ProMat 2025: Yale Relay warehouse automation platform introduced

Manual and automated forklift and related software systems provider Yale Lift Truck Technologies recently announced its Yale Relay platform at ProMat 2025. The trade show was held March 17-20 in Chicago, Ill.

Yale Relay is an overarching platform encompassing all automated lift trucks the company will release going forward. Its user interface includes an intuitive drag-and-drop portal that replaces the complex software coding requirements typically associated with automation. 

The company said its new portal can enable easy set up and on-the-fly changes without the need for custom programming, allowing warehouses to reduce their dependence on scarce labor without expensive software engineering resources. 

ProMat attendees were able to get hands-on experience with the Yale Relay portal and automated tow tractors. The new technology is being offered through a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) business model.

“This new solution represents a reboot of automated lift trucks, positioned to more efficiently meet demand for mobile automation by avoiding the labor and capital constraints of today’s market,” said Kyle Smart, Yale Lift Truck Technologies sales manager, emerging technology. “Not only does Yale Relay address challenges sourcing lift truck operators and software programmers, it completely changes the financial commitment necessary for end users to deploy automation. Rather than a major capital expense, warehouses can simply pay by the month through a rental agreement and avoid the major upfront costs of purchasing equipment.”

Cloud-based portal can improve intralogistics integration

Yale Relay is the result of almost a decade of customer-driven refinement, helping to address the complexity, reliability, and cost concerns traditionally associated with automated lift trucks. Yale Relay automated lift trucks are backed by training, parts, and maintenance through a single, local source - the Yale dealer network. 

The company said its drag-and-drop portal allows for faster startup than traditional approaches, enabling implementation in as little as a day. Mapping the facility is as simple as manually operating the lift truck along the desired route and dropping waypoints in the portal, and making changes is as simple as selecting a waypoint and dragging it to a new location. 

The portal provides cloud-based access that can help enable easy, efficient fleet management of automated lift trucks across multiple facilities, and reduces the need for on-site interventions with remote monitoring and update capabilities. 

It is designed with the ability to integrate with other common warehouse systems like facility fire alarms, interactive input boxes, programmable logic controllers, WMS, and more.

The automated tow tractor is designed to handle horizontal load intralogistics transportation tasks, and includes several important features to reduce manual intervention, such as automated wireless charging and an available automated hitch and unhitch option. Sensors and other automation-related components are integrated separately above the body of the truck and designed for easy adjustment and maintenance.

Forklift redesigned based on customer input

Yale also announced its latest concept warehouse truck at ProMat 2025. The company said it showcased technologies and design improvements resulting from the company’s philosophy to develop systems based on customer input and feedback. 

The three-wheel stand-up forklift concept it displayed featured a variety of innovations to address real-world ergonomic, safety, and productivity challenges faced every day in warehouse operations.

Yale Lift Truck Technologies recently showcased its conceptual three-wheel stand-up forklift redesigned with improved safety and ergonomics features at ProMat 2025 in Chicago. Source: Yale Lift Truck Technologies

“The heart of our design process is getting to know our customers and developing a deep understanding of the challenges they face and what makes their operations tick,” said Brad Long, Yale Lift Truck Technologies global activation manager. “The three-wheel stand concept shows the kind of forward-thinking innovations that are possible when you take the time to listen to your customers and understand what they really need to be successful.”

Long said Yale’s customers are involved in concepting, development, real-world testing, and commercialization of new material handling equipment. Many of the company’s systems, such as Yale Reliant operator assist technology, have resulted from this customer-driven approach. 

Full Yale Reliant operator assist suite upgrade option

The featured concept truck at the Yale ProMat booth was a redesigned three-wheel stand up model. This warehouse workhorse, commonly used for intralogistics transportation from loading dock to stock storage, drive-in rack, and other common loading and unloading applications, debuts a modern look with a variety of features and technologies that prioritize the visibility and productivity necessary for operators to excel in tight warehouse environments.

The large operator compartment offers a variety of arm rest, footrest, and floor options to help operators stay comfortable and focused all shift long. Technology options, including a touchscreen display and operator sensing system, are designed to improve ease-of-use and operator awareness. 

To help address customer feedback on prioritizing operator safety, the three-wheel stand includes stability technology as a standard feature, with the option to upgrade to the full Yale Reliant operator assist suite. The three-wheel stand also features a range of mast, performance, and battery options to scale according to the requirements of a variety of warehouse applications.