Experience automation: Liebherr opens new Tech-Center in Kempten

Kempten (Germany) – Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH's new "Liebherr Tech-Center" gives customers an insight into the world of automation systems.

"Our new Tech-Center provides a wide range of testing options. In addition to our pallet handling system, we have also set up two test cells for bin picking. We are also testing a flexible production cell with automated guided vehicle and our LP 100 linear robot," says Thomas Mattern, Head of Automation Systems Development, explaining the structure of the test hall.

Newly created customer area

The new 90 m² customer area creates a pleasant atmosphere for discussing customer projects or conducting technical discussions. For many of the exhibits, the topic of Industry 4.0 also plays an important role. At a bin picking workstation, customers can experience "random bin picking" live and carry out tests themselves. The customer area thus serves as a place of innovation and, due to its slightly elevated position, provides an overview of the entire test hall.

"This is a win-win situation for Liebherr and our customers. While we can effectively carry out trials and test series with new products in terms of development, our customers receive professional support. For example, feasibility studies or customer trials can be carried out," says Mattern.

On the upper floor there is also an office area and a meeting room. Two test technicians are currently permanently on site in the new Tech-Center to commission the test systems, carry out prototype or customer trials and document the results. Other employees such as assembly workers, installers, software developers and computer scientists are deployed on site as required.

The hall was originally rented as a test area for a project. After a successful test phase, the test vehicles were distributed at the main location across the automation and gear technology divisions. As a result, the assembly area of the automation technology could no longer be fully used. Ultimately, this led to a relocation of the automation systems testing area to the new Tech-Center, which is only a five-minute drive from the main site.

Bin picking

Liebherr has been working on bin picking since 2010. Special software enables a robotic gripper arm to pick unsorted workpieces from a box. The gripped part is then introduced into the production process. "This automation solution optimizes process reliability and increases productivity. With the two bin picking test cells, our Tech Center is another factor of a modern production site," concludes Thomas Mattern.