Niftylift is a leading UK manufacturer of elevating work platforms, which they sell worldwide. They provide ongoing commitment to high-quality innovative products with cost and environmental advantages.
The KTP between Niftylift and the University of Bath has developed an innovative sensor that alerts operators of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) to the presence of local hazards. This enables them to continue to work safely at height by maintaining a safe distance from any predicted hazards.
Professor Manuch Soleimani, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath, was the lead academic on the KTP. He says:
We were able to produce an intelligent sensor system through the technologies that we pioneered at the University of the Bath’s Engineering Tomography Lab (ETL). These were applied through our Associate, Dr Hela Garbaa, to improve the operator safety for Niftylift’s range of MEWPs. We are delighted that Hela now continues to work for them as a valued member of staff.
Dr Hela Garbaa, was the KTP Associate on the project. She says:
This was a really exciting project and partnership to be involved with, as the final product will improve operator safety and will help to reduce accidents and injuries by providing the operator with an early warning of impending hazards in their work environment. The last few months of the project were particularly challenging. We had to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic whilst still delivering the KTP project on time. Despite the disruptions and uncertainties in the later part of the KTP project, I am delighted to be to be working with Niftylift bringing this innovative safety system to market.
Innovations from the KTP will ensure MEWPs used in a wider degree of applications will continue to be considered the safest method of working at height. Such innovations demonstrate how Niftylift continue to meet customer expectations by offering high quality, innovative and safe elevating work platforms.
Steve Redding, Development Director at Niftylift, says:
Niftylift is thrilled to have partnered with the University of Bath on this KTP and it has been an exceptional example of how industry and academia can collaborate to solve a problem, bringing innovative solutions and products to the marketplace to reduce accidents and save lives.
This KTP project was co-funded by UKRI through Innovate UK.
Kamran Hussein, Knowledge Transfer Adviser and Monitoring Officer for Innovate UK's Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), says:
This outstanding project is the result of an exceptionally good relationship and shared vision amongst the project partners. We congratulate Hela, KTP Associate, on her project delivery. It’s fantastic news that Niftylift will continue to apply the knowledge from the KTP for the continuous innovation of their new life-saving technology, for Niftylift’s global portfolio of products.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.
Further information on Innovate UK funded KTPs
KTP enquiries: ktp@bath.ac.uk
Follow us on twitter: @ktpbath
