution platform, Glid.
The integration of Glid with Euroairlines’ distribution ecosystem will further empower travel partners with broader access, flexible retailing capabilities, localized support, and enhanced airline content distribution across markets.
Importantly, the collaboration creates significant strategic and commercial value for both organizations by combining Aeroprime Group’s regional market expertise and distribution capabilities with Euroairlines’ extensive global partner and interline network. The partnership will enable stronger connectivity solutions, expanded cargo and passenger routing opportunities, new airline partnership development, and greater network flexibility for trade partners and customers across key international markets.
Abhishek Goyal, CEO and Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Euroairlines at a time when global aviation connectivity and airline distribution are evolving rapidly. This partnership aligns perfectly with Aeroprime Group’s vision of enabling airlines with scalable commercial growth, strong market access, and modern retailing capabilities.
Beyond strengthening our cargo expertise in India and passenger distribution strengths in the UAE, this collaboration also opens up valuable interline and partnership opportunities through Euroairlines’ extensive global network. Combined with the integration of Glid, we look forward to creating stronger value for trade partners, improving connectivity, and unlocking new commercial opportunities across regions.”
Antonio López-Lázaro, CEO of Euroairlines, added: “India and the UAE are strategically important markets for Euroairlines, both from a passenger and cargo perspective. These regions represent strong growth potential and require reliable, market-driven partners with deep local expertise, and Aeroprime fits that vision perfectly. Aeroprime Group brings strong regional relationships, commercial capabilities, and innovative distribution solutions that will help us accelerate our growth strategy.
We are confident this collaboration will strengthen our market presence, expand our interline reach, and enhance connectivity and accessibility for our partners and customers globally.”
GOL Linhas Aéreas, one of Brazil’s leading airlines, has appointed Jettainer as its partner for Unit Load Device (ULD) management to support its continued growth. Started in June, Jettainer delivers a full range of services, including ULD supply, high-efficiency management powered by its advanced IT platform JettwareNG, and the maintenance of all required equipment. In addition, Jettainer’s industry-leading IoT tracking solution will be deployed to enhance transparency, reduce blind spots, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Founded in 2001, GOL Linhas Aéreas operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes with a fleet of more than 130 aircraft. Its cargo and logistics arm, GOLLOG, is the leading air cargo transportation company in Brazil, which provides comprehensive delivery services across the country and internationally. Since 2023, GOL has been part of the Abra Group, alongside Avianca and a strategic investment in Wamos Air.
As one of the fastest-growing airlines in South America, GOL will incorporate five widebody aircraft later this year to strengthen its internationalization strategy. This new fleet will benefit from a modern, flexible ULD fleet tailored to its operational requirements. The combination of intelligent management systems and state-of-the-art tracking technology ensures maximum availability, enhanced reliability, and optimal efficiency. Jettainer’s role as ULD management provider for Abra Group airlines will further unlock synergies, streamline operations, and contribute to cost optimization.
“The partnership with Jettainer marks another important step for our new intercontinental operations, enabling the safe and efficient transport of cargo on our widebody aircraft,” says Patrícia Bello, General Director of GOLLOG. “Jettainer brings the expertise, quality, and forward-thinking solutions needed to support us as we continue shortening distances and connecting people, opportunities, and businesses around the world.”
“We are delighted to support GOL in its ambitious growth journey with our efficient ULD management solutions,” says Shailendar Kothari, Managing Director of Jettainer Americas Inc. “Welcoming such a dynamic airline – serving more than 30 million passengers per year and operating around 700 flights per day – is another major step forward for us. At the same time, it strengthens our presence in South America and enables us to deliver even greater value and synergies to all airlines within the Abra Group.”
Industrial decision makers are getting more demanding. Be it infrastructure, energy, or other asset-heavy sectors, satellite data is now expected to do more than provide just visual coverage. It has to support decisions about risk, compliance, and asset condition in a way that are trusted and consistent over time.
This shift is already visible across some sectors. In mining, operators are expected to demonstrate stability and environmental performance almost in realtime and not just at fixed reporting intervals. In utilities, vegetation management and network integrity must be monitored across thousands of square kilometres. In insurance, underwriting and claims validation depend on verifiable ground conditions rather than one-off snap assessments.
Across these use cases, the requirement is the same: data that can be relied on as evidence over time, not simply viewed as an image.
Industrial Decisions Need Proof
The scale of this challenge is well documented. McKinsey estimates that predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring can cut maintenance costs by 10 to 40 percent and reduce downtime by as much as 50 percent. The value of seeing asset condition earlier and more consistently is no longer hard to quantify. When operators only see asset condition at intervals, important changes can build quietly between inspection cycles.
Advanced analytics and machine learning are reinforcing the same shift. Operators want earlier warnings, better foresight, and a clearer basis for action. That kind of workflow depends on data that is consistent over time.
