Annual review 2019: smart and innovative in forestry and recycling

PALFINGER EPSILON sees digitalisation as an opportunity to be seized. Intelligent systems featuring smart functions are also becoming increasingly important in the areas of forestry and recycling. This is why PALFINGER EPSILON, specialist for forestry and recycling cranes, always strives to be one step ahead with its innovative, smart and digital solutions. New technologies are not only giving rise to new development areas such as robotics and software development, but also opening up a range of exciting possibilities and opportunities for the future. 

ENHANCING INNOVATIVE IDEAS 

SMART CONTROL 
The Smart Control from PALFINGER EPSILON turns digitalisation into something tangible that you can experience. The prototype Smart Control has convinced the expert public at numerous trade fairs over the past few years. This boom tip controller makes operating a crane easier, more intuitive and far quicker – child’s play, really. In response to the positive feedback from customers, preparations for series production of the Smart Control are now in full swing. 

VIRTUAL DRIVE 
As a concept study, the new Virtual Drive – the virtual reality control system developed by PALFINGER EPSILON – offers a tantalising glimpse into the control technology of tomorrow. With the aid of VR glasses, operators can control the crane directly from the vehicle cabin. The VR control system offers not only enhanced driver comfort and safety, but also a range of additional benefits such as a better view of the surroundings, bigger loads and reduced fuel consumption. PALFINGER EPSILON is ready for the future! As soon as the technology for VR glasses offers the kind of resolution we expect, there'll be no stopping us. 

EXPANSION OF THE ELSBETHEN LOCATION 
New technologies are giving rise to not only innovative products, but also whole new departments such as robotics, mechatronics and software development. In recent years, PALFINGER EPSILON has grown significantly in these areas in particular and currently employs more than 180 people. Over the past two years, PALFINGER EPSILON also increased at an above-average rate the number of cranes it produced. Altogether, workstations have been created for around 100 employees over an area covering roughly 830 m². As a result, PALFINGER EPSILON is well prepared for the future in terms of both work equipment and products.