AutoBolt — automated bolt tensioning for wind turbine flanges
Automatically. Repeatably. Traceably.
AutoBolt is a robot for fully automated bolt tensioning in wind turbine tower and hub/blade flanges, for bolt sizes M36 to M100 and flange diameters of 3 to 8 m. Patented robotics combined with proven industrial bolting components from Atlas Copco tension the bolts in any pre-defined pattern. AutoBolt carries battery packs and a proprietary hydraulic pump — no external power or hydraulic pump needed. The control system documents every bolt, including force/displacement curves and AI-based picture analysis of achieved pre-tension.
New to the topic? Read more on our articles page.
Modular design
Assembled from modules with no tools needed:
- 01Left Caterpillar propulsion module
- 02Right Caterpillar propulsion module
- 03Main Unit carrying Elongation Tool and Control Unit
- 04Hydraulic Pump Unit
- 05Two interchangeable Battery Packs
People supervise. The robot performs.
The operator follows progress from a safer position. Every bolt gets a record — bolt-ID, pressure and turn-of-the-nut — bolt by bolt, turbine by turbine.
Main specification data*
| Property | AutoBolt M48-M64 | AutoBolt M72-M80 | AutoBolt M90-M100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt sizes | M36, M42, M48 | M56, M64, M72 | M80, M90, M100 |
| Flange diameter | 3 to 6 m | 4 to 6 m | 5 to 8 m |
| Operation speed | 25-30 sec/bolt | 30-35 sec/bolt | 40-45 sec/bolt |
| Assembly time | 5 min | 5 min | 5 min |
| Weight, Caterpillar | 25 kg each | 30 kg each | 35 kg each |
| Weight, Main Unit | 30 kg | 40 kg | 50 kg |
| Weight, Elongation Tool** | 20-35 kg | 50-80 kg | 80-100 kg |
| Weight, Hydraulic Pump | 40 kg | 40 kg | 40 kg |
| Noise level | <80 dB | <80 dB | <80 dB |
| Power supply | 48 V, battery | 48 V, battery | 48 V, battery |
| Battery capacity | Full flange | Full flange | Full flange |
* Depending on customer specification, variations to figures may occur. ** Depending on supplier of elongation tool.
