MorganS:
What happens if the 80kg decides to stand near one corner of the platform? Each actuator needs to be able to lift the entire 80kg all by itself.
I actually aimed to lift around 40kg, but I just wanted to be safe. In addition the weight is always spread across 2 or more corners.
MorganS:
Are the actuators supposed to be underneath the platform? Can it be suspended from cables above?
I'm still not sure if I will need to push up like a loading platform or pull down like a press.
Assuming that I will continue as planned (platform, push up), I will be able to place the actuator underneath my load or use a pulley and vise versa.
MorganS:
Can it have tracks up the side and it rides up and down on those tracks?
I think that it will be a great idea to have tracks up its sides.
MorganS:
What side loads are expected? Can the 80kg step off the platform while it's fully raised? The action of stepping off or on will push the platform sideways with significant force.
I would like to use rails/tracks to avoid those issues
MorganS:
Depending on the underneath/above answer, I would consider using a single point hoist above or modify a scissor-lift table like you sometimes see used for lifting car transmissions or even entire cars. Converting manual-hydraulic one to automatic-electric should not be too hard if you can find a linear actuator with the required force and travel.
I would like to build everything at home rather than buy something ready like a scissor-lift table.