‘The only constant in life is change,’ even Leonardo da Vinci subscribed to this principle. The polymath ventured the unimaginable, engineering a parachute, a robotic knight and a muscle-powered helicopter. While some considered him a genius, others saw him as a sorcerer or simply denounced him as insane.

Today, we know for certain: it takes more than a momentary flash of inspiration to truly open up new horizons. As well as having the right idea at the right time in the right place, innovators must have the capacity to really get an innovation off the ground. So it was that in 1949 – faced with the enormous challenges of rebuilding towns and cities decimated by war – Hans Liebherr invented a mobile tower crane. A stroke of mechanical genius that would revolutionise work on the construction site and the way we see and achieve great objectives. ‘With dogged determination, it is also possible to achieve what appear to be almost unattainable targets. Don’t allow yourself to be disheartened by setbacks, having faith can move mountains’ – this was the mantra of the company founder.

Ultra-fit for the future

According to technology historian and future researcher Professor Hans-Liudger Dienel from the Faculty for Work Sciences, Technology and Participation at the Technische Universität Berlin Institute of Technology, there is a particular strength to this kind of pioneering spirit: ‘Anyone who can fully devote themselves to something with this basic trust will find countless opportunities to venture into uncharted territory, to develop innovative, pragmatic solutions and to continuously expand the product programme.’

The following examples of developments and groundbreaking projects from the world of Liebherr offer insight into the extensive impact that more than 75 years of this special pioneering spirit have had across all product segments – yesterday, today and tomorrow. Perhaps if Leonardo da Vinci were to read these, he might be inclined to rephrase the principle he lived by: the only constant in life is change – and it gets faster and more beguiling over time. Before then flying off in his helicopter.

Digitalisation – systematic progress

Safety and efficiency on the construction site place stringent requirements on cranes and their operators. This is why Liebherr combines extensive expertise in engineering and digital fields, raising the planning and management of work operations to a whole new level. For the benefit of the people on site.

  • In the right place at the right time – with the right technology: in 1949, Hans Liebherr presents the world’s first mobile tower crane, the TK 10. A revolution on the construction site: it can be assembled easily on site for fast and low-cost setup and dismantling. A pioneering innovation that accelerates and dramatically simplifies Germany’s post-war reconstruction. This paves the way for the Group we know today and its enduring success.

    Yesterday

    In the right place at the right time – with the right technology: in 1949, Hans Liebherr presents the world’s first mobile tower crane, the TK 10. A revolution on the construction site: it can be assembled easily on site for fast and low-cost setup and dismantling. A pioneering innovation that accelerates and dramatically simplifies Germany’s post-war reconstruction. This paves the way for the Group we know today and its enduring success.

  • Liebherr has continuously fine-tuned the idea of a flexible, quick-assembly and economical tower crane. Innovations such as the fibre rope for top-slewing cranes, mobile construction cranes with their taxi crane concept or digital solutions, such as MyLiebherr, are shaping this technological progress. In services surrounding crane operation, too, Liebherr always offers its customers holistic solutions to tackle individual challenges. This is how, for instance, the Group’s Tower Crane Solutions department has come to specialise in advising on and planning major and specialist projects as well as specialist applications for tower cranes in the fields of mines and mining, shipyards and (power) plant construction. For these projects, the team of experienced specialists uses Liebherr’s global network and coordinates the collaboration between different departments, e.g., design, structural engineering, production, sales, rental and service. Using CAD-supported digital planning of construction sites, Liebherr can provide customers with a comprehensive service for economical crane deployment in their building projects. On the construction site itself, intelligent assistance systems simplify the work of crane operators, counteract dangerous situations such as excessive swinging of the load, and contribute to significantly increased safety.

    Today

    Liebherr has continuously fine-tuned the idea of a flexible, quick-assembly and economical tower crane. Innovations such as the fibre rope for top-slewing cranes, mobile construction cranes with their taxi crane concept or digital solutions, such as MyLiebherr, are shaping this technological progress. In services surrounding crane operation, too, Liebherr always offers its customers holistic solutions to tackle individual challenges. This is how, for instance, the Group’s Tower Crane Solutions department has come to specialise in advising on and planning major and specialist projects as well as specialist applications for tower cranes in the fields of mines and mining, shipyards and (power) plant construction. For these projects, the team of experienced specialists uses Liebherr’s global network and coordinates the collaboration between different departments, e.g., design, structural engineering, production, sales, rental and service. Using CAD-supported digital planning of construction sites, Liebherr can provide customers with a comprehensive service for economical crane deployment in their building projects. On the construction site itself, intelligent assistance systems simplify the work of crane operators, counteract dangerous situations such as excessive swinging of the load, and contribute to significantly increased safety.

