Exploring next generation load handling equipment = Hiab’s iLoad project

Feb 21, 2016 Warehousing Ireland Materials Handling, News Comments Off on Exploring next generation load handling equipment = Hiab’s iLoad project

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The two main outcomes of the Hiab iLoad project are Model Based Design and light weight design, which received €1.4 million funding from the EU’s Industrial and Academy Partnerships.

Back in 2013, Hiab started a research cooperation project iLoad together with two Polish university partners: West Pomeranian University of Technology and the Silesian University of Technology. During the project, the focus has been in developing the control systems of the future load handling, as well as exploring new materials and joining techniques. The project underpins Hiab’s commitment to remain the clear technological leader by championing forward-thinking and innovative product development.

“Project like this was not about improving existing products. It was about finding a completely new way to our existing products and techniques,” says Rafal Sornek, Hiab’s Vice President for Technology and Quality Development. “We are happy to announce that as results of the project we introduced Model Based Design to our control system development and explored new approach to light weight design.”

“The iLoad project produced significant advantages, particularly when compared to the more traditional method of outsourcing the ‘innovation race’. Networking with external partners and working towards common goals allowed us to create really valuable ideas and quickly adopt them for practice,” he continues.

During this year, Hiab will launch the first new products developed using Model Based Design. In the long term, we strongly believe that this methodology will help shorten development time and respond swiftly to customer’s future needs.

“We also continue the research on light weight structures, moving from laboratory testing into field tests of first components. Great results shown in research project pose our organisation a new challenge, because they require a completely new approach to the design of structures. But as a technology leader, we gladly accept this challenge,” Sornek concludes.

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