Adjustable load leveler apparatus and related methods for use with automotive manufacturing systems

An adjustable load leveler mechanism for a hoist, comprising:

• a frame coupled to the hoist;
• a weight movable along the frame to change a center of gravity of the hoist;
• an actuator operatively coupled to the weight;
• an input device configured to generate a user input in response to a user interacting with the input device;
• and
• control circuitry configured to receive the user input from the input device and control, based on the user input, the actuator to move the weight relative to the hoist.

A method of operating an adjustable load leveler mechanism attached to a hoist, comprising:

• interacting with an output device to receive a production instruction associated with a manufacturing system;
• lifting an object of interest off of a first handling unit via the hoist;
• identifying an input device connected to control circuitry of the adjustable load leveler mechanism, the adjustable load leveler mechanism including a frame, a weight movably coupled to the frame, and an actuator operatively coupled to the weight;
• and
• interacting with the input device in accordance with the production instruction to cause the control circuitry to move, via the actuator, the weight relative to the hoist to adjust a levelness to the hoist.