Lift Truck Technologies from Yale: ProMat 2025

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Kevin chats with Brad Long and Kyle Smart of Yale Lift Truck Technologies live from ProMat 2025, where they unveil a future-focused lineup aimed at reshaping the warehouse experience. From safety and labor challenges to automation and ergonomic delivery, Yale’s approach centers on scalable, innovative, and proven solutions. Brad walks us through a new Direct Store Delivery (DSD) Motorized Sled that solves common direct-store delivery issues. Additionally, Kyle introduces Yale Relay, a drag-and-drop automation platform designed to make automation more accessible than ever. 

Direct Store Delivery: Ergonomics and Innovation

In one of the most hands-on segments of the tour, Brad Long introduces the DSD system, a unique two-in-one piece of equipment. “It’s actually one truck when it’s in the truck, saving a lot of space in the back of a trailer. But this decouples.” This modular design enables greater maneuverability, reduced weight, and ergonomic handling, which is especially important in convenience and grocery store deliveries, where space and flooring are delicate concerns.

The nested sled reduces strain on workers by eliminating excessive bending. As Brad explains, “They can bring up the forks to them, saving them the unnecessary bend, having to go back and forth like this. So it keeps them fresh throughout the day.” With motorized wheels, electric assist for thresholds, and onboard charging via a standard 110V receptacle, the DSD sled is purpose-built to minimize fatigue and maximize safety and efficiency.

Lift Truck Technologies for the Operator’s Journey

As operations evolve, so must the equipment. Yale’s exhibit continues with a demonstration of Yale Reliant, their operator assist technology. The system allows trucks to slow down as they encounter obstacles or are put in an unsafe position, giving the operator a chance to adapt their driving. The operator remains in control, but with automated safeguards that proactively prevent accidents and boost confidence.

To help operations ease into tech adoption, Yale also offers scalable features, such as pedestrian awareness cameras and aftermarket upgrades. These allow facilities to “toe dip” into advanced safety systems without a complete infrastructure overhaul. “You have to make the right decision right away and know that you’re not gonna get damaged by making an incorrect decision,” Brad says. “So demonstrable ROI, proven technologies—that’s what we try to focus on.”

Making Automation Attainable: Meet Yale Relay

Kyle Smart introduces Yale Relay, the company’s new automation platform, complete with autonomous lift trucks and a cloud-based portal for drag-and-drop system configuration. “It’s really a new way of offering automated lift trucks,” Kyle says. Designed to simplify adoption, Relay addresses common barriers like high complexity and the need for technical staff.

One of the most impressive innovations is Relay’s map-building interface. “You go and actually drag and drop your different paths where you need those vehicles to travel… all at the click of a mouse.” By using point cloud data to map facilities directly from the vehicle, the implementation becomes far less intimidating. Users can update job logic, track KPIs, and add new vehicles across multiple locations, all from a single interface.

Customer response? Overwhelmingly positive. “This is easy to use… it takes out some of the complexity or at least the perception that automated lift trucks are very complex.”

Key Takeaways from Yale Lift Truck Technologies

• Yale’s DSD Motorized Sled features a decoupling, two-in-one design with ergonomic lifting and motorized assist for thresholds.
• Yale Reliant offers real-time operator assist by slowing vehicles near obstacles, boosting both safety and confidence.
• Yale Relay provides drag-and-drop automation with live KPI tracking and cloud access across locations.
• Customers can significantly reduce the time required for automation implementation by utilizing point cloud data and a low-code/no-code interface.
• The focus is on scalability and flexibility, ensuring customers can grow into advanced solutions without requiring significant operational overhauls.

Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Guest Information

For more information on Yale, click here.

To connect with Brad on LinkedIn, click here.

To connect with Kyle on LinkedIn, click here.

For more information about lift truck technologies, check out the podcasts below. 

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