RufDiamond, in partnership with Cambrian College’s applied research team, has developed a new deployable lifting platform designed to expand the capabilities of the FAT TRUCK® in remote and difficult-to-access environments.

The project addresses an important challenge in remote operations: transporting equipment into areas without road access and unloading it where cranes or other lifting equipment are unavailable.

The platform allows the FAT TRUCK® to carry payloads of up to 2,200 pounds into remote locations. Once the destination is reached, the platform can lift itself from the vehicle, allowing the FAT TRUCK® to drive out from underneath before the load is lowered to ground level. Fat Truck

The technology has already progressed into real-world use. In July 2026, the unit was confirmed for deployment in support of wildfire-response efforts in Northwestern Ontario. Fat Truck

The project also received $150,000 in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The funding will support continued development using advanced materials and structural optimization to make the lifting system lighter and more energy-efficient. It will also support development of a custom drag-behind toboggan for transporting supplies across Arctic terrain. Fat Truck

Including RufDiamond’s cash and in-kind contributions, the total value of the two-year project is $227,500.

The project demonstrates how RufDiamond’s industry experience and Cambrian College’s applied research capabilities can come together to develop practical solutions for remote operations, emergency response and other challenging environments.