  • Safety and efficiency on the construction site are and will always be a main focus of Liebherr’s. This is where Liebherr combines foresight with decades of practical experience and extensive knowledge of engineering and digital technologies. Liebherr’s developments unite cutting-edge technology with highly cost-effective design. In future, more assistant systems and networked systems will facilitate automated processes on the construction site, which form the basis for teleoperation. With the Liebherr Remote Control system (LiReCon) for tower cranes, machine controls for multiple cranes can in future be positioned right next to the foreperson, for instance. This allows crane operators and forepersons to interact and discuss any changes to the construction process straight away and face-to-face. This development will help to enhance safety on construction sites in the future. All segments in the Group are working towards remote operation. After all, LiReCon will make it possible to switch between different construction machines in the future.

    Tomorrow

    Safety and efficiency on the construction site are and will always be a main focus of Liebherr’s. This is where Liebherr combines foresight with decades of practical experience and extensive knowledge of engineering and digital technologies. Liebherr’s developments unite cutting-edge technology with highly cost-effective design. In future, more assistant systems and networked systems will facilitate automated processes on the construction site, which form the basis for teleoperation. With the Liebherr Remote Control system (LiReCon) for tower cranes, machine controls for multiple cranes can in future be positioned right next to the foreperson, for instance. This allows crane operators and forepersons to interact and discuss any changes to the construction process straight away and face-to-face. This development will help to enhance safety on construction sites in the future. All segments in the Group are working towards remote operation. After all, LiReCon will make it possible to switch between different construction machines in the future.

    • Technology-neutral approach – making the possible possible

    Construction vehicles/machines and units need to meet high standards when it comes to performance, robustness, safety and reliability – often in the toughest conditions. This is why Liebherr is committed to providing the right drive solutions for every circumstance.

  • In the 1970s and 1980s, standard built-in engines on the market are derived from HGV drives. The drawback of this is that the often air-cooled engines prove to be neither reliable nor durable enough for use in heavy construction machines. On top of all that, they often need repairing during off-road operations. Moreover the supply of spare parts and availability of customer services are not always guaranteed worldwide. In 1981, Hans Liebherr therefore decides to develop in-house combustion engines for construction machines: robust, powerful, economical. So, in 1985, the first series-production engines, the D924 and D926, roll off the conveyor at Liebherr Machines Bulle S.A. in Switzerland. Some of these are still in production today. Liebherr is continuously developing the engine portfolio further to reflect the ever-changing requirements of the respective industry, the legislation, the customer and environment. The standard basic engine is testament to decades of system expertise. Using the modular principle, this can be modified for compliance with the exhaust gas aftertreatment regulations of different countries and regions.

    Yesterday

    In the 1970s and 1980s, standard built-in engines on the market are derived from HGV drives. The drawback of this is that the often air-cooled engines prove to be neither reliable nor durable enough for use in heavy construction machines. On top of all that, they often need repairing during off-road operations. Moreover the supply of spare parts and availability of customer services are not always guaranteed worldwide. In 1981, Hans Liebherr therefore decides to develop in-house combustion engines for construction machines: robust, powerful, economical. So, in 1985, the first series-production engines, the D924 and D926, roll off the conveyor at Liebherr Machines Bulle S.A. in Switzerland. Some of these are still in production today.

    Liebherr is continuously developing the engine portfolio further to reflect the ever-changing requirements of the respective industry, the legislation, the customer and environment. The standard basic engine is testament to decades of system expertise. Using the modular principle, this can be modified for compliance with the exhaust gas aftertreatment regulations of different countries and regions.

  • The key components of a drivetrain, such as injection systems, controls, engines, gearboxes, etc., are developed and produced in-house by Liebherr. This allows the necessary flexibility to adapt to the specific requirements of individual construction machines. The product range today spans from four-cylinder engines with 140 kW power to D98 series engines with up to 4.3 MW power. A technology-neutral approach is a basic prerequisite for developing a suitable drive solution for the applications in question. „Besides alternative fuels like HVO, Liebherr is committed to green hydrogen as a key alternative for driving down emissions. Hydrogen-combustion engines can be used anywhere, where batteries or fuel cells reach their limits. For example, this may include applications on construction sites where heavy vibrations or impurities are generated or when providing the energy needed to deliver competitive machine productivity results in excessive running costs.

