Lifting, rotating, tilting or swivelling heavy components ergonomically – ROEMHELD’s modular ‘moduhub’ system has been a well-established feature of industrial assembly and handling for many years. In addition to mechanical engineering and the automotive industry, the fields of application are now significantly broader: from bicycle servicing through chemical and medical technology to aerospace and transport engineering, more and more sectors are utilising the modularly combinable lifting, rotating and trolley modules from Laubach.
Rather than limiting itself to established customer segments, Römheld GmbH Friedrichshütte is now targeting the market more intensively and broadly. “We are increasingly attracting customers from new sectors,” confirms managing director Julia Reichert. This is driven by two megatrends affecting virtually every industry: alongside the automation of manual tasks, these are, in particular, demographic change and the associated shortage of skilled workers. In both cases, ergonomic handling solutions are in demand.
A particularly prominent example is the bicycle industry. With the stationary “Bike proStand” and the compact “Bike basicLift”, ROEMHELD offers two assembly devices in its range that are used in production, in workshops and at mobile service centres. The electrically powered “Bike proStand” lifts bicycles, cargo bikes and e-bikes weighing up to 40 kg to an ergonomic working height over a stroke of 1,225 mm; an infinitely rotatable axis with 90 Nm of torque ensures unobstructed access. A version without the rotating axis can even safely lift cargo bikes weighing up to 70 kg.
The ‘Bike basicLift’ was developed on the basis of the manually and hydraulically operated lifting module from the moduhub modular system. It raises bikes weighing up to 25 kg by up to 800 mm to a convenient working height without the need for an external power source – ideal for smaller workshops, service vehicles or use at the racecourse. Both devices hold the bike securely – whilst protecting the paintwork – via the seat tube, a three-point mounting or clamping jaws; interchangeable adaptors flexibly accommodate different frame shapes.
Alexander Schul, Product Manager for Assembly and Handling at Römheld GmbH Friedrichshütte, cites medical technology as a new field of application. High-value surgical robots are used in several operating theatres to ensure the technology is utilised cost-effectively. These sensitive systems can be precisely positioned and safely moved from one theatre to the next using mobile lifting columns from the moduhub modular system. For the hospital, this means higher utilisation of capital-intensive assets; for robot manufacturers, it represents an elegant functional extension using tried-and-tested components.
ROEMHELD has secured further customers in the transport sector: height-adjustable driver’s seats in locomotives are mounted on lifting columns from Laubach. In the aviation sector, aircraft turbines are assembled or serviced. The assembly and paint preparation of doors and other large components also form part of the range of applications.
Manufacturers of components for ventilation and air-conditioning technology also utilise these modular and mobile solutions.
The moduhub assembly trolleys enable large-volume components to be positioned in an ergonomic assembly position, minimise repositioning times, improve health and safety, and provide flexible assembly capacity.
Michael Neumann, who is responsible for new customers in ROEMHELD’s sales department, illustrates just how versatile the moduhub modular system is, using the example of the repair specialist Subi Performance. ROEMHELD has developed a high-performance, electrically driven engine assembly stand for the maintenance, overhaul and repair of car engines and gearboxes. It accommodates components up to 1,000 mm in length and weighing up to 200 kg – shorter components may weigh up to 400 kg. With a bending moment of up to 2,000 Nm, the axis can rotate continuously, whilst the electrically actuated stroke is 400 mm. Thanks to the rotating axis, the fitter has unobstructed access to the workpiece from five sides; they control all movements at the touch of a button via a control unit.
The stand consists mainly of standard moduhub components. Only the striking magenta-coloured chassis, featuring extra-large, coated castors, a parking brake and an integrated oil sump, is a bespoke design. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery, and the column can be moved freely around the workshop. “Compared to the often wobbly engine stands offered by many suppliers, our Engine Stand PRO assembly stand is a high-quality, robust and durable solution. The user, Subi Performance, is very satisfied,” says Neumann happily.
All applications follow a common principle: moduhub combines functional modules for lifting, rotating and tilting with trolley and accessory modules to create bespoke solutions – stationary or mobile, manually, hydraulically or electrically operated. Customers use these to configure workstations that ergonomically position heavy or unwieldy workpieces in the optimum position. This reduces physical strain, shortens assembly times and improves access to machining points.
For automation and the use of driverless transport systems in assembly, ROEMEHLD offers moduhub controllers with analogue communication interfaces. A higher-level control system can then use these to send a target position and movement command to the moduhub system. The moduhub system then moves to the desired position and returns a status message.
Alexander Schul sees great potential: “Particularly at a time when many industries are struggling with a shortage of skilled workers and place great importance on healthy, long-term productive employees, our modules offer significant benefits.”
Interview on konstrukteur.de
In an in-depth interview with *Der Konstrukteur*, Julia Reichert, managing partner of the ROEMHELD Group, outlines the strategic direction of the Assembly and Handling division. She explains why ROEMHELD is now targeting a significantly broader market than before, how engineering services complement component sales, and what role AI, and innovation play in the family-run business. The full interview is available on the “Der Konstrukteur” website at Roemheld Gruppe: neue Führung, klare Wachstumsagenda.
Whether aircraft, cars, machine tools or smartphone casings: ROEMHELD’s technologies and products have been used in the manufacture of numerous industrial goods and consumer products for over 80 years.
Innovative and smart clamping technology solutions for workpieces and dies in metal forming and plastics processing form the core of the continuously expanding portfolio. This is complemented by components and systems for assembly and handling technology, drive technology and automation, as well as locking devices for wind turbine rotors.
In addition to an ever-expanding range of more than 25,000 catalogue items, ROEMHELD specialises in the development and manufacture of bespoke solutions and is internationally recognised as one of the market and quality leaders.
Innovation through tradition: ROEMHELD has its origins in the Friedrichshütte foundry, founded in 1707, which still forms part of the ROEMHELD Group today and is one of the oldest active industrial companies in Germany.
The owner-managed group of companies employs around 500 staff at its three sites in Laubach, Wilnsdorf and Rankweil, Austria, and is represented in over 50 countries through service and sales companies. With customers primarily from the mechanical engineering, automotive, aerospace and agricultural sectors, ROEMHELD generates an annual turnover of around 80 million euros.
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