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Transportation Hub Solutions

Innovative Solutions for Airport, Rail, & Waterway Terminals

We offer advanced ergologistic solutions for the logistical and physical demands of airport, railway, and waterway terminals. Our products enhance safety and productivity while reducing musculoskeletal disorders, employee turnover, and property damage. The PowerPal and M3i series manage loads up to 20,000 lbs (9,080 kg), and the WheelChair Mover® assists travelers up to 750 lbs (340 kg) with minimal strain. The Smart:Drive connects to various carts and trolleys for ergonomic transport boosts maintenance productivity while reducing staff strain. Explore our products to see how Dane Technologies optimizes transportation logistics and protects personnel.

WheelChair Mover

safely move mobility-assisted individuals

The WheelChair Mover, originally designed for hospitals, is now used in transportation hubs to safely move mobility-assisted individuals up to 750 lbs (340 kg). Our FDA-approved solution features an ergonomic design, wig-wag throttle control, and patented safety features like Automatic Dynamic Braking, virtually eliminating strain and injury for staff while assisting travelers.

WheelChair Mover®

The WheelChair Mover® is the first and only FDA-approved power assist wheelchair solution, enabling personnel to move individuals up to 750 lb (340 kg) effortlessly up ramps and along carpeted walkways. It virtually eliminates strain and risk of injury and attaches to a wide range of wheelchairs and patient transport chairs. Easy to use, the WheelChair Mover® improves employee safety, efficiency, and morale wherever disabled guests need assistance.

Quick Facts

  • UL-Certified to 583 ES
  • FDA 510(K) Cleared Class II Medical Device
  • Operating environment within narrow hallways
  • 750 lb (340 kg) Capacity
  • Easily Transport Patients and Passengers with Reduced Risk of Strain
  • Ergonomic Design Prevents Injury
  • Advanced Safety Features Including Automatic Dynamic Braking & Throttle Safety Control
  • No-Mar Tires & Whisper Quiet Drive
  • Adjustable Jaw Hitching System for Fast & Secure Connection

PowerPal Series

The PowerPal series boosts productivity,safety, and maneuverability.

Originally developed for moving medical equipment in hospitals, the PowerPal series now delivers the same productivity, maneuverability, and safety in warehouses and logistics environments. Its compact ergonomic design and dual-mode tiller steering enable nearly anyone to move heavy loads safely and easily. A wide variety of hitching options make it possible to move almost any wheeled cart or container.

PowerPal Cart Mover (CM)

The PowerPal CM is rated for 18,400 lb (8,354 kg) and designed to pull industrial grade carts–increasing productivity, and reducing risk in the workplace. Tow trailers, roll cages, CC carts or anything on wheels without risk of strain or injury. Compact design, tiller steering and wide range of hitch options make the PowerPal Cart Mover the most flexible power pusher on the market.

Quick Facts

  • 1.38 HP motor; 18,400 lb (8,354 kg) capacity
  • Tiller Steering w/Optional Dual Mode
  • Multiple battery & Hitch Options
  • Ergonomic Design Prevents Injury
  • Advanced Safety Features Including Automatic Dynamic Braking

PowerPal Cart Mover (CM) HD

The PowerPal CM HD includes heavy duty upgrades & design features. Powered by a 1.75 HP motor, the PowerPal CM HD is rated to tow carts up to 20,000 lb (9,080 kg). Housed in a heavy-duty powder-coated steel body, the CM HD offers tiller steering with optional dual-mode control and 16 in. knobby-tread tires, for moving heavy vehicles, carts, or trailers.

Quick Facts

  • 1.75 HP motor; 20,000 lb (9,080 kg) capacity
  • Tiller Steering w/Optional Dual Mode
  • Multiple battery & Hitch Options
  • Ergonomic Design Prevents Injury
  • Advanced Safety Features Including Automatic Dynamic Braking

M3i Series

The M3i Series efficiently moves heavy loads with ergonomic design and power-assisted strength.

The M3i Series is designed to push and pull heavy wheeled loads, offering a powerful and efficient solution for industrial moving challenges. Its ergonomic design and power-assisted strength enable safe and easy movement of heavy loads. The 5th-wheel hitch upgrade on the M3i5 and M3i5 HD enhances maneuverability for large loads. With various hitching options, it can move almost any wheeled cart, roll cage, or container.

M3i & M3i5

The M3i is ergonomically designed to increase capacity and minimize strain to the operator. The M3i platform allows for an optional 5th-wheel hitch package, the M3i5. Combining a 1.38 HP motor rated for pulling capacity of 18,400 lb (8,354 kg), a heavy-duty powder coated steel frame, and best in class controls and electronics the M3i and M3i5 deliver maximum control in moving large items and remarkable productivity and safety returns.

