2025 Recap: Important Developments in MEWPs What’s Coming Next

Some of the most significant developments in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) over the past year have centered on productivity and safety — and that’s where rental companies are seeing the most value. Safety remains the foundation of MEWP design, and what matters most for rental customers is when it is integrated into the machine.

At the same time, users are increasingly demanding MEWPs that deliver greater performance, durability and reliability. With tighter project timelines and industry-wide labor shortages, end users need equipment that allows them to move fast and complete more tasks without downtime. This has driven demand for higher-capacity models that can lift more tools, materials, and workers at once, as well as for machines that reposition efficiently while elevated, simplifying workflow on the job.

From a serviceability and fleet management perspective, features like quick-swap platforms help rental companies minimize downtime by making it faster to replace damaged platforms or to fit trade-specific accessories. In addition, connectivity solutions now give owners real-time visibility into diagnostics, machine health and utilization — all of which help reduce surprises and improve fleet efficiency.

Finally, improvements in the operator experience are another key area of development. Intuitive displays, along with features such as perimeter lighting and exclusion zones, make machines easy to use while also providing a visible perimeter around your machine. Together, these advancements give rental companies the ability to offer equipment that keeps their customers productive, efficient and confident that the machine will perform every day.

What was new in JLG’s MEWP offering this past year?

Within the past year, JLG introduced a new mid-rail deck system for both boom lifts and scissor lifts, which directly addresses the need for additional access height. This solution allows crews to productively work on job sites that require access to tight spaces at height. 

Additionally, we’ve continued to expand our line of higher-capacity models, providing rental companies with more versatile machines that can handle heavy materials. Alongside this, we’ve simplified fleet upkeep with the introduction of the rapid replaceable platform technology, reducing downtime by making it much easier to replace damaged platforms or to fit trade-specific accessories.

Connectivity remains a key development in the rental industry. Through JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet™ IoT platform, rental companies can access machine diagnostics, monitor utilization and even connect to manuals and knowledge resources in real time, to better understand what’s going on inside the machine, but they also will soon have access to the system’s newest capabilities, including automated site networks, elevation-based location, over-the-air machine software updates and a digital analyzer reader.

Looking ahead, what are the next new developments JLG sees coming in access equipment technology? 

Looking ahead, we see several important developments on the horizon. Connectivity will continue to grow in importance. JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet platform is expanding rapidly, with new capabilities and functionality continually being released to deliver more value in diagnostics, machine data and access to content. For rental companies, this connectivity will translate into more efficient fleet management and improved uptime.

We’re also the industry moving toward more advanced collision avoidance technologies, which will provide an added level of awareness while allowing operators to remain productive. Beyond collision avoidance, there’s a trend toward expanding the utility of MEWPs through smarter accessories. For example, rather than just offering a platform attachment that stores job site materials, there are opportunities through robotics to explore ways to design accessories that actively assist in lifting and positioning these materials. The goal is to integrate more of the job’s physical demands into the machine itself, reducing strain on workers and improving efficiency.

At the same time, we see increasing potential in automation and machine orchestration. For example, at CES 2025, we demonstrated how an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) working alongside a MEWP can transport equipment, carry additional energy for charging and support operators. This kind of collaboration between machines opens up new possibilities for productivity and utilization on complex job sites.

Finally, we believe there’s enormous value in improving access to resources. Through platforms like ClearSky Smart Fleet and Online Express, operators and rental companies will be able to connect instantly to manuals, training content and knowledge articles — all of which help make sure machines are used safely and effectively. 

Together, these advancements paint a picture of a future where MEWPs are not only safely operated and more capable, but are also smarter, more connected and more integrated into the way work gets done.

Learn more about the latest topics and trends in the access industry at JLG.com/en/technology-innovation/directaccess.