Lifting, turning, lowering, tilting, moving sideways and back and forth, and overhead installation – a single operator can move the Heavydrive manipulator in seven axes via remote control. The manipulator was designed so that it can be connected to an indoor or outdoor forklift with just a few simple steps. In combination with the appropriate vacuum suction system, the 7-axis manipulator can mount glass panes weighing up to two tonnes.
‘Our goal is to make complex glass mounting processes as simple and automatic as possible. That's why we are continuously working on developing new assembly robots,’ says Heavydrive's Managing Director Günter Übelacker.
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What is new is that an adapter at the transition from the manipulator to the forklift has further increased stability. The adapter allows for an extremely accurately controllable and secure connection to the forklift arm.
7-axis manipulator proves itself immediately
During a large-scale test for the construction project at Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport, the Heavydrive manipulator showed its versatility. In cooperation with Starmann GmbH from Klagenfurt, three construction site situations were simulated using the assembly crane MRK 86.0 in conjunction with the overhead manipulator VSGU 800 K.
Firstly, the glazing under a protruding roof in a confined space. To do this, the operator installed an 800 kg glass pane with an external inclination of five degrees overhead. Secondly, the installation of 6 x 2 m glass panes on the main façade was tested using the 7-axis forklift truck manipulator, with the 800 kg glass elements inclined outwards and placed under a canopy.
Thirdly, the fitters simulated the installation of panes with an internal inclination of 9.5 degrees and a subsequent external inclination of five degrees for two areas.
A Heavydrive assembly robot was also used to transport the 800 kg glass elements: the glass assembly device GMG 1000 with a load capacity of up to 1000 kg.
Compact robots for glass installation
The glass installation device GMG is a mobile installation aid that can transport glass panes with a load capacity of up to 1400 kilograms and position them with millimetre precision. Its compact design means that glass elements can be transported by a single technician, even in confined spaces or through narrow passageways, both indoors and outdoors.
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The low ceiling load of the glass assembly device makes it easy to glaze heavy window elements in the shell of a building. The compact design supports the operator in every aspect of handling. All functions are fully automatic for safety reasons. The GMG devices have a 48-volt electric drive and are therefore emission-free. The charged battery lasts for three to four working days without recharging, according to the supplier.
