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Mobile Side Window Installation in Double-Deck Trains
At its Krefeld, Germany, site, Siemens Mobility relies on a radio-controlled HUBTEX multi-directional work platform EPL 03 with a vacuum manipulator—for handling and installing side windows at different working heights.
Starting Point: Installation Across Multiple Decks—Stationary Glazing Stations Reach Their Limits
At the Krefeld plant, Siemens Mobility manufactures high-speed and regional trains. For double-deck vehicles, side windows must be picked up, transported, precisely positioned, and installed at different heights. Until now, installation took place at so-called glazing stations—however, without a way to install windows on the upper deck ergonomically and with reliable process control. “We were looking for a mobile solution that would allow us to install the side windows on all decks of our double-deck trains,” says Niklas Helbig-Schiefelbein, factory and plant planner at Siemens Mobility in Krefeld.
Solution: EPL 03 With Double Scissor Lift and Mounted Vacuum-Handling Manipulator
The system consists of a mobile, battery-powered multi-directional work platform, type EPL 03, which is moved and positioned via radio remote control. The double scissor lift enables the platform to reach the required working heights—for installation positions on different decks and at various installation points along the car body.
The side windows are picked up from a staging unit using a vacuum manipulator. The manipulator not only ensures safe transfer, but is also used directly for installation in the next step: the window can be guided in a controlled manner, precisely aligned, and brought into the installation position without any additional transfer steps.
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Operation and Technology: Inductive Guidance, 4-Way Steering, and Joystick Control
In two-shift operations, consistent driving and positioning performance is essential. The vehicle is inductively guided, supporting safe, repeatable movement and approach to the installation areas.
Maneuverability is ensured by the electric 4-way steering system (code H10), which allows all wheels to be steered. Proportional steering is controlled via a left/right joystick; when released, the wheels return to straight ahead. Steering programs can be preselected on the radio remote control, and operation is manual via radio—ideal for confined spaces along the vehicles and for precise maneuvering in the installation environment.
“Our mobile side window handling system from HUBTEX consists of an inductively guided vehicle for travel and lifting movements, plus a mounted electronic manipulator for handling and picking up the side windows,” Helbig-Schiefelbein summarizes.
“Together with HUBTEX, we have proven that we can install side windows on all decks using a mobile solution—without needing stationary platforms on the left and right alongside the car.”
EPL 03 in operation
