Lift Assist Arms and Articulating Solutions for Safer, Smarter Workspaces

At Columbus McKinnon, safety and performance go hand-in-hand. Through our Unified Industries product lines, we provide advanced lift assist arms and ergonomic handling solutions that reduce strain and improve efficiency in demanding industrial environments.

In manufacturing and industrial assembly, repetitive lifting tasks are more than an inconvenience. They're a leading cause of operator fatigue, strain injuries, and lost productivity. To address these challenges, many facilities are turning to lift-assist systems that support safer and more efficient operations.

These solutions are not only improving how materials are moved but also transforming the way companies think about workplace ergonomics.

In this article, we break down the key components of modern lift assist systems—including articulating arms and torque-absorbing vertical balancers—and explain when and why they should be considered in your facility

What Are Lift Assist Systems?

Lift assist systems are mechanical devices that reduce the physical effort required to move, position, or manipulate parts during manufacturing or assembly. They are especially useful when handling awkward, heavy, or repetitive loads in production environments.

The primary goals of lift assist systems are to:

• Improve operator safety
• Reduce ergonomic strain
• Increase task consistency and precision

These systems often fall into two broad categories:

• Articulating Lift Arms - Ideal for reach-based movement across multiple planes
• Vertical Balancers (Torque Tubes) - Optimized for vertical motion and powered tool applications
  
  

Articulating Arms: Precision for Complex Reach Applications

Articulating arms are jointed mechanical structures that move loads both horizontally and vertically, giving operators full control over the path of motion. These devices allow workers to reach into, around, or under obstacles without excessive stretching or repositioning.

Key Benefits

• Increased Range of Motion - Ideal for accessing difficult-to-reach areas, such as dunnage racks or vehicle interiors
• Improved Ergonomics - Reduces shoulder and back strain associated with reaching or twisting
• Enhanced Precision: Enables controlled and repeatable part placement in tight assemblies
  
  

Common Applications

• Assembly stations with variable access points
• Lateral load movement into workspaces
• Handling parts stored in containers, bins, or enclosed storage areas

Unified Industries’ articulating arm systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with Columbus McKinnon overhead track systems, including ProPath™ Workstation Cranes, and Unified Industries enclosed track aluminum (ETA) rail workstation components.

Ergonomic Torque Tubes: Safer Vertical Motion and Torque Control

Ergonomic torque tubes, also known as vertical balancers, enable smooth, controlled vertical (Z-axis) motion while absorbing the torque generated by powered tools such as right-angle nut runners.

These systems isolate an operator from the tool’s reaction force, significantly reducing fatigue and improving safety during repetitive fastening tasks.

Key Benefits

• Torque Absorption – Protects operators from tool recoil and kickback
• Vertical Load Control – Supports balanced lifting and lowering for accurate placement
• Precision and Repeatability – Delivers consistent positioning with minimal physical effort
  
  

Common Applications

• High-cycle industrial assembly using powered tools (up to 300 Nm)
• Pick-and-place tasks requiring vertical alignment
• Torque-based operations in automotive, appliance, and electronics assembly
  
  

Choosing Between Articulating Arms and Torque Tubes

While both systems enhance ergonomics, the right choice depends on your specific workflow and task type.

In some cases, a combined setup—a torque tube mounted on an articulating arm—provides the best of both worlds: range of motion, vertical control, and torque absorption.  Torque tubes can also be mounted on our floor mounted jib booms.

Why Ergonomic Solutions Matter

Modern ergonomic lifting systems aren’t just about regulatory compliance. They’re essential to maintaining a productive, safe, and sustainable workforce.

Risks of Poor Ergonomics

• Increased injury rates (especially shoulder, wrist, and back strain)
• Higher absenteeism and medical costs
• Reduced output quality and efficiency
• Lower employee satisfaction and retention
  
  

By integrating solutions like Unified articulating arms and torque tubes, facilities can reduce operator strain while achieving more consistent, precise work—with fewer errors and faster cycle times.

Integration Considerations

When planning a lift assist system, key factors include:

• Tool compatibility – Ensure system supports powered tool types and geometries
• Load weight and repetition – Higher frequency and heavier loads may require more advanced assist features
• Workspace layout – Consider ceiling height, footprint, and operator positioning
• Ease of use – The system should be intuitive and require minimal training

Unified Industries provides CAD-ready documentation, full design support, and integration services via the Columbus McKinnon network.

Pneumatic or Electric Controls?

Unified Industries has the capabilities to offer either electrically controlled or pneumatically controlled lift assist devices, or a combination of both.

Explore the Right Solution for Your Facility

Every facility is different—but the goal is the same: to move materials safely, efficiently, and intelligently.

Whether you’re upgrading a manual process or designing a new assembly line, Columbus McKinnon and Unified Industries can help you evaluate the right ergonomic solution for your team.