Quick Facts

  • 1.28 HP motor; 18,400 lb (8,354 kg) capacity
  • Optional 5th-Wheel Hitch for Maximum Control (M3i5)
  • Solid-Swivel Caster Steering
  • Multiple battery & Hitch Options
  • Ergonomic Design Prevents Injury
  • Advanced Safety Features Including Automatic Dynamic Braking

M3i & M3i5 HD

The M3i HD is the heavy-duty upgrade to the M3i. Combining a 1.75 HP motor rated to push/pull 20,000 lb (9,080 kg), 16 in knobby tread tires, a heavy-duty powder coated steel frame, and best in class controls and electronics, the M3i HD offers outstanding safety and productivity gains in a variety of workplaces. The M3i HD also allows for the 5th-wheel hitch package, the M3i5 HD for precise maneuvering of heavy wheeled loads.

Quick Facts

  • 1.75 HP motor; 20,000 lb (9,080 kg) capacity
  • Optional 5th-Wheel Hitch for Maximum Control (M3i5)
  • Solid-Swivel Caster Steering
  • Multiple battery & Hitch Options
  • Ergonomic Design Prevents Injury
  • Advanced Safety Features Including Automatic Dynamic Braking

The Smart:System

The PowerPal series boosts productivity,safety, and maneuverability.

Originally developed for moving medical equipment in hospitals, the PowerPal series now delivers the same productivity, maneuverability, and safety in warehouses and logistics environments. Its compact ergonomic design and dual-mode tiller steering enable nearly anyone to move heavy loads safely and easily. A wide variety of hitching options make it possible to move almost any wheeled cart or container.

Smart:Drive

Introducing the Smart:Drive, a groundbreaking multi-use power drive system. Its low-profile design fits snugly under carts and trolleys, transforming manually propelled carts into powered ones at a fraction of the cost. The Smart:Drive offers instant hitching and a quick foot pedal release, enabling your team to ride, drive, and guide heavy carts safely and efficiently, making materials handling effortless.

Quick Facts

  • 450 Watt Motor 440 lb (200 kg) Capacity (Optional 650W & 1000W)
  • Attaches to Multiple Flatbeds, Trolleys & Carts
  • Programmable 0-4.25 mph (0-7 kph) Forward, 0-2.2 mph (0-3.5 kph) Reverse Operation
  • Quick-Swap Lithium Battery Pack
  • Optional Ride On Sulky
  • Dual Ergonomic Throttle Controls
  • Instant Hitching & Fast Release Foot Pedal

Smart:Rack 900

The Smart:Rack 900 “Market Hall” is a compact, efficient solution for order fulfillment or replenishment in narrow aisle environments. Designed to instantly hitch with the Smart:Drive, the Smart:Rack 900 transforms into a drivable/ride-on powered cart, optimized for order picking and fulfillment logistics.

Quick Facts

  • Smart:Rack 900: 36″ x 24″| 600 lb/300 kg Capacity| 28.5 cu ft./.82 meters
  • 4 Fast-Adjustable Shelves
  • Static Dissipating Casters
  • Optional Vertical Rack Divider
  • Optional Tiller Handle
  • Optional Document/Clipboard Holder
  • Optional Vertical Storage System

Smart:Rack 1500

The Smart:Rack 1500 is our large order picking and replenishment solution for use in warehouses & distribution centers. Unique center guide wheels deliver exceptional maneuverability and ergonomics for streamlined order fulfillment. Designed to instantly hitch with the Smart:Drive, the Smart:Rack 1500 transforms into a driveable/ride-on powered cart optimized for order picking and fulfillment logistics.

Quick Facts

  • Smart:Rack 1500: 64″ x 30″ x 58″ | 660 lb/330 kg Capacity | 60 cu. ft/1.7 cu. m
  • 4 High Capacity, Fast Adjustable Shelves
  • Guide Wheels Retract Automatically with Smart:Drive Connection or with Foot Pedal
  • Bi-Directional Integrated Hitch System with SD, Optional Train Hitch

Solving Strategic Challenges for Transportation Hubs

Larger Transportation Centers

More people are using airports, train stations, and waterway terminals than ever before. By 2034, 7.3 billion people are expected to travel by air annually, an increase of 4 billion passengers. Similar growth is anticipated for all transportation forms as the global population rises. Transportation centers are expanding rapidly to meet demand, resulting in more integrated services, greater logistical complexity, and longer distances for employees and passengers within the hubs.