    Today

    The key components of a drivetrain, such as injection systems, controls, engines, gearboxes, etc., are developed and produced in-house by Liebherr. This allows the necessary flexibility to adapt to the specific requirements of individual construction machines.

    The product range today spans from four-cylinder engines with 140 kW power to D98 series engines with up to 4.3 MW power. A technology-neutral approach is a basic prerequisite for developing a suitable drive solution for the applications in question.

    „Besides alternative fuels like HVO, Liebherr is committed to green hydrogen as a key alternative for driving down emissions. Hydrogen-combustion engines can be used anywhere, where batteries or fuel cells reach their limits. For example, this may include applications on construction sites where heavy vibrations or impurities are generated or when providing the energy needed to deliver competitive machine productivity results in excessive running costs.

  • A pioneering spirit is always clearly focused on the future. For instance, in light of global warming, legislators and society in general are calling for the decarbonisation of the construction and industrial sectors. Within the components product segment, Liebherr is working on alternative drive solutions, including the developing of hydrogen engines. Beyond this, the company is researching specialist injection solutions to further optimise the combustion and power density. Liebherr is also working on a dual-fuel engine, which can be powered by hydrogen and HVO or HVO alone. Electric motors are also being further developed specifically for use in battery-powered or hybrid vehicles and machinery. The new-generation motors are more compact and require less maintenance than their predecessors. Another pioneering innovation is the mobile energy storage system, Liduro Power Port. This flexible and highly efficient solution supplies electrical machines and machine fleets with energy on site of use, representing a major milestone on the path to zero-emissions construction sites.

    Tomorrow

    A pioneering spirit is always clearly focused on the future. For instance, in light of global warming, legislators and society in general are calling for the decarbonisation of the construction and industrial sectors. Within the components product segment, Liebherr is working on alternative drive solutions, including the developing of hydrogen engines. Beyond this, the company is researching specialist injection solutions to further optimise the combustion and power density.

    Liebherr is also working on a dual-fuel engine, which can be powered by hydrogen and HVO or HVO alone. Electric motors are also being further developed specifically for use in battery-powered or hybrid vehicles and machinery. The new-generation motors are more compact and require less maintenance than their predecessors.

    Another pioneering innovation is the mobile energy storage system, Liduro Power Port. This flexible and highly efficient solution supplies electrical machines and machine fleets with energy on site of use, representing a major milestone on the path to zero-emissions construction sites.

    • Product development – pulling out all the stops

    Liebherr’s innovations and transformations, whether big or small in scale, stem from the company’s ability to look beyond the horizon. To this end, the company always pools together wide-ranging skill sets and combines these with the practical experience of a global market leader.

  • When Hans Liebherr hires a cable excavator in 1953, he is struck by how poor the power-to-weight ratio is. Eight months later, he presents Europe’s first hydraulic excavator – the L 300 – leaving engineers and construction companies stunned. They are impressed not only by its low weight and the transfer of existing hydraulic technology to an excavator, but also by its effective digging force. In 1954, this powerful machine goes into series production. This is followed in 1960 by another great innovation, the wheeled excavator A 650: the first fully hydraulic wheeled excavator from Liebherr combines hydraulic work equipment with a hydraulic travel drive for the first time. This united all modern technical possibilities available at the time. From the very beginning, Hans Liebherr sees the importance of developing and producing key technologies in-house. This becomes especially apparent in 1983 with the A 912 wheeled excavator. Its diesel engine, hydraulic pump, slew drive with planetary gearbox, excavator axle and manual gearbox and transfer box in the undercarriage are all produced entirely in-house. A further innovative highlight follows in 1989 in the shape of Litronic: the entire system of intelligent electronics and functional hydraulics is designed to monitor, control, regulate and coordinate all key systems of the excavator. Having been under continuous development ever since, Litronic still optimises the efficiency of every Liebherr construction machine to this day.

