Aerial work platforms, also known as elevating work platforms (abbreviated as AWP or EWP), are specialized mechanical equipment widely used in construction, electrical maintenance, municipal engineering, garden pruning, aerospace maintenance, and other fields. These platforms utilize hydraulic or electric drive systems to enable vertical lifting, horizontal extension, and multi-angle rotation of the work platform. They can safely and efficiently transport operators, tools, and materials to heights of tens of meters.

The core structure of an aerial work platform consists of three main components: the chassis, the lifting mechanism, and the work platform. The chassis is typically designed as wheeled or tracked. Wheeled chassis offer high mobility and are suitable for quick transfers on flat surfaces, while tracked chassis provide excellent off-road capabilities, making them ideal for operations in complex terrains. Lifting mechanisms can be classified into scissor – type, boom – type, and mast – type based on their principles. Scissor – type mechanisms are stable and have high load – bearing capacity, often used for short – distance lifting operations indoors and outdoors; boom – type mechanisms are highly flexible and can reach a wide range of high – altitude areas; mast – type mechanisms ensure smooth lifting and occupy less space, making them suitable for narrow spaces. The work platform is equipped with safety railings, fall – prevention devices, and operating control systems to ensure the safety of operators in high – altitude environments.

In the electrical industry, aerial work platforms are used for the maintenance of transmission lines and substation equipment. In municipal engineering, they are employed for streetlight installation and repair, billboard replacement, and bridge inspection. In the gardening field, they assist in tree pruning, while in the aerospace sector, they are utilized for the maintenance of aircraft fuselages and engines at height. Their efficiency, flexibility, and safety features significantly enhance the productivity of high – altitude operations and reduce the risks associated with manual climbing, making them indispensable equipment for modern high – altitude work.