Q&A
AR can decrease the amount of time required for training new employees and even improve the performance of long-time employees. I believe that removing operators from
In this case, your options are to implement a flexible solution that works with what they have, or you have to replace a majority of the controls (VFDs and PLCs), which can lead to a costly and time-intensive investment. This is the exact reason that SIMOCRANE CMS was built upon the idea of flexibility. In this instance we’re able to offer a solution that will work with their existing controls and sensors, and give them an option on whether they want a local or centralised approach, which covers almost any requirement we’ve come across. Another challenge that we face quite often is providing a solution that works with their existing (often dated) infrastructure, which is more prevalent when considering a centralised solution, because the cranes have to be connected to a central server for the data to be analysed. Finding WLAN frequency bands and channels that are free, signal interference and integrity and other environmental factors all contribute to a challenging scenario. To overcome these challenges we utilise our SCALANCE team to perform a wireless site survey, who then recommend the most reliable and cyber-secure solution to collect data off of the cranes.
JHC: As a broad-brush statement, the most frequent challenges customers are presenting in regards to performance monitoring overhead lifting equipment is really about equipment optimisation. Given the dynamic nature of the industrial world, how can we support a prescriptive service experience to ensure uptime, while minimising costs? Solving this problem looks different for each customer and varies depending on the customer’s needs. The mix of regulatory compliance, OEM requirements, environment and usage are all factored in designing a CARE Preventive/Predictive Maintenance programme with Konecranes Field Service. We offer a range of solutions, from advanced consultation services supporting equipment and performance evaluations, through to electrical and digital
16 Winter 2024 |
ochmagazine.com
The Siemens SIMOCRANE Remote Control Operation System is designed to enhance crane operation through remote control.
retrofit services, all designed to support the service experience right fit for our customers’ needs and appropriate within their digital journey.
OCH: How do you think technology will continue to evolve in the future and how will this impact the future of the industry? RN: With the direction that the industry is heading, I believe the major components of the technology that will evolve will be: AI/ML for data analytics (from various data sources including VFDs, sensors and video), increased integration of cobots (collaborative robotics), industrial AR (augmented reality), remote control operation stations, and digital twins. More data is being collected than ever before, thus the analytics behind the data must also evolve to turn it into useful information – for example, identifying dangerous situations and safely stopping a machine before an accident occurs. Or predicting when a machine needs maintenance based on vibration/temperature sensors to prevent downtime and potentially unsafe situations. AI/ML is a natural fit to solve these challenges. Increased integration of cobots is yet another
reason to implement a flexible and modular system. Some of the advanced cranes out there are basically giant robots, but these cranes not only have tasks to perform, they also have to integrate with other machines such as transfer cars, shipping bays, etc. The easier it is to integrate these machines together, the more fluid an industrial process becomes. Naturally, I believe systems from various vendors will move toward becoming more easy to integrate. AR in industrial settings can include wearable devices like AR lens, which can provide spatial awareness and provide augmented reality overlays, which can aid in tasks like equipment diagnostics. Staffing and training personnel is a pain point a lot of facilities are experiencing and
dangerous environments and moving them to a safe and comfortable location where they can control a crane remotely will become more commonplace. The SIMOCRANE Remote Control Operation System (RCOS) by Siemens is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance crane operation through remote control, emphasising safety, productivity and operator comfort. It enables operators to manage cranes from a remote office environment, maintaining productivity levels comparable to traditional cabin-controlled systems or even exceeding them. The ‘any-to-any’ function allows an operator to control any connected crane from any connected remote desk. For example, if you have a facility that has semi-automated cranes, you can have one operator controlling multiple cranes, which would only require occasional operator intervention, reducing resource requirements. Finally, I believe digital twins will be the future. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical product, process or plant that integrates real-world data to simulate, test and optimise performance throughout the life cycle of a system. The digital twin bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds by using simulation, real-time feedback and predictive analytics to enhance design, production and operations. Digital twins provide actionable insights through detailed data analysis, helping industries address complexity and variability effectively. Companies can design and simulate products or systems virtually before committing to physical prototypes, reducing development time and costs while improving accuracy and reliability. Simulating and refining manufacturing processes in the virtual realm speeds up the time-to-market for new products. By embracing these technological advancements, industries can unlock unprecedented levels of safety, efficiency and innovation, positioning themselves to meet future challenges and opportunities with greater agility and resilience
JHC: The industrial digital transformation is well underway but lagging behind the broader consumer market. As new equipment comes online, there is a potential for customers to proactively design a connected, integrated, equipment infrastructure to really build an on-demand service experience. Yet, while technology is here to stay, equipment regulations are presently unchanged, and the world is evolving in how we consider, regulate and use data. I expect us to continue to exploit data in every way possible to continue to pursue equipment and business result optimisation. However, magic lies in unlocking potential between mixed technology architecture, ageing non-connected equipment, varied infrastructure, changes in workforce, and balancing costs.
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