Glass pane replacement at an altitude of 3200 metres

Heavydrive glass robot in action at the Falginjochbahn gondola on the Kaunertal glacier

Using vacuum suction systems at extreme altitudes is always a hazardous undertaking. There is a risk that the pressure equalisation function will not work and that the glass elements cannot be securely suctioned. For the assignment at the Falginjochbahn gondola mountain station in Kaunertal (Austria) at an altitude of 3200 metres (10500 ft), the South Tyrolean customer Pichler Projects therefore booked an experienced service technician to accompany the Heavydrive GMG 350 glass robot.

The Heavydrive GMG 350 glass handler, with a load capacity of 350 kilograms (772 lbs), was delivered to the Falginjochbahn's bottom station on the Kaunertal glacier. The gondola provided transport to the mountain station, where 15 damaged panes weighing 150 kilograms (330 lbs) had to be replaced. First, the Heavydrive expert checked the vacuum of the glass robot and adjusted it to the atmospheric pressure prevailing at that altitude. In order to compensate for the reduced vacuum, special suction cups with increased suction capacity were also attached. After showing the customer how to operate the handler, the fitters were able to replace all the glass elements safely and quickly on site.