    Yesterday

    When Hans Liebherr hires a cable excavator in 1953, he is struck by how poor the power-to-weight ratio is. Eight months later, he presents Europe’s first hydraulic excavator – the L 300 – leaving engineers and construction companies stunned. They are impressed not only by its low weight and the transfer of existing hydraulic technology to an excavator, but also by its effective digging force. In 1954, this powerful machine goes into series production. This is followed in 1960 by another great innovation, the wheeled excavator A 650: the first fully hydraulic wheeled excavator from Liebherr combines hydraulic work equipment with a hydraulic travel drive for the first time. This united all modern technical possibilities available at the time.

    From the very beginning, Hans Liebherr sees the importance of developing and producing key technologies in-house. This becomes especially apparent in 1983 with the A 912 wheeled excavator. Its diesel engine, hydraulic pump, slew drive with planetary gearbox, excavator axle and manual gearbox and transfer box in the undercarriage are all produced entirely in-house. A further innovative highlight follows in 1989 in the shape of Litronic: the entire system of intelligent electronics and functional hydraulics is designed to monitor, control, regulate and coordinate all key systems of the excavator. Having been under continuous development ever since, Litronic still optimises the efficiency of every Liebherr construction machine to this day.

  • More than 70 years after Liebherr’s first hydraulic excavator went into production, the newest generation sets the benchmark for wheeled and crawler excavators as well as material handling machines. Liebherr meets the often highly diverse individual customer requirements through a wide variety of equipment. In keeping with the tradition of the company founder, almost everything comes from a single source: construction or material handling machines, quick-change systems, attachment tools, special equipment as well as oils and lubricants. Between 40 and 50 % of the machines are manufactured in-house. Plus, the fact that 98 % of all spare parts are available 24/7 makes the Liebherr hydraulic excavators and material-handling machines robust pieces of work equipment delivering high reliability and optimum productivity. The newest generation also packs a punch in visual terms: after all, the high technical specification is not the only criterion in a customer’s purchase decision; the look of a machine is also an important consideration here.

    Today

    More than 70 years after Liebherr’s first hydraulic excavator went into production, the newest generation sets the benchmark for wheeled and crawler excavators as well as material handling machines. Liebherr meets the often highly diverse individual customer requirements through a wide variety of equipment. In keeping with the tradition of the company founder, almost everything comes from a single source: construction or material handling machines, quick-change systems, attachment tools, special equipment as well as oils and lubricants. Between 40 and 50 % of the machines are manufactured in-house. Plus, the fact that 98 % of all spare parts are available 24/7 makes the Liebherr hydraulic excavators and material-handling machines robust pieces of work equipment delivering high reliability and optimum productivity. The newest generation also packs a punch in visual terms: after all, the high technical specification is not the only criterion in a customer’s purchase decision; the look of a machine is also an important consideration here.

  • In line with the Liebherr Group, the earthmoving and material handling product segments are working on a technology-neutral approach to develop a wide range of different drive technologies – with the aim of combining maximum efficiency with reduced emissions. This also incorporates in-house development and production of highly efficient engines, motors and drives. Consequently, the portfolio spans from conventional combustion engines to hydrogen combustion engines and electric motors as well as fuel cell, battery-powered and hybrid drives. In conjunction with optimally matched components, some of which are also manufactured in-house, Liebherr achieves a consistently high overall efficiency of the drivetrain. Potential sustainable energy sources include electrical energy, hydrogen, ammonia, e-fuels, methanol, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), biodiesel and fossil diesel. Which drive technology can be used for an application is ultimately also influenced by the region of use and its usable infrastructure. Innovative strength is needed in all fields, as there is no one-fits-all drive technology for the heterogeneous areas of application. It is not only drives that Liebherr places importance on, but also the continuous development and improvement of new and existing assistance systems. These support the machine operators in their daily work, while also increasing safety and productivity.

    Tomorrow

    In line with the Liebherr Group, the earthmoving and material handling product segments are working on a technology-neutral approach to develop a wide range of different drive technologies – with the aim of combining maximum efficiency with reduced emissions. This also incorporates in-house development and production of highly efficient engines, motors and drives. Consequently, the portfolio spans from conventional combustion engines to hydrogen combustion engines and electric motors as well as fuel cell, battery-powered and hybrid drives. In conjunction with optimally matched components, some of which are also manufactured in-house, Liebherr achieves a consistently high overall efficiency of the drivetrain. Potential sustainable energy sources include electrical energy, hydrogen, ammonia, e-fuels, methanol, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), biodiesel and fossil diesel. Which drive technology can be used for an application is ultimately also influenced by the region of use and its usable infrastructure. Innovative strength is needed in all fields, as there is no one-fits-all drive technology for the heterogeneous areas of application. It is not only drives that Liebherr places importance on, but also the continuous development and improvement of new and existing assistance systems. These support the machine operators in their daily work, while also increasing safety and productivity.

