It is not news to anyone in the industry that working in construction – particularly the lifting sector – carries inherent risks. BuildAI is a firm believer in improving safety for crane operators using the latest technology.
In conjunction with industry experts, BuildAI created a game-changing innovation called CraneCast to support safer and more efficient crane operations.
CraneCast is the crane driver’s extra set of eyes to look out for those working in the vicinity of loading, lifting and rigging. Every lift is monitored, with unprecedented vision streamed live to the driver’s cabin. CraneCast is fitted with the latest camera technology, providing high-resolution vision ‘at the hook’ including sideways to see what’s nearby during slewing. This vision maximises the driver’s situational awareness at the hook to reduce risk to people, plant, and structures in the vicinity of the lift.
In addition to the vision, the system is capable of capturing data of every movement and relaying this in real-time to a Cloud-based software platform that automatically produces lift, load, rated capacity, and overall utilisation and efficiency statistics.
This provides crane and site management with automated lift schedules and reporting on planned versus actual lifts, understanding of how the cranes are performing in real-time, and ultimately improves crane management with data-driven decision-making. As the system can automatically generate lifting logs with crane time categorised, it can integrate with other existing crane booking or delivery scheduling software packages such as Voyage Control – helping you get the most out of your resources.
With this ultimate transparency of what the crane is doing, project delivery teams have their finger on the pulse of all critical path activities.
The physical dimensions of the device have been intentionally designed to mimic ponder weights used on tower cranes. The unit, including rigging assembly, is less than 200kg and housed in a polymer shell, engineered to withstand impact of regular crane operations. Supplied with its own certified rigging assembly proof tested to 32T SWL as standard, it can be easily attached to an existing chain setup.
CraneCast is fully independent, using battery power and wifi connectivity; there’s no need for cabling runs across the boom. This means it can be fitted to luffing, hammerhead cranes, crawler, and all terrain cranes. The system also comes with a device stand that remains on site, to enable safe and efficient servicing.
Marr Contracting is among the first to experience the benefits of CraneCast.
“CraneCast’s technology is a game-changer for our industry. Although there are lots of crane cameras out there, CraneCast’s unique ability to provide a 360-degree view and capture data is the missing link for us in delivering even safer, faster and more cost-effective solutions for our clients,” said Simon Marr, managing director of Marr Contracting.
CraneCast is currently deployed on Tier 1 projects in Sydney, including on the four tower cranes at Multiplex Western Sydney Airport terminal building, providing superior vision to the crane operators.
BuildAI CEO and founder Kristian Butcher explains some of the challenges the construction sector faces when adapting to new technology.
“Construction is a fragmented field requiring a lot of labour-intensive hours. There is poor communication and a lack of data transparency, leading to the inefficiencies which currently characterise the industry,” Butcher said.
“This current model places incredible stress on the individuals that work in our industry, which is why we wanted to be part of the solution. BuildAI is not about replacing jobs. Instead, AI is used to provide more connected productive work environments and to give employees flexibility they never had, which means more time with their families.”
Leveraging artificial intelligence technology including computer vision and deep experience in construction and commercial environments, BuildAI supports project delivery teams to optimise the critical path.
Integral to the critical path of any project is the safe and efficient operation of the crane, since it’s the timely movement of materials from the delivery zone to the work face that drives the progression of critical activities.
Coordinating material deliveries and lift plans is a daily occurrence and requires constant rescheduling to meet overall project program milestones. Often this is done manually and lacks transparency for all relevant participants such as sub-contractors, material suppliers, and project management.
This dynamic environment places crane operation teams under pressure, while requiring the highest safety standards are maintained