With the construction world always bringing new challenges to the practicality of glazing as lifting solution providers we have to always be ready to adapt. First established in 1995 GGR Group started out offering glass vacuum lifter hire before quickly securing an exclusive deal with Woods Powr Grip as well as launching their first glazing robot. With so many glass lifting solutions on offer, GGR were able to quickly establish themself as an industry leader for glazing products.

GGR Group saw the potential that Glazing Robots could bring to their customers’ projects, noting their compact size and their use as an alternative to cranes. Over the years our Glazing Robots have proved invaluable to our customers as they offer an excellent solution to many glazing challenges faced today.

The Evolution of Glass Installation

The Sky Robot 1500 Glazing Robot installing glass at Factory International, Aviva Studios.

Well before impressive machines like Glazing Robots came about glazing was often installed by hand. The first known use of glazing in windows in the first century AD by the Romans. They used various methods for lifting glass including rope, crane, and pulley systems. However, glass back then was often small due to their inability to create larger pieces. But throughout history, we have perfected glass-making techniques. Through the years glass has become transparent, double or triple-glazed, bulletproof, and much larger. However, glass has become bigger and heavier than a person or an old lifting method can handle, meaning there has been a need for a new lifting solution.

The Rise of Glazing Robots

Although the iconic duo of cranes and glass vacuum lifters have been one of the most reliable glass lifting methods it still doesn’t resolve all challenges faced. Glazing often needs to be done in confined areas or places that cannot handle the weight of larger machinery. This is where the trusty Glazing Robot comes in, a machine designed for manoeuvring glass in various spaces.

Key Advantages

Efficiency

Glazing Robots offer users a way to lift and install glass safely and often quicker than alternative methods. With a powered boom and a glazing head, you can reach heights and easily position glazing under overhangs when a traditional crane may have struggled. Our Oscar Glazing Robots are also compact, with the smallest weighing as little as 505kg. This allows you to squeeze into tight spaces to install glazing and work in spaces with a lower ground-bearing capacity.

Versatility

Able to work on various types of terrain you can feel confident using our Glazing Robots inside and out. Wheeled stabilisers allow your Glazing Robot to remain compact but without the risk of toppling over when lifting glass. The adjustable frame of the glazing head also allows you to adjust this to fit the size of any of the glazing you are lifting.

Precision and Accuracy

A radio remote control supplies the operator with complete precision control when transporting and installing glazing. Another feature is a side shift function which enables you to shuffle glazing into place without needing to reposition your Glazing Robot. The frame can also tilt, rotate and slew ensuring an easier and more application of glazing.

Oscar 1400 Glazing Robot installing artwork at White Cube Gallery.

Case Studies

Factory International, Aviva Studios

Our biggest and arguably most impressive Glazing Robot is the Sky Robot 1500. This UK-first machine with a working height of 26.16m offers lifting precision at a height that many cranes cannot offer. The Sky Robot took on the unique challenge of installing heavy glazing units at unusual angles at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. Due to the Sky Robot’s fully articulating 3D head, the operator was able to achieve these angles and accurately position glazing.

Artwork Install

The Oscar 1400 Glazing Robot was used to install glass-fronted artwork in an art gallery in London. Weighing in at around 500kg each and needing a machine that could fit through doorways it was essential that the selected lifting solution was compact but powerful. The Oscar 1400 could offer an impressive 1400kg maximum lifting capacity with the ability to rotate, tilt and slew loads into position. These features enabled the operator to transport the artwork through doorways without removing it from the machine.

GGR Group are at the forefront of lifting solutions and are always bringing innovation directly to their customers. For expert advice on the best lifting solutions for your project contact us here today.