Logistics Industry

As Vietnam rapidly shifts to become the new manufacturing and logistics hub of Southeast Asia, the pressure on supply chains has never been greater. The explosion of e-commerce requires not only rapid order processing speeds but also sets new, rigorous standards for occupational safety and cargo protection.

However, a serious bottleneck remains in many warehouses and factories today: Manual Handling processes. Relying on human strength to continuously lift heavy objects not only limits productivity due to physical endurance but also leads to long-term consequences:

• Labour shortage: Difficulty recruiting and retaining general labour for strenuous work.
• Occupational diseases: Increased rates of musculoskeletal injuries due to poor posture when carrying heavy loads (50-100kg).
• Cargo risk: Higher rates of product breakage and denting when workers are fatigued.

Faced with this challenge, Industrial Manipulators are emerging as a "lifesaver" for the modern logistics industry. More than just lifting equipment, they are the key to helping businesses achieve a dual goal: Maximizing operational efficiency and ensuring an ergonomic working environment.

This article will delve into the most advanced lifting solutions available today, from imported European machines to the strong rise of "Made in Vietnam" solutions like Vietmani, helping you find the optimal choice for your business.

Why does the Logistics industry need to switch to assistive lifting equipment?

In the Logistics 4.0 era, competition lies not only in delivery speed but also in the sustainability of the internal supply chain. Switching from Manual Handling to using Industrial Manipulators is not a temporary trend, but a mandatory solution to solve three vital problems:

Ensuring Safety & Ergonomics

Reality in Vietnamese warehouses shows that Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of worker resignation. Repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting with heavy loads (from 25kg to 80kg) creates immense pressure on the spine. Industrial manipulators solve this problem thoroughly by applying Zero Gravity load balancing technology.

• Operating Mechanism: The pneumatic system automatically senses the weight of the load and adjusts the pressure to negate gravity.
• Practical Effectiveness: Workers can lift a 50kg bag or a 200kg drum as lightly as lifting an object weighing a few grams. They can move the object up, down, left, and right without using muscle power to "strain" or hold it.
• Safety Compliance: Modern devices (such as the HA-Series) are designed to comply with ISO 9001:2015 and TCVN standards on lifting equipment safety, ensuring long-term health for personnel.

Speed & Efficiency

Human strength is limited and affected by fatigue over time. A loading worker may work very fast in the first 2 hours, but performance will decrease towards the end of the shift. In contrast, manipulators offer absolute 24/7 stability:

• Heavy Load & Flexibility: With rigid arm manipulator lines like the HA-Series, lifting capacity can reach 1200kg (Model HA 1200) with a working radius of up to 4000mm. This allows a single operator to control a large working area without moving much.
• Constant Speed: Whether it is the first package or the 1000th package of the day, lifting speed and placement accuracy remain constant.
• Accessibility: Thanks to the flexible rotating joint design (up to 360 degrees at the main axis and joints), the manipulator can insert goods into difficult positions, deep inside containers, or shelving units that standard forklifts struggle to reach.

Minimising Risk of Cargo Damage

In logistics, especially with electronics, food, or chemicals, dropping or bumping goods during manual handling is a constant risk. Industrial Manipulators eliminate this risk thanks to specialised Jigs and Safety Brakes:

• Secure Clamping: Jigs are custom-designed (vacuum suction, mechanical clamps, hooks...) to hold the load securely even in the event of a sudden loss of air supply.
• Precise Manipulation: Unlike chain hoists that sway during movement, Rigid Arm manipulators fix the load firmly without shaking, allowing for gentle placement with millimetre-level accuracy.

Classification of lifting solutions suitable for each type of cargo

No single device is designed to fit every warehouse. Choosing the wrong technology (e.g., using a heavy-duty manipulator to lift light carton boxes) will waste investment costs and reduce operating speed. Based on cargo characteristics and processes, we have two main groups of solutions:

Vacuum Tube Lifters – For Cartons/Packaging

Vacuum lifter is the dominant solution at distribution centres and e-commerce warehouses, where speed is the #1 priority.

Operating Principle: Uses a flexible vacuum tube. The vacuum force both grips the object and creates a lifting force to contract the tube, lifting the object.

Suitable Cargo:

• Carton boxes, paper boxes (airtight).
• Sacks, cement bags, plastic pellets (using specialised suction feet).
• Wooden boards, flat metal sheets.

