Winvic Construction has been trialling technology that operates tower cranes from a ground control system on a student accommodation job in Birmingham.
The successful 12-week trial means the Skyline Cockpit system will be used to help complete the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham scheme which is due for handover in December 2025.
Skyline Cockpit allows operators to drive the crane from a specialist ground command centre rather than the traditional cab at the top of the mast.
The cabin contains a large panoramic screen measuring 2.1 by 1.2 metres, which shows simultaneous views from the seven cameras placed on the crane.
The Skyline Cockpit algorithms combine the output from the cameras to create a panoramic view of the site. They also use augmented reality to display the load line, expected landing spot, as well as real-time indicators including wind speed, slew, lifting, hoist, jib, and radius data.
Winvic said the system has improved all round visibility while the cameras eliminate blind spots and restricted views.
Mark Jones, Winvic’s Managing Director of Multi-room, said: “We’re pleased to be the first contractor in the UK to utilise ground control tower crane technology. It is transformational for the safety and wellbeing of crane operators and an important step for the industry.
“During our 12-week trial period, in collaboration with Skyline Cockpit and Radius Group, we analysed the data and assessed the benefits and we’re delighted to announce that we will continue to use this game-changing technology at the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham for the remainder of the project’s construction.”
