Bronto Skylift has for decades been one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of high-reach aerial work platforms. In Finland, the company employs approximately 400 professionals across several locations, and the majority of its production is exported worldwide. Bronto Skylift’s solutions serve fire brigades as well as industrial and construction sector operators from Japan to North America.
The company’s in-house development work is currently undergoing a significant transformation. The product portfolio is being harmonized toward a new, unified generation, the XT series continues to gain popularity, and the Bronto One fleet management system has become an essential part of customers’ daily operations. At the core of everything are safety, automation, and the utilization of data – themes that are reflected in both production and design.
The company’s flagship model, Bronto S-XT.
A Long-Term Partnership with Technion
Bronto Skylift and Technion have been working together since the early 2000s. Bronto Skylift’s Head of Design, Jari Lepistö, recalls the early stages of the collaboration:
“If I remember correctly, our cooperation began in the 2000s around the Mitron control units at the time. Since then, we’ve been working together more or less continuously, and it has gone very well.”
Over the years, the cooperation has deepened, and Bronto Skylift has carried out close development work with several Technion experts. Those involved have included Teemu Lehtinen, who has worked in a day-to-day software development role, as well as Maria Kivinen, Tommi Forsman, and Tuomo Vuolle. The close collaboration has enabled fast and agile development.
“Working with Teemu is extremely flexible and efficient. Adjustments and fine-tuning can be done quickly while things are still fresh in mind.”
– Jari Lepistö
Shared Development Steps – Automation, Safety, and Intelligent Diagnostics
In recent years, the cooperation has focused particularly on modernizing control systems, developing automation, and improving the use of data. One key element has been the Black Box solution, which enables CAN data to be collected, stored, and analyzed in greater detail. This supports both product development and traceability while improving service response capabilities.
Another significant development step has been outrigger automation, where the outriggers deploy automatically and the system ensures the correct pressure for each leg. This increases safety and operates reliably even in demanding conditions where platform stability is critical.
In addition, Technion has been involved in developing a fiberglass-insulated boom designed for power line maintenance work. This SI project included both the introduction of a new generation of control systems and a fully customized control solution tailored to Bronto Skylift’s requirements.
At present, the cooperation continues in a large-scale development project in which the control systems of aerial work platforms are being upgraded to a new generation. The goal is to provide customers with more functionality, improved automation, and broader connectivity options – while also making the systems easier to service.
Bronto SI-HDT-C insulated boom in operation.
Toward the Next Generation of Systems
Bronto Skylift is currently undertaking a comprehensive renewal of its system architecture. Control systems are gradually transitioning to a new generation that offers higher performance, more features, and expanded automation capabilities.
“We work in close cooperation on a continuous basis, and future software development goals require a reliable and agile partner to support us.”
– Jari Lepistö
Trust and a Solution-Oriented Approach
Technion’s flexibility and fast response have been particularly valuable to Bronto Skylift in situations where customers require changes on short notice or when market demands evolve. The cooperation has supported Bronto Skylift’s ability to respond quickly to customer needs and to ensure that solutions meet increasingly stringent safety and automation requirements.
“We have been very satisfied with how quickly we receive support and solutions from Technion. The cooperation has been straightforward and smooth.”
– Jari Lepistö
Technion’s Head of Product Development, Maria Kivinen, describes the cooperation just as positively:
“Working with the Bronto Skylift teams has been extremely smooth, and it’s great to be involved in building world-class machines. Collaborating with experts in their field gives us the opportunity to learn and to share our own expertise.”
Precisely operating outriggers make work safe and efficient.
Bronto Skylift – A Finnish Pioneer
Bronto Skylift represents Finnish top-tier lifting technology, where safety and practical functionality go hand in hand. The long-standing partnership with Technion has supported development work alongside Bronto Skylift’s own strong expertise.
“The long partnership continues to work very well, and development is moving forward in a positive spirit.”
– Jari Lepistö