CRANE CAB Ӏ COMPONENTS
REMOTE WORKING
So what does the future hold for the crane cab and its various components? Northampton, UK- headquartered tower crane hire and contract lift service provider Radius Group believes that there is a way to increase operator comfort and safety whilst also enhancing performance by removing the cab from the crane completely and having the operator work remotely. Radius says it is the first lifting
provider in the UK operating a tower crane using a teleoperated ground control system. It is working in partnership with Skyline Cockpit, an Israeli company formed by Skyline Cranes and Technologies – one of the largest tower crane owners in Israel, and says the development marks a monumental leap forward for the crane and construction sector. The Skyline Cockpit transforms
the traditional tower crane operator’s cabin into a ‘smart’ ground controlled computerised cockpit, using new technology and advanced military-grade camera systems. According to Radius, using the system’s input, the operator can precisely identify where the crane’s hook will land, as well as receive indications regarding crane height, load weight, wind speed and direction, work speed and more, ushering in a new era of efficiency and safety. The advantages of the Skyline
Cockpit, it says, include: improved operator wellbeing, eliminating the operator’s need to climb, and it enhances the operator’s working/ sitting position. The company says the system also increases efficiency and safety, is accessible to operators with physical disabilities, and will help attract a younger generation of operators. The system works by harnessing
the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) to provide operators with what Radius
Seeing is believing
With good operator visibility being so critical for safe working it’s logical that glass traditionally comprises so much of the crane cab. A problem with the medium of glass, however, is that it can smash causing dangerous visibility issues, says Saudi chemical manufacturing company Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), which is 70% owned by oil and gas giant Saudi Aramco. SABIC warns that tempered glass can shatter while laminated glass may exhibit white-out or fail when hit violently by heavy objects or fl ying debris – potentially causing harm, disrupting work and requiring costly replacement. Other potential drawbacks of glass as a medium, it claims, are: its weight – which makes it challenging to transport, handle and install; it is diffi cult and expensive to create curved windows; and, fi nally, untreated glass does not fully protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. SABIC’s solution? It offers the option of
replacing glass in cab windshields, enclosures and guarding with a its LEXAN polycarbonate (PC) sheets. It says its LEXAN sheet’s light weight (50% less than glass) makes replacement glazing easy to transport and install in the fi eld. Plus, the option to use existing framing can save time and money. It can be used for both fl at and formed
calls ‘unparalleled precision and situational awareness’. As operators no longer need to climb up and down daily, Radius says accidents and incidents are reduced significantly. Comprehensive data recording means that any issues that do occur can be identified. From the comfort and safety of an on-site ground cabin, users can navigate the tower crane using an advanced technological interface displayed on three large panoramic screens. Radius says this provides operators with an unobstructed view of the load line and the entire construction site. Offering a clear line of sight minimises the chances of collisions or accidents caused by limited visibility. This proactive approach enhances safety measures, ensuring the wellbeing
windshields, side, back and door glazing, visors, skylights and guards. In addition, coatings can be applied to
the surface of PC sheet to offer enhanced properties including abrasion resistance, UV protection, chemical resistance, anti-fogging, graffi ti removal, and water run-off for visibility. Specifi cally for crane applications, the
company recommends its LEXAN MARGARD sheet and ULG1003 sheet.
of individuals and protecting the surrounding environment, it adds. Operators benefit from
improved working positions, Radius claims, promoting their wellbeing, while fostering inclusion and diversity by accommodating older, infirm and disabled individuals. Operator welfare is increased with less isolation and a more convivial working atmosphere, resulting in a more efficient, quicker workflow on site, it adds. Utilising advanced algorithms and machine learning, Skyline Cockpit includes intelligent assistance and analytics features. The system predicts potential risks, provides recommendations for optimal lifting techniques and optimises crane performance based on historical data. The system provides real-
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