Gear technology and automation systems

Evotion 2025 | Customer Magazine

LHEnergyInfo: Quantifying sustainability

The new LHEnergyInfo app from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH measures and displays energy consumption in production in detail and in real time. As an integral part of the LHWebPlatform, it marks another step forward in the company‘s digitalization strategy.

  • Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has expanded and increased the adaptability of its production of sophisticated machined parts for Airbus Aerostructures with an intelligent automation concept. At the Varel site in northern Germany, two pallet handling systems (PHS), a robot cell and a tool handling system (THS) work together seamlessly to supply three machining centers and other connected system components with the parts they need at all times.

  • In the new version of its bin picking software LHRobotics.Vision, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH relies on artificial intelligence (AI). By filtering irrelevant image data, it detects disordered workpieces faster and more accurately when removing them from the container.

  • Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is continuing the systematic development of its platform strategy with the redesign of its machine platform for workpieces up to two metres in diameter. The new series encompasses all relevant gear technologies and is aimed at manufacturers of large gears, particularly in the mechanical engineering, marine propulsion, construction machinery and wind power industries. The lineup begins with hobbing and profile grinding machines designed for this size range – making it possible, for the first time, to perform precision hard machining on large workpieces.

  • Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH have revised and further developed their rotary loading system (RLS) for automated and order-specific machine loading. Offering an additional load category for transportation weights up to 2,000 kilograms, greater storage density and wider interference diameters, the automation specialist is able to meet current manufacturing requirements. The new version will be presented at EMO 2025 in Hanover (Germany).

Ilmberger expands its production with the LC 400 M gear hobbing machine

Powerful machine, powerful partners

Ilmberger Maschinen- und Zahnradfabrik GmbH has boosted its capacity for manufacturing cylindrical gears up to 400 millimeters in diameter by investing in the Liebherr LC 400 M gear hobbing machine. This efficient, compact, and adaptable solution perfectly aligns with the company‘s long-term customer commitments. And they were impressed not only by the technology, but also by Liebherr’s communication and service across the board.

From point cloud to picking

AI supported image processing in bin picking

In the new version of its bin picking software LHRobotics.Vision, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH relies on artificial intelligence (AI). By filtering irrelevant image data, it detects disordered workpieces faster and more accurately when removing them from the container.

Market and product distribution in Mexico

A strong local presence

In April 2024, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH opened a branch in Mexico. The Querétaro site specializes in the sale and servicing of gear cutting machines and tools, measuring technology, and automation systems. Branch Manager Miguel Cisneros serves customers nationwide. He is supported in this role by Felix Scholz, General Manager of Liebherr Gear and Automation Technologies, Inc. in Saline, Michigan (USA), and Andreas Heider, Sales Director Gear Cutting Machines in Kempten (Germany). In the interview, they discuss goals, collaboration, and market potential.

Pallet handling system from Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH successfully relocated to new site

Pallet handling system from Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH successfully relocated to new site

In 2024, Dülmen-based gear manufacturer Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH managed to relocate its PHS 1500 Pro pallet handling system to a new location in record time while continuing production. Thanks to careful planning and efficient support from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH, the complex system was relocated in just six months with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Precise roughness measurement for internal and external gears

Newly developed free-moving probe

When it comes to aviation, top quality is essential – for every single component. For surface quality measurement, Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is the only manufacturer to offer a solution for internal and external gears on its measuring devices – optionally with skid or free-moving probe – in a single workpiece clamping.

Tools for inline process monitoring and condition monitoring

LHProcessMonitoring and LHFingerprint now even better

The LHProcessMonitoring software monitors and visualizes the manufacturing process. Initially designed for generating grinding and dressing, it now also supports profile grinding and gear skiving. The “digital fingerprint” for machine monitoring was previously available as part of a maintenance contract. Now customers can perform the measurements themselves using the LHFingerprint software.

Interdisciplinary training project in automation

Apprentices build mini gantry loader all by themselves

As part of an interdisciplinary training project, apprentices at Liebherr- Verzahntechnik GmbH have single-handedly designed, built and programmed a small-scale gantry loader. The aim of the task was to create a functional model, which replicated real processes in automation systems and could also be used as a practical learning object and for demonstrations. This was largely achieved by a project team of apprentices and dual-program students working autonomously.

Liebherr systems expand complex manufacturing at Airbus Aerostructures GmbH

Perfectly combined, highly versatile automation

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has expanded and increased the adaptability of its production of sophisticated machined parts for Airbus Aerostructures with an intelligent automation concept. At the Varel site in northern Germany, two pallet handling systems (PHS), a robot cell and a tool handling system (THS) work together seamlessly to supply three machining centers and other connected system components with the parts they need at all times.