GED’s QB-2000 robotic handling station at GlassBuild in Atlanta.

GlassBuild America opened its three-day run today in Atlanta amid travel disruptions for attendees and exhibitors from the remnants of Hurricane Irma, which pummeled the region with tropical-storm-force winds for much of Monday.

Several companies confirmed that they have backed out of the show at the Georgia World Congress Center, and others told DWM on Monday that they were taking a wait-and-see approach.

The National Glass Association (NGA), the organizers of GlassBuild, says the show is going on within its original Tuesday-Thursday time frame because of contractual and logistical obligations.

“There are many behind-the-scenes details—anything from AV needs and catering, to meeting room availability and speaker schedules–that prevent us from being able to shift times or dates,” the NGA said in a statement.

About 450 exhibitors had registered for GlassBuild.

Advanced Manufacturing Products

Machinery and production are always a major focus at GlassBuild, and at this year’s show, GED gave the industry a big look at its robotic future.

The company’s large booth featured a range of robotic products, including Roboflow, a new vinyl window automation material handling system. It coordinates GED’s four-point welder with its Roboclean (RC-2000) cleaner via an integrated robotic handling station, the QB-2000. The system follows a computerized or bar-code-generated schedule to control the flow of vinyl frames onto a conveyor to the QB. The QB then moves the vinyl assemblies into and out of the RC-2000 cleaner. When finished, the QB sends the window frames to the assembly or glazing lines. The result is a compact system that the company says improves safety, increases quality, reduces labor and boosts efficiency.

GED’s booth also had one of the more interesting products at the show – YuMi, a collaborative dual-arm industrial robot that can solve a Rubik’s Cube in record time. ABB Robotics created YuMi and says it could lead the way to robotic “co-workers” that will work side-by-side with humans while ensuring the safety of those around it.

While YuMi was designed to meet production needs in consumer electronics manufacturing, it could also be used for small-parts assembly in the door and window industry.

Doors and Windows

Deceuninck North America’s booth featured a new product, the Revolution XL tilt and turn window and door system. It’s a European-style product designed for high-performance U.S. applications. Revolution XL features windows, a tilt/slide door, a terrace door and a lift-and-slide door that the company says are suitable for the remodeling, replacement or new-construction markets.

“The Revolution XL window and door system provides our customers with a full suite of products that feature a much sought-after European style while fitting U.S. application dimensions,” said Filip Geeraert, president and CEO of Deceuninck North America. “With Revolution XL as well as other new offerings unveiled during GlassBuild America, we demonstrate how our vision of innovation, design and sustainability translates into our products.”

Revolution XL is also is designed for impact-rated coastal applications.

Deceuninck also showcased its Rovex XF (extreme fiberglass) technology, which can be used in window mullions to turn single window units into multiple units, such as twins and triples.

Additionally, the company presented its Solex laminate technology that offers a wide range of durable interior woodgrains and exterior colors.

GlassBuild America continues through Thursday. Stay tuned to DWM this week for more coverage from the show.