A €2.2m assembly hall created almost entirely using virtual reality design has been unveiled by Liebherr at its plant in Bischofshofen, Austria.
Housed in a former workshop hall, the facility has been created specifically to produce the new L 507 E battery-electric wheel loader.
Jonas Schwob, project manager for the production of electric wheel loaders, said virtual reality design shaped many elements of the project.
“This allowed us to test various layouts and therefore perfectly coordinate the pre-assembly stations and the main assembly line. We were therefore able to efficiently use the available space and create short transport paths,” he said.
A digital display at the centre of the assembly hall gives an overview of the current key production figures in real time. Liebherr has given special consideration to ergonomics at the individual work stations. Special lifting devices and transport systems, as well as wireless bolting tools, make it easier for workers to assemble the vehicles.
The building has been brought up to the latest energy standards, with concrete core activation, a district heating connection and heat pumps. Most of the electricity for the hall is generated on site through more than 3,400 sq m of solar panels.
To uphold stringent safety standards, the new production area is located away from conventional wheel loader assembly.
“This separate space is something we opted for because we wanted to fully adapt the new assembly hall to meet the work-safety measures required by the new high-voltage battery system,” Peter Schachinger, director of production and operations at Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen.
“All employees involved in constructing the L 507 E receive specialised training, which means we are particularly well prepared to meet the demands of electrical technology.”
