Automatic Concrete Transportation System Using a Tower Crane

The features of the automatic concrete transportation system using a tower crane are as follows.

1. Replication of optimal transportation by a skilled operator

   Crane work in dam construction is transportation over and over again of loads of almost equal weight every time between fixed points. This system employs the teaching/playback method which plays back operations remembered in advance. Once the system has been taught efficient transportation which keeps the load swing to a minimum by the skilled operator, it can repeatedly replicate that operation. Therefore, even if an inexperienced operator is on board, that operator can repeatedly carry out optimal transportation which replicates advanced skills.
   In the future, we will operate this system in multiple cranes to achieve labor-saving by having a single operator supervise and manage their operational statuses, thereby enabling us to promote increases in productivity.

2. The operator is liberated from the burden of operation, thereby enhancing safety

   In conventional concrete transportation work, a large burden was imposed on the operator due to the repetitive work over a long period of time, and there was a possibility that this would lead to a decline in their ability to concentrate.
   With this system, during the automatic transportation work, the operator is liberated from operation of the crane, so they can concentrate on the supervision work. Leaving the monotonous repeated transportation to the system alleviates the operator’s work burden, and at the same time advancing the transportation work more safely is possible.

3. Detects the proximity of cranes and automatically stops

   This system uses GNSS (a global positioning system), etc. to detect the position of the tip of the crane in real time, so it can detect proximity to other cranes. In the case that proximity is detected, the system issues an alert to the operator and at the same time stops the crane automatically.