On-the-Fly Flywheel Manipulation Improves Conveyor Operations
The newly installed manipulator works directly on the flywheel setting, delivering smooth motion and a higher pace of operation compared with the crane that was used before. Part of the Ergonomic Workplaces initiative, this device is designed to optimize throughput and reduce manual handling fatigue for the line team.
Control is performed with a touch pen rather than traditional button presses. According to a statement relayed by the head of reinforcement and assembly production, Alexander Maksimov, workers simply grasp the handle and the jib crane responds with precise, rapid movement. This capability has cut the time required to place parts onto the conveyor by about half, accelerating overall line efficiency.
The flywheels managed by the manipulator weigh 40 kilograms each. In earlier setups, these components were moved and installed by hand, a process that was slower and more error-prone. The arrival of a crane offered improvements, yet it did not meet the speed and accuracy needs of the line until the new manipulator was introduced.
With the new device in place, work becomes substantially easier for the operators. The crane is ergonomic, straightforward to operate, and automatically adjusts to the weight of the load to be lifted. Operators have observed a notable increase in charging pace, with all anticipated tasks completed in roughly five seconds per engine. The arm length is approximately two meters, and the unit can rotate a full 360 degrees to reach multiple angles without repositioning the base equipment, further boosting throughput, safety, and reliability on the line, according to Maksimov.
Plans are in place to deploy similar manipulators at other sections of the conveyor, but this will occur only after successful testing results have been confirmed on the currently installed units. The strategy aims to extend the ergonomic and efficiency gains across the entire assembly line, ensuring consistent performance and operator comfort across shifts. This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize production workflows and reduce manual handling where feasible.