Overhead Stacker Lift Arm for Industrial Tires

The client needed a solution that would allow the operator to safely and ergonomically move a large industrial tire in an assembly line.

GCI designed a custom end effector with an OD gripper and powered rotation. The lifting arm is mounted on an overhead stacker that allows for greater vertical travel and higher lifting capacities. The fully retractable upper grip arms provide fender clearance when installing the tire. To prevent dropping the part, a two-handed safety lever minimizes the potential for accidentally releasing the gripper. Additionally, sensors confirm when the part is gripped to avoid rotation conflicts or dropping the tire while tilting the end effector.