Industry 4.0 made easy through retrofitting

The range of applications spans from simple monitoring tasks to all-encompassing Industry 4.0 scenarios such as process logging, manufacturing analysis and production optimization. When you purchase a new machine, Liebherr will install all system connection options on request.

Possible retrofitting of existing machines

But older machines can also be brought up to speed for Industry 4.0 processes: Florian Schuon, Head of Digital Solutions at Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH comments, “Just about everything we install on our new machines can be retrofitted on older machines manufactured up to the early 2000s.” The company’s digital data profiles consist of three packages: The “Basic” entry-level package with approx. 30 signals enables status monitoring. The mid-range profile “Production” provides data for production optimization. The most comprehensive profile “Process”, with more than 1,000 signals and data for process monitoring, can be supplemented with customer-specific extensions upon request. The most common log OPC UA is implemented on older machines using a special gateway.

Reliable data even from older machines

In practice, post-digitalization has already been successfully implemented at various companies. Even companies using the comprehensive “Process” data profile with customer-specific extensions were able to retrofit this to their existing Liebherr machines within a few weeks. Using OPC UA, even the oldest machines reliably deliver valuable data with clear data structures and the desired data profile.

About the „Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH“

Liebherr develops and produces high-quality gear cutting machines, gear measuring machines, gear cutting tools and automation systems. The range includes gear hobbing, gear shaping, gear skiving, generating and profile grinding machines as well as chamfering and deburring machines. The measuring devices with software developed in-house stand for ergonomics, user-friendliness, precision, robustness, durability and service-friendliness. Liebherr is also one of the world‘s leading manufacturers of gear cutting tools and stock tools with long service life. The range of automation systems ranges from linear robots and robot applications to conveying and storage systems through to solutions for pallet handling systems.

About the Liebherr Group

The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality and user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 140 companies across all continents. In 2021, it employed more than 49,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 11.6 billion euros. Liebherr was founded in Kirchdorf an der Iller in Southern Germany in 1949. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.