Automated line inputs and outputs

Due to the electrification of automotive fleets, there is no doubt among experts that growth in combustion technology will come to a halt. This will result in increased cost pressure on the current production capacities. A simple retrofitting solution by Liebherr for automated raw part input and finished part removal helps to make full use of productivity reserves.

The manufacturing lines for components of combustion engines, such as engine block, cylinder head and gearbox housing, are usually fully automated. However, a number of manufacturers worldwide continue to load and unload material or parts manually. For the operators, this is monoto-nous and heavy work.

Efficient pick-and-place solution by Liebherr

Particularly in high-wage countries, automation in this area would quickly pay off, but automated machine loading is also an interesting option in low-wage countries. In the inexpensive and space-saving Pick-and-Place solution by Liebherr, components are added to the line in blisters or on pallets. A robot then grips the parts and feeds them into the line. At the end of line, the process takes place in the opposite order. In the case of simple applications – for example, for presorted workpieces in blisters or frameworks – such a solution can be designed with process reliability without the use of vision systems. Liebherr solves more complex depalletization tasks in which, for example, the orientation of the workpiece varies due to tilting, using 2D or 3D robot vision systems. To evaluate 3D images, the proven Liebherr software LHRobotics.Vision is used in a reduced variant (more on page 39).

Easy retrofitting for lines by other manufacturers as well

This means that highly-qualified employees can be used for value-creating tasks, while unpro-ductive process idle times are eliminated and lightly-manned manufacturing can be expanded. Further-reaching solutions, right up to completely unmanned manufacturing (“lights-out production”) are also possible. The use of transverse shuttles to optimize the loading cycle or the connection of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) are also conceivable. Since the robot cells are a closed unit, Liebherr’s solution can also be applied to manufacturing lines by other manufacturers.

Concept also suitable for e-mobility parts

The concept can also be applied to manufacturing lines for e-mobility. Particularly in battery pack assembly, large, heavy workpieces such as battery trays or modules are processed. Viktor Bayrhof, Market Sales and Product Management for automation systems at Liebherr, sees future application potential here: “„In existing production facilities, space is usually very limited. Liebherr has developed a simple, inexpensive, custom-fit retrofitting solution which is also suitable for further automation in e-mobility.”

About the Liebherr Group

The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality and user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 140 companies across all continents. In 2020, it employed around 48,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 10.3 billion euros. Liebherr was founded in Kirchdorf an der Iller in Southern Germany in 1949. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.