Liebherr Overcomes Distance in Maintenance with Remote Solutions

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, remote technologies are the topic of the hour and more in demand than ever. The Liebherr Group has been working on innovative remote solutions for a long time and can offer its customers corresponding products for various applications: both for remote maintenance and for collaboration with technicians on-site.

(Biberach/Riss) The Corona pandemic has accelerated digital transformation over the past year and demonstrated that there are indeed solutions to carry out work without being present on-site. So-called remote applications bring many advantages and are currently experiencing a real boom. The Liebherr Group has been working on various remote products for many years, which the company can now draw upon and further develop these innovative technologies. In addition to the application examples listed below, Liebherr offers various solutions across all product lines to make everyday work easier and more efficient.

Remote Maintenance at the Push of a Button

With the Remote Service App, Liebherr provides a diagnostic tool for repairs or for the remote maintenance of cranes, excavators, and construction machinery. The application transmits images in real-time to enable quick and efficient customer support worldwide if needed. In addition, Liebherr offers the so-called crane remote diagnosis for the latest generation of cranes. If a problem occurs with the crane, a service technician connects from the office via an encrypted mobile phone connection to the crane control. This allows him to assist the customer in troubleshooting. With these two remote maintenance tools, problems with the machine can be identified more quickly. This avoids unnecessary trips for maintenance – a particularly important factor in times of Corona and travel restrictions. Through precise fault diagnosis, the correct parts can be ordered to quickly bring the crawler crane, rope excavator, maritime crane, special deep construction equipment, or mobile crane back into operation.

Smart Glasses for the Right Perspective

Smart glasses are a practical tool to quickly assist customers worldwide without the need for a technician to travel. With the glasses, images can be exchanged and discussed to avoid travel and thus save significant costs. Additionally, customer service becomes more efficient. Liebherr is also testing this option in its internal development and production in its aerospace division. Using virtual and augmented reality, this glasses can be used for final inspections during the assembly of landing gear systems. A 3D model overlays the actual conditions, allowing the inspector to virtually assess the device “live,” thereby improving quality control. Furthermore, Liebherr also uses smart glasses in earthmoving machines and material handling machines. This enables digital remote support for service and maintenance cases: By wearing the smart glasses on the customer side, a live image is transmitted directly to a Liebherr service technician. He then performs a fault diagnosis and can ideally resolve the issue.

Control Container Cranes from the Office

The Liebherr Remote Operator Station (ROS) has been developed for all Liebherr container crane products and offers flexibility in operation. The ROS is ergonomically designed and equipped with multiple displays, allowing the operator to perform all normal driving functions from an office-like environment. Moreover, the shift to automation through remote control brings additional operational advantages: A single operator of the Remote Operator Station can control multiple cranes simultaneously. Other benefits include faster and easier shift changes and a more attractive working environment for employees.

Mobility of the Future

In addition to the construction and logistics industry, Liebherr is also active in the field of rail vehicle technology and is developing remote solutions there. The Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS) enables Liebherr to access its various subsystems in real-time. During regular operation, the system states are monitored, and in the event of service, intervention from the development site is possible. At the same time, the system can be used to test, for example, the control behavior of air conditioning systems for the customer in a test environment. This allows customers in product development to control the air conditioning units at a Liebherr location from anywhere in the world and test various operating situations in combination with other systems on the train – all without costly time expenditure on-site.
Photos/Graphics: © Liebherr