Conceptual Innovations Develops Omni-Directional Drive Platform, Forging a New, More Cost-Effective Path for Manufacturers

Albion, MI – Conceptual Innovations, an engineering, consulting, and custom manufacturing firm powered by Caster Concepts (CasterConcepts.com), announced the development of the Omni-Directional Heavy Duty Drive System able to move up to 40,000 pounds and maneuver in narrow aisleways.

This new technology, based on the company’s patent-pending, omni-directional drive, showcases the latest innovation in material handling for industrial manufacturers. The battery-powered, wirelessly controlled platform allows manufacturers to bypass the use of expensive cranes and forklifts that only certain operators are trained to maneuver.

The platform can move even the most delicate parts, such as an airplane fuselage, and position them precisely.  The omni-directional platform, originally designed to transport the hull of a military vehicle, has been used by automobile manufacturers, spacecraft engineers, and the marine industry. Engineers designed the platform so that it’s affordable and easy to transport. It fits snugly on a flat-bed truck for convenient shipment across the country.

“The platform and cart provide a safer, more efficient work environment,” said Elmer Lee, Ph.D., director of engineering for Conceptual Innovations and Caster Concepts. “It’s fully customizable and something we can produce with the capabilities of our Albion plant. Previously, this technology has only been available in Europe and Asia, making it an expensive alternative for many U.S. manufacturers until now.”

The Conceptual Innovations Omni-Directional Heavy Duty Drive System features the following:

• Four drive system pods: These pods rotate 210 degrees independently, moving in all degrees within a horizontal plane.
• Extra-heavy-duty dual-wheel casters designed for heavy load capacity
• A wireless controller featuring a three-axis joystick and a slow/fast and e-stop selection.