UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING RESEARCH PROPOSALS TO EMPOWER INNOVATION IN MATERIAL HANDLING

GREENE, N.Y., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The University Research Program is now accepting proposals through Oct. 31, 2025, for its next funding cycle. The Raymond Corporation, a Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) brand, created the University Research Program to encourage and support professors and student researchers to apply their engineering and technical skills to foster innovative research that propels the material handling industry forward.

Now in its eighth cycle, the sponsored research program is accepting applications for grant funding that can reach up to $500,000. Selected proposals may receive total financial support of up to $250,000 for one year of research. Open to North American universities, proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility and potential for future commercial application.

“In an ever-changing material handling landscape, innovation is fueled by curiosity, collaboration and the endless pursuit of knowledge,” said Brett Wood, president & CEO, TMHNA. “By investing in research and collaborating with respected academic institutions, we are not only adapting to change but also shaping the future of our industry. Our commitment to the University Research Program reflects a dedication to advancing emerging innovations and ensuring their continued growth for years to come.”

Previous grant recipients have explored topics such as flexibility in logistics systems and automation; virtual reality (VR) and operator productivity; omnichannel facilities and vehicle routing; and robotics. Proposal themes for this cycle in the following areas are encouraged; however, alternative themes are welcome, given the broad nature and constant evolution of material handling:

• Adapting material handling for next-generation operators
• Advanced battery and supporting technologies
  • Novel battery chemistries
  • Thermal management strategies
  • Integrated/structural battery designs
  • Innovative battery management systems
  • Hybrid energy storage solutions
• Circular economy and lifestyle design and sustainability
• Energy recovery systems for lift truck applications
• Full-/semiautomation warehouse innovation
• Intelligent perception and contextual awareness
• Interoperation of real-time location system-connected and autonomous vehicles
• Operator assist and awareness
• Sensors fusion for enhanced perception
• Warehouse and fleet-level optimization

As part of the process, the program will also accept optional concept papers prior to submission of the final proposal. This step in the process is a way for professors and student researchers to connect with the University Research Program reviewers for initial input of their submission. Professors and researchers are encouraged (but not required) to submit a one-page concept paper explaining their proposal. The initial papers must be submitted by Aug. 31, 2025.

For more information on the University Research Program and details of the application process, visit www.universityresearchprogram.com or contact universityresearchprogram@raymondcorp.com.

About The Raymond Corporation

The Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a leading global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for over 100 years, Raymond’s integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance. Raymond^® electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers solutions to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally. Combining operational excellence, award-winning innovation and world-class global customer support, we work together to run better, manage smarter and keep our customers always on. For more information, visit raymondcorp.com and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Raymond^® is a U.S. trademark of The Raymond Corporation.

©2025 The Raymond Corporation. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE The Raymond Corporation