Liebherr presents game-changing solutions

Liebherr (ASX: LGL) will display more than 70 future-focused exhibits from its product segments at the ‘Hands on the future’ 2025 bauma event in Germany.

This includes earthmoving machinery, material handling technology, mining, mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, deep foundation machines, concrete technology and components.

Some of these products are already in operation, but many will be unveiling to the public for the very first time in a booth stretching more than two football pitches at bauma.

The group’s earthmoving product segment proudly presents the world premiere of the T 38-7— the new generation 6 of the telescopic handler at bauma— setting new benchmarks in the segment up to 4.2t. This year, Liebherr also marks its entry into the 8m class with the new T 48-8s, a strategic addition to its portfolio in the industry segment.

Liebherr’s concrete technology product segment is providing a first look at its new construction series Mobilmix. The largest variant with a 4m³ twin-shaft mixer. This modular construction system gives customers more freedom in plant configuration, as well as shorter delivery times, faster assembly and high parts availability. Improvements in drive technology cut energy consumption by up to 30% and increase the weighing accuracy, allowing for a saving of up to 8kg cement for every cubic metre of concrete.

InnovationLab

The central focus of the group’s forward-looking technologies will be in the InnovationLab at bauma. Visitors have the chance to try out pioneering technological concepts first-hand, whether on-screen or through interactive installations spanning numerous product segments. Liebherr is displaying the development and implementation of object identification by machines fitted with the necessary camera systems and sensors. These are the prerequisites to make advanced assistance systems, autonomous machine operations and predictive maintenance a real possibility.

Head of digital business and strategy at Liebherr Marcel Flir says digitalisation is one of the most significant areas of activity of our time.

“Though it may often seem abstract and technology-oriented, it is in fact always centred around people and real added value,” he said.

“Our goal is to establish practical benefits that extend beyond value chains. That is why we design machines and solutions in ways that best fulfil the needs of our customers and partners in the long term.”

Machine autonomy as a central element of digitalisation

A self-driving machine, semi-automated lifts and fully digitally controlled products await machinery enthusiasts at the trade fair. The technological foundation for this is laid by digitalisation, which will also come under Liebherr’s spotlight at bauma.

There will be a particular focus on the aspects of intelligent machine controls, assistance systems and (semi-) autonomous processes at bauma, especially since they improve the communication between man and machine as well as between machine and machine. This benefits customers by reducing the machine’s energy consumption and its downtime while also placing another spotlight on a key aspect for Liebherr: customer focus and fulfilment of customer requirements.

For the tower crane product segment, the exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to see the K series fast-erecting crane with its improved performance level, modern controls and new operating system. The four cranes feature new, intelligent Liebherr operator-assistance systems. Smart functions, such as swing-free lifting of the load without the use of a diagonal pull, increase safety for those on site and reduce the likelihood of damage to delicate components. When combined with semi-automated lifts, they also add convenience for the operator. From the mobile and crawler cranes product segment, Liebherr is displaying seven mobile cranes with new driver-assistance systems, such as the blind spot information system (BSIS) and the moving off information system (MOIS).

Liebherr is also presenting a further digital solution from the mining product segment: IoMine for the mining industry, with which Liebherr is increasing the safety and productivity levels of operations in the mine, reducing machine failure rates through real-time monitoring and, in turn, extending the machine’s service life for customers. To this end, modern technology brings together the Internet of Things, data analysis and automation to create an intelligent and networked mining environment.

Live demonstrations

Liebherr is running a live demonstration of an autonomous working wheel loader. Its autonomous driving system called ‘Liebherr Autonomous Operations’ is at an advanced stage of development and facilitates a completely driverless operation.

Visitors will also discover how Liebherr is revolutionising the working day on the construction site with the Liebherr Remote Control System (LiReCon) for crawler dozers: the new PR 776 G8 70t crawler dozer is controlled remotely for even more flexibility, rendering inaccessible areas of operation accessible.

Intelligent interconnection between machines and systems

The group will proudly present a state-of-the-art connectivity solution for virtually every product segment. It provides access to digital solutions and services, as well as extensive machine data and process data. This connects Liebherr machines with numerous products and applications that Liebherr makes available in the MyLiebherr customer portal and mobile apps and cloud applications.

World exclusive low emission drives

To progress in decarbonising its machines, Liebherr will present battery-driven, autonomous trucks and unplugged crane models with the benefits of ‘zero emissions’. Outside of the battery-operated and mains operated electric solutions, Liebherr is exploring alternative fuels, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as well as hydrogen or ammonia-based drives, some on show at bauma.

A real highlight from the field of hydrogen technology is the first prototype of a Liebherr large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine. According to extensive studies on the subject, hydrogen is a highly suitable carbon-neutral alternative for powering large, vehicles that are difficult to power with electricity. Liebherr is presenting the prototype in the outdoor area. Together with its partners, the company is developing innovative solutions for mobile refuelling and a reliable supply of green hydrogen.

Liebherr is making significant investments in research and development work in all areas of drive technologies, both now and in the future.

The event is a chance for manufacturers and tech companies to glorify its innovative advancements in construction sites, production of building materials, mining with raw material extraction, processing, component and service suppliers to wow industry professionals and attendees at the world’s largest trade fair in the construction industry.