In 2025, Swiss Re puts global insured losses from natural catastrophes above $100 billion, with infrastructure exposure accounting for a growing share. Risk on the ground does not stand still between events or reporting periods. Without consistent monitoring, it is much harder to judge how that exposure is changing.
For operators, periodic checks are no longer enough. They need a baseline that allows change to be detected, compared, and verified across time and across assets.
Why Imagery Alone Falls Short
Satellite data has expanded visibility. Large and distributed assets can now be observed regularly without the constraints of physical access. For many years, that was enough. High-resolution imagery supported mapping, inspection, and situational awareness.
Industrial workflows have moved well beyond one-off analysis. Data now feeds operational systems, risk models, and automated processes. That raises the standard. The data has to stay consistent over time and usable inside systems that depend on that consistency.
AI and advanced analytics have made the requirement more explicit. As a recent World Economic Forum article on Earth observation and AI notes, the real value comes from turning raw data into meaningful signals that preserve patterns across space and time, not just from collecting more pixels.
This makes consistency critical, as current observations of the same location often differ from one pass to the next. Acquisition time changes; viewing angles shift; atmospheric conditions vary; and sensor response is not identical. These differences introduce variation in the data even when nothing on the ground has changed.
For visual interpretation, this can be managed. For systems that depend on consistent inputs, it becomes a constraint. Data has to be aligned, corrected, and normalized before it can be used, adding complexity and time as well as reducing reliability at scale.
What Measurement-Grade Data Changes
The real requirement here is repeatability. The same location has to be captured consistently enough that the data can be compared over time with confidence. Without that, changes in the signal can just as easily reflect shifts in acquisition conditions as actual changes on the ground.
Newer Earth observation systems are being built around this emerging requirement. Constellations designed around coordinated imaging, controlled viewing geometry, and calibrated multi-spectral observation are structured to produce consistent measurements rather than isolated images.
Spectral range becomes useful here in a very practical sense. Different bands capture different signals, from plant stress and moisture levels to heat patterns and material changes. Collected consistently over time, they make it easier to see gradual shifts that a single image might miss.
EarthDaily’s 10-satellite constellation is designed to capture consistent, calibrated measurements across 22 spectral bands, enabling detection of real physical change across land, water, vegetation, and atmosphere.
Systems like EarthDaily are built around this requirement. The EarthDaily Constellation combines wide-area daily coverage with calibrated, multi-spectral measurement across 22 spectral bands, allowing data to remain comparable across passes, sensors, and satellites. The result is a stable dataset that can be used directly in industrial workflows.
Earth observation then becomes part of the monitoring system itself. EO-based measurements can be used to track condition, verify change, and support decisions across large and distributed operations.
As industrial systems become more automated and decisions become more data-driven, the requirement for measurement-grade observation will continue to grow at pace.
Author bio
Peter Round is Head of Europe and Global Vice President, Business Development – Defence & Intelligence at EarthDaily. A retired senior officer of the UK Armed Forces, he served for 33 years, including postings in the United States and Brussels. He represented the UK at NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, and later served as Capability Director at the European Defence Agency, leading more than 100 multinational capability and research programmes. He is a Fellow and Chair of Trustees of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Consulting Senior Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
ABB today announced the launch of Grinding Connect, a new digital service suite for mining companies operating gearless mill drive (GMD) systems. Available globally, the new suite is designed to improve visibility across critical grinding assets, reducing unplanned equipment downtime and supporting more efficient maintenance planning at a time when mines face growing pressure to maintain throughput and reliability.
With demand for critical minerals expected to triple by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency, mining companies are under pressure to scale and stabilize the production of critical materials. Continuous performance and reliability of large grinding circuits are critical to plant output, with unplanned downtime estimated to cost up to $500,000 an hour according to ABB research.
Grinding Connect is developed to address the need for more remote expert support, maintenance and continuous performance, through a single cloud-based service suite built specifically for ABB GMD systems. The suite leverages ABB’s knowledge from more than 160 GMD projects worldwide, which is combined with secure cloud analytics and service workflows to allow users to view system conditions, access service records, submit service requests, and interact with ABB expert support through one platform.
The service suite brings together digital solutions that ABB has introduced to the market over recent years, including Asset Health and Condition Monitoring analytics, Trendex diagnostics and troubleshooting as well as GMD Copilot, ABB’s AI‑powered virtual support assistant. Within Grinding Connect, mining operators can access prescriptive maintenance recommendations, supported by more than 180 trend signals as well as alarms, events, transient recording integration and signal correlation.
The platform is also designed to provide anomaly detection, frozen-signal detection and smart notifications, alongside recommended actions from ABB experts to support continued operation. By supporting remote diagnostics and expert collaboration, the suite reduces the need for reactive on-site intervention, helping service teams to prioritize actions more effectively.
