Electrolytic cell lid handling system and method of use

A method for handling a pot lid in an aluminium production plant:

• the method comprising:
• providing a lid handling system comprising;
• a robot assembly comprising at least one manipulator arm;
• a lid gripper apparatus mounted at one end of the at least one manipulator arm;
• and a sensor system;
• wherein the sensor system is operable to generate position information to control the position of the at least one manipulator arm and/or the lid gripper apparatus;
• wherein the lid gripper apparatus comprises at least one vibration device, knocking device and/or impact device configured to transmit vibrational waves and/or impact forces through at least a component of the lid gripper apparatus;
• and gripping at least one protruding or upstanding formation on a pot lid.