Winvic has successfully tested the Skyline Cockpit remote control tower crane technology on a student accommodation project in Birmingham.
The Skyline Cockpit technology enables operators to pilot tower cranes from the ground. Instead of climbing to the tower crane’s cockpit, the operator takes their seat in an onsite cabin, with a panoramic screen (measuring 2.1m by 1.2m) and the remote tower crane controls in front of them.
The screen shows images from seven cameras attached to the crane. The Skyline Cockpit algorithms combine the output from the cameras to create a panoramic view of the site with up to 40% zoom capability. They also use augmented reality to display the load line, expected landing spot, as well as real-time indicators including wind speed, and slew, lifting, hoist, jib and radius data.
The command cabin also features a kitchenette and welfare facilities.
Reaching new heights
Winvic tested Skyline over 12 weeks on the Crown Place Birmingham project, which features student accommodation across three towers of nine, 12 and 33 storeys. It is the tallest project the contractor has yet undertaken.
A 14-tonne capacity Potain MR225 crane is being used on the project for several work packages, including the construction of the hybrid precast and in-situ concrete frame, the installation of the unitised curtain walled facade, and vertically distributing internal fitout materials, such as prefabricated bathroom pods.
Currently, the crane reaches to 77m, but it will be climbed throughout construction to a maximum height of 102m.
Winvic is scheduled to hand over the scheme to the client, Crown Student Living, in December 2025. Following the successful test, the contractor will continue to use Skyline on the project.
Mark Jones, managing director of Winvic’s Multi-room business, said: “Winvic is known for embracing innovative technologies, materials and methods of construction and we’re pleased to be the first contractor in the UK to use ground control tower crane technology. It is transformational for the safety and wellbeing of crane operators and an important step for the industry.”
Progress of the project can be viewed on Winvic Live.
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