SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROTATION OF OBJECTS

Systems and methods for rotating objects that shift the center of gravity of an object, such as a wing assembly, from a position outside the rotation axis area of the object to a position within the rotation axis area of the object. In one example, a material handling system that employs rotatable slings may be used to rotate an object by shifting the suspended center of gravity from a position outside the rotation axis area (i.e., outside the rotatable slings in at least one position of rotation) to a position within the rotation axis area (i.e., between the slings at all positions of rotation). The suspended center of gravity may be shifted using at least one ballast component (or other suitable force-applying device) that exerts a force on the object in a direction and magnitude sufficient to so shift the suspended center of gravity of the object.