Rail chiefs have come face-to-face with an innovative new piece of equipment which its Kent developers say could transform part of the construction industry.

The Articulator 5000 is designed to fit onto lifting machinery to handle high weight and complex structures.

Capable of lifting up to 5,000kg, it is being pushed by Rochester firm Sandhurst.

A spokesman for the firm said: "The British design-engineered Articulator will have a global impact on many sectors of the construction industry including rail, power and utilities, mining, pipework and telecoms reducing the installation time of structures significantly.

"This 21st-century innovation could be the end of the line for slings, chains and ropes and other unsafe methods of handling."

And after a display in front of invited guests at the Rail Alliance headquarters in Stratford-upon-Avon it received a warm response.

Network Rail’s Wayne Burnett said: "Our outside parties will introduce this piece of equipment hopefully. This is going to eliminate the situation of people being in harm’s way. The way it was gripping all of the materials; it’s a brilliant idea. Brilliant concept."

The equipment will be modified also for installation on truck mounted cranes.