voestalpine Stahl AG (Linz, Austria):

M. W. Egger, e-mail: martin.egger@voestalpine.com

J. Lehner

H. Nogratnig

Primetals Technologies Austria (Linz, Austria):
A. Priesner

H. Lechner

G. Wimmer

Successful reconstruction of three robotic auxiliary manipulators has been realized due to well planning, intensive testings in laboratory conditions and thoroughly planned work of all participating sides, taking into account complicated and restricted conditions and limited time period. The realized concept meets all requirements that are necessary to achieve the aimed high degree of operating parameters and availability of the installation. Functional possibilities of the new lance manipulators are substantially expanded owing to usage of the modern robotizing technologies. The main characteristics of old and new manipulators are compared and they testify about advantages of the new system. The first years of operation displayed achievement of rather high operating level, reveal and elimination of the “bottlenecks” and introduction of corresponding improvements. Essential measures to improve ergonomics of work places and labour safety have been conducted. The project allowed to make one more step forward in realization of voestalpine philosophy “to be always one step ahead”.