The ‘Load-Runner’ is an industrial mule designed to replace most manual handling equipment on construction sites. It was created to address the issue of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers in the UK. The project began by examining the various manual moving equipment used in the construction industry, which often involve excessive pulling, pushing, and lifting of heavy loads, leading to joint and muscle pain.
The ‘Load-Runner’ is powered by a battery and motor that can be recharged like modern electric cars. It can be controlled with a remote, eliminating the need for manual pushing and pulling. The large wheels with heavy-duty all-terrain tires allow the trolley to move through rough terrain with ease. The sides of the trolley can be folded to create a flatbed for moving pallets of bricks, cement, and plasterboards. A self-dumping hopper can be placed and bolted onto the trolley for jobs involving excavation or transportation of loose mixed cement.
The trolley also features a TFT display that provides important information such as load capacity and displays warning signals when overloaded or stuck in gravel or mud. It also alerts other workers of its movement to avoid collisions or accidents.
The ‘Load-Runner’ is a conceptual, futuristic mobility equipment that offers a simple functional design to solve the issue of MSDs in construction workers. It is a mechanized solution that provides a safer and more efficient way of transporting heavy loads on construction sites.