Advantages: Extremely fast speed (can reach 10-15 cycles/minute), simple one-handed operation.

Limitations: Cannot rotate 3D products, cannot lift objects with holes or overly rough surfaces.

Rigid Arm Manipulators – Solution for Heavy Goods & Complex Techniques

If Vacuum Lifters provide speed,  Rigid Arm Manipulators provide lifting power with high dexterity. This is the segment where domestic products like Vietmani HA-Series are showing superior advantages in customisation capabilities.

Operating Principle: Uses a rigid linkage arm system combined with a pneumatic balancing cylinder. The device creates an "extended arm" for the human operator.

Suitable Cargo:

• Heavy goods: Machine parts, moulds, engine blocks (Load from 80kg to 1200kg - per HA 1200 specs).
• Goods requiring rotation: PE rolls, drums, steel coils (Need to rotate 90 or 180 degrees).
• Difficult positions (Reach-in): Need to insert goods deep into containers, furnaces, or covered racks.

Technical Advantages of Vietmani Manipulators:

• Offset Handling: Can lift objects whose centre of gravity is not in the middle (something vacuum lifters cannot do).
• High Torque: Capable of 360-degree rotation at the main axis and joints, providing flexibility within a working radius of up to 4000mm.
• Absolute Safety: Integrated pneumatic brakes keep the arm rigid in place when precise assembly operations are needed.

Localisation Trend: "Made in Vietnam" Solutions vs. Imported Goods

The lifting equipment market in Vietnam over the past decade has often been dominated by a preference for foreign goods, with major brands from Europe, such as Dalmec (Italy), Schmalz (Germany), or TAWI (Sweden). However, the 2025 market report indicates a distinct shift: FDI enterprises and large domestic corporations are gradually switching to "Made in Vietnam" equipment. This change comes not only from cost-cutting pressures but also from technical suitability and after-sales service.

Challenges of Imported Equipment in Vietnam

Despite possessing advanced technology, Complete Built-Up (CBU) imported manipulators often face 3 major barriers when operating in Vietnam:

• The "Tropicalization" Issue: Pneumatic systems and seals of European machinery are often designed for dry, cold temperate climates. When operating in Vietnam's hot and humid environment (especially in factories without air conditioning), these parts age quickly, causing air leaks and reduced accuracy.
• Excessive Investment Cost (CAPEX): An imported manipulator system can be 2-3 times more expensive than a domestic solution with the same functionality, not to mention international shipping costs and import taxes.
• Downtime for Maintenance: When an incident occurs, waiting for genuine parts imported from Europe can take 4-8 weeks. In Logistics, a single day of line stoppage causes massive damage.

Advantages of Vietmani Industrial Manipulators

Mastering Core Technology & Custom Design

Instead of buying a pre-packaged product, Vietnamese businesses can request custom designs.

• Example: Vietmani's HA-Series can customise lifting height, reach (up to 4000mm), or integrate onto Aluminium KBK rail systems to fit warehouses with low ceilings or narrow spaces—something imported machines find difficult to alter.
• Certification: Products are manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management processes, ensuring durability comparable to foreign goods.

Local Support Service - 24/7 Response

The biggest advantage of domestic manufacturers is geographical proximity.

• Vietnamese engineering teams can be present at the factory for surveys or repairs on the same day.
• Spare parts are always available in stock, minimising production line downtime.

Optimising Return on Investment (ROI)

With the same problem of lifting a 100kg object and rotating it 90 degrees:

• Imported Solution: High cost due to brand and shipping.
• Vietmani Solution: Costs reduced by 30-50% while still ensuring safe load capacity and genuine warranty coverage. This is a smart economic solution for SMEs and large corporations needing to optimise budgets.

Conclusion

The Vietnam Logistics industry is entering a strong "purification" phase. Businesses that still rely on cheap manual labour will gradually lose their competitive edge against competitors who know how to apply technology to optimise operations.

Equipping Industrial Manipulators is no longer a luxury choice, but a strategic move to:

1. Protect the most valuable asset: Worker health.
2. Standardise processes: Achieve ISO and 5S certifications thanks to a professional working environment.
3. Optimise cash flow: Choosing reputable domestic brands like Vietmani helps businesses save on initial investment costs and feel absolutely secure about long-term warranty services.

Don't let heavy packages hold back your business growth. Start the journey of "assisting" your warehouse today.

Consulting Hotline: 0931 782 489