DeepX and Tadano Reveal Their World's-First Automation Technology for Mobile Cranes
Crane trained with AI technology performs automated point-to-point operation while suppressing the load sway.
TOKYO, September 7, 2022 (Newswire.com) - DeepX, Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Kaoru Nasuno, hereinafter DeepX) and Tadano Ltd. (Headquarters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, President: Toshiaki Ujiie, hereinafter Tadano) have released the progress of a joint research project of crane automation utilizing AI technology.
Introduction movie of DeepX's crane automation project can be found here: https://youtu.be/MHR4vxtgCCU
Background and purpose of this project
Cranes are general-purpose lifting equipment widely used in construction industries. Crane operators must operate multiple levers simultaneously while checking the position of the load visually. In addition, cranes are affected by the boom deflection and wind, so it takes a long time to become a proficient crane operator. On the other hand, the number of skilled crane operators in Japan is declining due to the aging population. The aim of this joint R&D project is to improve safety at work sites by simplifying and automating mobile crane operations by utilizing AI technologies.
Crane automation and its technical approach
Mobile cranes are known to be one of the most difficult machines to operate on construction sites. Slewing and elevating motion in mobile cranes typically generates undesirable two-dimensional load-sway; therefore, crane operators must be highly skilled to suppress this sway upon completion of the point-to-point crane maneuver. DeepX and Tadano have therefore developed a control algorithm based on AI technology, levaredging simulator environment for controller optimization. Using this algorithm, the operator can safely and accurately move the load to the desired position while suppressing load sway.
Future prospects
DeepX will continue to work with Tadano to challenge more complex operations and further advance the technology for mobile crane automation. DeepX will also aim to apply this technology to various types of cranes in a wide range of industries.
About DeepX
DeepX is an AI startup that has its roots in the Matsuo Laboratory at the University of Tokyo with the mission of "Automating Any Machine and Innovating Global Industries". By automating any kind of machine and promoting the automation of a wide range of manual work using various technologies including AI, DeepX aims to solve problems such as labor and skilled worker shortages as well as excessive staff workloads, which are significant challenges to many industries.
Established: April 22, 2016
Business: Support for automation of machinery and field operations, business development using AI technology, software development, and R&D
About the Tadano Group
Since Tadano developed Japan's first hydraulic truck crane in 1955, the company has grown globally, while constantly striving to implement our Corporate Philosophy of Creation, Contribution, and Cooperation. The Tadano Group delivers our Core Values - Safety, Quality, and Efficiency Based on Compliance (C+SQE) - in each and every one of our products and services.
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Source: DeepX
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Tags: automation, construction, crane