Quick Facts

United States

  • Since 2008, 11 international airports have received improvements ranging from $100 million to $4.1 billion.
  • As of 2022, the Port Authority of New York planned to spend $7.5 billion on expansion, upgrades, and improvements to its 5 associated airports.

Europe

  • Between 2015-2018, Europe’s airports invested EUR 55.3 billion on expansions, upgrades, and improvements.
  • The EU has invested EUR 4.1 billion in developing technology, researching systems, and exploring the economic potential for implementing high-speed passenger rail infrastructure.

Asia-Pacific

  • By 2034, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow 4.9% annually, reaching 2.9 billion air passengers every year. Currently, 1.8 billion passengers travel annually.
  • As of 2020, China planned to invest $127 billion in railway infrastructure.

Aging Travelers

Globally, the number of people aged 60 and older is projected to grow from 811 million to over 2 billion by 2050. Nearly 40% of those aged 65 and older suffer from mobility impairments, and many elderly travelers seek mobility assistance due to the stress of travel. This growing demand for quality travel assistance necessitates solutions that reduce injury risks for transportation hub staff and increase their productivity.

Quick Facts
  • 90% of those seeking assisted mobility in airports do not require it in their daily lives
  • United States: 43 million Americans are aged 65+. This number is projected to increase to 70 million by 2030
  • Globally: 841 people aged 60+, projected to increase to 2 billion by 2050.
  • The likelihood of severe disability is 5% for people aged 15 to 24, 25% for those aged 65 to 69, and 56% for those 80 and above. By 2050, there is expected to be 392 million people aged 80+

Bariatric Travelers

Obesity rates are rising globally, with 1.9 billion adults overweight and 600 million obese. In the U.S., 60 million people have a BMI of 30 or above. Many overweight individuals require mobility assistance, especially adults aged 51 and over, who are 2-6 times more likely to have mobility impairments compared to their healthy-weight peers. As obesity rates rise, transportation hubs must redefine standards and best practices to provide quality service to these individuals and ensure a safe, productive working environment for staff.

Learn More
  • Manually pushing wheelchairs up ramps and across carpet is a physically strenuous activity that often leads to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s)
  • According to the CDC, more than 20 percent of the U.S. adult population (more than 60 million people) now has a BMI of 30 or greater, which classifies them as obese
  • Safe traveler handling programs must be adapted to accommodate individuals who are obese
  • One in four older adults is obese, and obese individuals age 51+ are at least twice as likely to require mobility assistance

Staff Injury & Fatigue

Transportation hubs shouldn’t have to choose between productivity and protection. Working in water, ground, and air transportation is physically demanding, often leading to strain-related injuries and stress. Tasks such as aiding mobility-assisted travelers, transporting goods, and maintaining terminal spaces are strenuous and exacerbated by workplace fatigue, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. The direct cost of compensation in aviation is estimated at $1,000 per worker per year, with indirect costs ranging from 1.1 to 4 times this amount. Our solutions improve productivity while reducing fatigue, strain, and injury risks for transportation hub employees.

Learn More

Global

  • The costs of treating musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and absenteeism in the Nordic countries are estimated at 0.5% to 2% of Gross National Product, focusing on neck and upper limb disorders.
  • The Flight Safety Foundation estimates the annual worldwide cost of worker injuries in aviation at $5.8 billion.
  • In the United Kingdom, work-related stress caused workers to lose 10.4 million working days in 2011/12, with an average absence of 24 days per worker.

United States

  • The BLS reports that 5.5% of air transport staff suffer from lost-time injuries.
  • Among service-providing sectors, the rate of MSDs for transportation and warehousing is 80.3 cases per 10,000 full-time workers, more than twice the MSD rate for all private industry sectors.

Ergonomic Transport Solutions

Our advanced power-assist devices, including the PowerPal and M3i series, are designed to manage heavy loads up to 20,000 lbs. These ergonomic solutions enhance safety and productivity in transportation hubs, reducing strain and risk of injury.

Smart Mobility Assistance

The WheelChair Mover provides effortless mobility aid for travelers, supporting up to 750 lbs. This FDA-approved device ensures safe and efficient assistance, minimizing the physical strain on staff and enhancing passenger experience.

Efficient Cleaning Solutions

The QuicKLEEN motorized janitorial cart revolutionizes terminal maintenance with its multi-modal cleaning capabilities. It allows staff to efficiently handle large areas and multiple tasks, significantly increasing productivity while reducing strain-related injuries.

Advanced Logistics System

The Smart:Drive and Smart:Rack are key components of the Smart:System, designed to enhance order picking and restocking efficiency. The Smart:Drive offers a compact power assist for store environments, while the Smart:Rack provides a configurable cart for order fulfillment and restocking.