  • In March 1960, Hans Liebherr establishes Liebherr-Aero-Technik GmbH in Lindenberg in the Allgäu (Germany). One of the company’s first undertakings is to take charge of landing gear and hydraulic machines and to reproduce aeroplane spare parts under licence for certain types of aeroplane. 1963 sees the company start licensed production of machines for pressurising and air-conditioning systems. True to the pioneering spirit of Hans Liebherr, the company makes the decision to expand beyond licensed business and begins producing its own components and systems. This focus on developing its own key technologies paves the way from equipment manufacturer to systems provider. With the acquisition of Alex. Friedmann GmbH at the end of the 1990s, product development even expands into transportation systems. Here, the focus is on environmentally friendly and intelligent technologies for the railway.

    Yesterday

    In March 1960, Hans Liebherr establishes Liebherr-Aero-Technik GmbH in Lindenberg in the Allgäu (Germany). One of the company’s first undertakings is to take charge of landing gear and hydraulic machines and to reproduce aeroplane spare parts under licence for certain types of aeroplane. 1963 sees the company start licensed production of machines for pressurising and air-conditioning systems. True to the pioneering spirit of Hans Liebherr, the company makes the decision to expand beyond licensed business and begins producing its own components and systems. This focus on developing its own key technologies paves the way from equipment manufacturer to systems provider. With the acquisition of Alex. Friedmann GmbH at the end of the 1990s, product development even expands into transportation systems. Here, the focus is on environmentally friendly and intelligent technologies for the railway.

  • The aerospace and transportation systems product segment is now a global entity and employs some 6,000 people. The actuators developed and manufactured by Liebherr are integrated into the eVTOL aircraft from Eve Air Mobility for actuation of its aileron, elevator and rudder. These actuators, developed in-house by Liebherr, feature a fully integrated control and power electronics module, making them more compact and easier to install than competitor actuators. This advantage is especially important as the installation space is getting smaller and smaller for reasons of aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the air-conditioning technology developed for aerospace comes into use on the railways: for example, the eco-friendly air cycle technology for air-conditioning in trains, which only uses ambient air for cooling, instead of conventional chemical refrigerants. Liebherr-Transportation Systems have been commissioned by SNCF from 2023 to 2030 to fit French trains in the Occitania region with the innovative air cycle air-conditioning systems.

    Today

    The aerospace and transportation systems product segment is now a global entity and employs some 6,000 people. The actuators developed and manufactured by Liebherr are integrated into the eVTOL aircraft from Eve Air Mobility for actuation of its aileron, elevator and rudder. These actuators, developed in-house by Liebherr, feature a fully integrated control and power electronics module, making them more compact and easier to install than competitor actuators. This advantage is especially important as the installation space is getting smaller and smaller for reasons of aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the air-conditioning technology developed for aerospace comes into use on the railways: for example, the eco-friendly air cycle technology for air-conditioning in trains, which only uses ambient air for cooling, instead of conventional chemical refrigerants. Liebherr-Transportation Systems have been commissioned by SNCF from 2023 to 2030 to fit French trains in the Occitania region with the innovative air cycle air-conditioning systems.

  • ‘More Electric Aircraft’ is the platform for more pioneering endeavours on the journey to aerospace of the future. Expanding the electrification of aeroplane systems, such as climate control, de-icing or the various actuators, involves combining areas of expertise within compressor technology, such as cabin air preparation, with fuel cell technology. New drive technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells are also being researched and developed in Lindenberg (Germany) and Toulouse (France). In transportation systems too, Liebherr is driving electrification forward. Together with rolling stock manufacturer Siemens Mobility, Liebherr has for the first time created an electro-hydraulic brake actuator that delivers the braking force for the braking system. This means the brake is controlled completely electronically by the new Siemens braking system, with no need for compressed air. Further testament to Liebherr’s pioneering spirit.

