An advanced remote crane operation system is being trialled by Winvic Construction in Birmingham, enhancing safety and efficiency on construction sites.
- The remote system, used for the first time in the UK, moves crane operation from the traditional cabin to a ground-level control booth.
- This trial has proven successful, leading to continued use of the system in constructing a 33-storey student accommodation project.
- The system offers panoramic views through seven cameras and uses augmented reality for optimal load management.
- Improvements in operator working conditions and significant reductions in site blind spots are key benefits of this innovative approach.
In a pioneering move within the UK construction sector, Winvic Construction is trialling a remote control crane operating system at Crown Place Birmingham. This technological advancement moves the operator’s position from the crane’s traditional perch to a comfortable booth on the ground. This setup enhances not only the safety and efficiency of the construction process but also the overall working conditions for crane operators.
This innovative remote system, known as the Skyline Cockpit, is being used in conjunction with a Potain MR225 tower crane. The system has been hired from Radius Group for 12 weeks and has shown remarkable success. Consequently, Winvic has decided to continue utilising this ground-breaking technology for the remainder of their high-rise development, a 33-storey project dedicated to student accommodation.
The crane operates at various levels throughout the construction process, currently reaching a height of 77 metres, with an eventual peak set at 102 metres as the building progresses. This remote operation facilitates numerous tasks, such as assembling the hybrid precast and in-situ concrete frame and aiding in the installation of the unitised curtain-walled façade composed of 2,600 prefabricated panels.
A key feature of the Skyline Cockpit system is its panoramic screen, which offers comprehensive site visibility through the integration of feeds from seven cameras attached to the crane. These feeds are processed using augmented reality software to provide detailed views of the crane’s surroundings, optimising load line visualisation and landing zone predictions while displaying vital metrics such as wind speed and lifting data.
The benefits of this technology go beyond mere operational efficiency. It drastically improves safety by eliminating blind spots, a common issue in dense urban construction sites, and permits a level of camera zoom that enhances visibility to areas traditionally obscured from view. Additionally, the crane operators now have access to modern welfare facilities within the ground-level booth, thereby improving their physical working environment.
According to Mark Jones, Managing Director of Winvic, the adoption of this technology represents a significant step forward for the industry, underscoring a commitment to embracing innovative approaches in construction. “It is transformational,” he stated, highlighting the enhancements in safety and operator wellbeing as crucial advancements in their current project.
The successful trial and continued use of this remote crane operation system marks a transformative development in construction site safety and efficiency.
