For the field of applied robotics, Liebherr will be displaying an overhead robot which interacts with a linear motion system. As current industry standards cannot handle the linking of robotics with linear motion systems, this innovation by Liebherr results in a decisive increase in flexibility where corresponding processes are concerned. Depending on the required conditions for loading, the automation systems can be combined on a mutual carrier. The flexibility of the industrial robot is ideally suited to tasks requiring complex motions while the fast linear motion system can be employed effectively at low costs in all remaining areas. At the Automatica 2008, the exhibit is combined with a maintenance-free, non-cable drive. The contactless system, developed in cooperation with SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co KG Bruchsal, allows substantial reductions in maintenance and repair costs for the drive train.

A further innovation Liebherr will be displaying in Munich is the PHS 1500 pallet-handling system designed for machining centres. The modular kit available for the system – first presented at the EMO 2007 – has now been comprehensively expanded. Available in three sizes, the pallet-handling system allows Liebherr to cover transport loads ranging from 500 to 5,000 kg. The number of connected machines as well as equipment and storage slots remains variable for all sizes. With an option to include handling of unmachined and finished parts using euro-pallets, the system meets every requirement for state-of-the-art production. The machine can be made easily accessible thanks to an optional front access unique in this product segment. This allows both manual and automatic operation without restriction.