“Mining operators are looking for practical ways to improve availability, reduce response times and make better-informed decisions for the maintenance of production-critical assets,” said Mikel Torre, Global Business Unit Manager Grinding, ABB’s Process Industries division. “Grinding Connect brings ABB’s service and GMD system knowledge into one digital environment, meaning users can work with a complete view of asset condition, service history and expert support. Only with this level of visibility will operators make progress towards the industry transition to increasingly autonomous, more efficient mining operations.”
Grinding Connect has been developed in line with ABB cybersecurity standards and IEC 62443-related product development practices, including penetration testing during verification. It is available globally for mining customers using ABB gearless mill drive systems
Taking place in a working quarry, the 2026 edition will bring together the industry’s leading OEMs and key players from across the mining, quarrying and construction sectors. Present at the show since 2010, NTN Europe, a global leader in bearing and power transmission solutions, will once again exhibit at Hillhead, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the mining and quarrying industries.
Recognising that unplanned downtime in quarrying operations can lead to major operational disruptions and significant costs, NTN Europe develops solutions focused on reliability, durability and performance. From conveyors and crushers to grinders and screeners, the company draws on the long-standing expertise of its SNR brand to engineer a broad portfolio of solutions designed to maximise the performance and reliability of mining equipment.
At Hillhead 2026, NTN Europe’s booth will include an area dedicated to interactive demonstrations, including mounting and dismounting workshops designed for end users. NTN will place particular emphasis on two major innovations developed to address the specific challenges faced by quarrying and mining operators: ROX and MAGICSLEEVE. ROX is a high-performance spherical roller bearing engineered to minimise maintenance interruptions in mines and quarries. Designed for extreme operating conditions, it is fully interchangeable with premium standard ISO bearings while delivering at least twice the service life and reducing lubrication requirements by more than 50%.
MAGICSLEEVE, to be unveiled for the first time at Hillhead 2026, is a patented innovation designed to simplify bearing dismounting operations. During shaft maintenance, removing bearings fitted with standard sleeves can be both time-consuming and physically demanding. MAGICSLEEVE offers a faster, safer and more efficient alternative, enabling dismounting operations to be completed up to 80% faster. Requiring only a standard wrench, it also significantly reduces the physical effort for maintenance teams while helping operators cut conveyor maintenance downtime by up to 20%.
By combining advanced bearing, housing, sealing and lubrication technologies, NTN Europe delivers integrated, field-proven solutions designed to keep mining and quarrying equipment operating reliably, shift after shift.
Jakob Mining Vehicles (JMV) has chosen TYRI as its partner for integrated front lighting for its new mining vehicle, Terra Charge. Mining environments place extreme demands on vehicle durability, functionality, and safety. Operating conditions are characterised by vibration, freezing temperatures, heat, dust, darkness, sulphur, and other aggressive substances that quickly break down conventional vehicles.
JMV is a specialised vehicle manufacturer focused on custom-built vehicles for mining operations around the world. The company’s philosophy is to develop only what is truly necessary to withstand the extreme underground environment and, for everything else, collaborate with suppliers capable of meeting the same high standards of quality, functionality, and durability.
“We try to be smarter than traditional vehicle development. We only develop the things that genuinely need to change in order to handle the mining environment. Everything else comes from established suppliers with components that have already been proven in the field,” says Will Wright.
TYRI’s integrated front lighting has become a central part of the design of JMV’s new specialised vehicle, Terra Charge. The solution has been developed to meet the demanding requirements of the mining industry while also giving the vehicle a distinctive visual identity. The vehicles are used in mines around the world for a wide range of applications, from transporting electricians and service technicians to supporting geological surveys, safety work, and underground inspections.
“The light signature was extremely important to us. We wanted to create a vehicle with its own unique character while achieving the functionality and durability required by the mining industry. TYRI delivered a solution in a way that no one else could,” says Will Wright.
Initially, JMV was looking for a custom-designed lighting solution, but when TYRI introduced the DLM-F1, the company quickly realised that the light matched both the vehicle’s design and product concept. The DLM-F1 is a multifunctional lighting solution featuring six integrated functions: High Beam, Low Beam, Daytime Running Light (DRL), Turn Indicator, Side Indicator, and Position Light. For Terra Charge, the solution was also adapted to allow full integration into the vehicle’s structure.
At the same time, the solution enabled JMV to utilise an established and proven product from a well-known supplier to the mining industry.
“It was not the simplest solution from a cost perspective, but it was the right one. For us, it is about performance, durability, and creating the right lighting profile for the vehicle,” says Will Wright.
JMV’s previous vehicles were based on commercial vehicle platforms that were adapted for extreme environments where traditional work vehicles quickly wear out. However, the new Terra Charge has been developed from the ground up as a purpose-built vehicle for use in some of the world’s most demanding working environments.