    Tomorrow

    ‘More Electric Aircraft’ is the platform for more pioneering endeavours on the journey to aerospace of the future. Expanding the electrification of aeroplane systems, such as climate control, de-icing or the various actuators, involves combining areas of expertise within compressor technology, such as cabin air preparation, with fuel cell technology. New drive technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells are also being researched and developed in Lindenberg (Germany) and Toulouse (France). In transportation systems too, Liebherr is driving electrification forward. Together with rolling stock manufacturer Siemens Mobility, Liebherr has for the first time created an electro-hydraulic brake actuator that delivers the braking force for the braking system. This means the brake is controlled completely electronically by the new Siemens braking system, with no need for compressed air. Further testament to Liebherr’s pioneering spirit.

    • Research and innovation – our pact with the future

    From the very outset, research and innovation has always been the starting point and driver of product development at Liebherr. This calls for experience, pragmatism and boldness in equal measure to keep striking a new path, changing direction without losing sight of the ultimate goal.

  • Gear technology has its origins in the mechanics of tower cranes. In the early 1950s, Hans Liebherr wants to buy a gear hobbing machine to manufacture gears but, when he can’t find what he is looking for, he simply builds it himself. And so the high-performance gear hobbing machine, the S 500, is born. Plus, in 1952, the gear technology segment is established in Kirchdorf. In the 1970s, the automotive industry starts to redefine material flow. The integration of robotics in production here sees the previous custom of transfer lines increasingly being replaced by agile systems. Liebherr is already on this innovative path and is quick to supply automation systems, including conveyor systems, gantry robots or pallet handling systems. Since then, automation has become an integral element of the product segment, as reflected in the name.

    Yesterday

    Gear technology has its origins in the mechanics of tower cranes. In the early 1950s, Hans Liebherr wants to buy a gear hobbing machine to manufacture gears but, when he can’t find what he is looking for, he simply builds it himself. And so the high-performance gear hobbing machine, the S 500, is born. Plus, in 1952, the gear technology segment is established in Kirchdorf. In the 1970s, the automotive industry starts to redefine material flow. The integration of robotics in production here sees the previous custom of transfer lines increasingly being replaced by agile systems. Liebherr is already on this innovative path and is quick to supply automation systems, including conveyor systems, gantry robots or pallet handling systems. Since then, automation has become an integral element of the product segment, as reflected in the name.

  • Today, Liebherr brings its customers comprehensive solutions that facilitate the most varied gearings on workpieces. These include complex gear cutting machines as well as gear measuring devices and the corresponding software. Liebherr develops innovative technology solutions and provides machines, tools and processes for almost all technologies from a single source to guarantee high-quality gears. Pioneering spirit is and always will be called for at Liebherr, including in the gear technology and automation systems segment. Especially when it comes to sustainability. That’s why Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is running the research project ‘ZIRKEL’ in an interdisciplinary consortium of research and industry to investigate the entire circular economy of battery systems from the electric vehicle sector. In 2030, the batteries of an estimated four million electric vehicles could reach the end of their useful life.

    Today

    Today, Liebherr brings its customers comprehensive solutions that facilitate the most varied gearings on workpieces. These include complex gear cutting machines as well as gear measuring devices and the corresponding software. Liebherr develops innovative technology solutions and provides machines, tools and processes for almost all technologies from a single source to guarantee high-quality gears. Pioneering spirit is and always will be called for at Liebherr, including in the gear technology and automation systems segment. Especially when it comes to sustainability. That’s why Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is running the research project ‘ZIRKEL’ in an interdisciplinary consortium of research and industry to investigate the entire circular economy of battery systems from the electric vehicle sector. In 2030, the batteries of an estimated four million electric vehicles could reach the end of their useful life.

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    Tomorrow

    A circular economy comes down to the ability to recover and recycle a high proportion of raw materials from existing products when they reach the end of their life cycle. Lithium-ion batteries contain valuable raw materials, that should be recycled for both ecological and economical reasons. And that’s what Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is setting out to do, developing all-new strategies and processes for automated dismantling of high-voltage battery systems. This is designed to recover and reuse as much of the raw materials as possible. Liebherr has made it possible to have the assembly process run in reverse, as is the case with the ZIRKEL project, through a comprehensive and innovative process design for future battery packs built for a circular economy. To this end, the battery system is measured using 2D cameras to identify the positions of the individual linking elements. We have also developed a special gripper system to separate the screwed-down battery cover from the housing in order to be able to remove other components such as cables, busbars and electronics. These parts are then laid down on a table in the same order in which they were removed. ‘This guarantees the traceability of the module. A milestone for the future of battery technology,’ explains Viktor Bayrhof, product manager for Automation Systems at Liebherr.

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