“This is not really a car, even though it may look like one. It is a tool for people working in some of the most demanding environments in the world. At the same time, operators are wearing heavy gloves, helmets, and substantial protective equipment, and everything has to work under those conditions,” says Will Wright.
For Johannes Friberg, the collaboration demonstrates how important lighting has become in modern specialised vehicles.
“Today, lighting is about much more than simply providing illumination. It is about safety, identity, and integration into the complete vehicle design. JMV had extremely high expectations regarding both performance and appearance, and together we have developed a solution that truly stands out,” says Johannes Friberg.
JMV vehicles are currently operating in mines around the world, and development continues as the company works to meet evolving industry requirements. The company also sees opportunities to further expand its collaboration with TYRI through additional lighting solutions for future vehicle generations.
“When we find suppliers who truly understand our challenges, we want to continue developing that cooperation. Our vehicles have to perform in places where other solutions are simply not enough,” concludes Will Wright.
With the introduction of the 1121 reach truck series, Linde is adopting a broader positioning in the warehouse segment. While the well-known 1120 series dominated the premium segment for years, the new line is explicitly focused on day-to-day operations: logistics environments where reliability matters, but where operations do not run at maximum capacity all the time. Motrac has now added the series to its product lineup.
According to Maarten Vaandrager, Sales Director at Motrac Netherlands, the new series stems from a clear observation. “The 1121 is a perfect addition to the current product range and the ideal reach truck for everyday warehouse applications. They are designed for the growing number of companies looking for compact, agile trucks for single- and two-shift operations.”
Whereas the 1120 was designed for heavy and continuous use, Linde is trying to close that gap with the 1121 series. Not by compromising on the basics, but by tailoring the product more sharply to its actual use. That shift is not only technical, but also economic. The new series is more accessible to a wider range of users, especially in SMEs. “It’s Linde quality, at a level better suited to everyday use,” Vaandrager said.
Maarten Vaandrager, Sales Director at Motrac Netherlands.
More compact due to integrated lithium technology
One of the most obvious choices is the fully integrated lithium-ion battery. This affects not only energy management, but also the construction of the truck itself.
Because the battery is part of the design, the machine is more compact. That translates directly to a smaller turning radius and more maneuverability in narrow aisles. In practice, that means less risk of damage and more efficient operation in existing warehouses, where space is often the limiting factor.
In addition, lithium technology offers the now familiar benefits: interim charging, less maintenance and a more constant energy level throughout the working day. “It makes the truck easier to use and more predictable in performance,” says Vaandrager.
The raised seating position provides the driver with excellent all-round visibility at all times. In addition, the low and wide entry ensures that the driver can enter and exit the vehicle comfortably and safely at any time.
Safety and ergonomics as a constant factor
Although the 1121 series is positioned emphatically below the 1120, typical Linde elements remain. Safety systems such as Curve Assist, which automatically adjusts speed when cornering, are standard. Brakes on all three load wheels and optional systems such as the Linde Safety Guard are also part of the package.
In terms of ergonomics, little has been sacrificed. As with the heavier models, the cab is placed on rubbers to absorb vibrations. Combined with a standard suspension seat, this should reduce operator strain during longer shifts.
Connection to changing warehouses
The maximum lifting height of 11 meters is in line with a clear trend in the Netherlands. Warehouses are getting higher, while available floor space is under pressure.
The 1121 series comes in variants up to 9 and 11 meters, with lifting capacities from approximately 1.2 to 1.8 tons. Thus, Linde serves most of the common warehousing applications, without going straight to the extremes.
For that heavier use – for example, in three-shift operations or intensive handling – the 1120 series remains emphatically in the picture.
Additional safety features such as the armored glass roof, shoulder protection and various warning and lighting options further increase the safety level of the new LInde reach trucks.
Focused on ‘normal’ deployment
The positioning of the 1121 is perhaps most interesting. Not as a stripped-down variant, but as a conscious choice for a different usage profile. In doing so, Vaandrager avoids terms like ‘entry-level model. ’We prefer to call it a truck for the daily warehouse application,“ he says.”
That amounts to a deployment of roughly 1,000 to 1,500 running hours per year, in sectors such as logistics, retail and manufacturing. Environments where efficiency and reliability are important.
Linde’s new series of reach trucks focuses on everyday warehouse applications.
Wider deployment without concessions
With the 1121 series, Linde seems to be responding to a market that is looking more and more critically at the ratio between investment and use. Not every user needs a heavy-duty model, but wants the security of a proven brand.
The key, then, is to keep the brand promise while making the product more accessible. Or as Vaandrager sums it up, “a reach truck for customers who want to invest smartly, without compromising on performance.”