Information

DeepX and Tadano jointly developed crane automation technology

  • 2022.09.05

  • NEWS

DeepX, Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Kaoru Nasuno, hereinafter DeepX) and Tadano Ltd. (Headquaters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, President: Toshiaki Ujiie, hereinafter Tadano) have released the progress of a joint research project of crane automation utilizing AI technology.

■Background and purpose of this project

Cranes are general purpose lifting equipment that are 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 operation by utilizing AI technologies.

Problems associated with cranes and expected benefits of automation

Mobile crane used in this project

operator’s seat while automated control is activated

■Why crane automation is difficult and what approach we took

Mobile cranes are known to be one of the most difficult machines to operate in 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. Using this algorithm, we can safely and accurately move the load to desired position while suppressing load sway. What makes this approach unique is the fact that rather than conducting rigorous  system identification of the real crane, we leveraged the simulator environment to optimize the controller.

Technical approach

●Introduction movie of DeepX’s crane automation project

https://youtu.be/MHR4vxtgCCU

■Future prospects

Within this joint project, we have achieved “automated point-to-point maneuver while suppressing the load sway”. DeepX will continue to work with Tadano to challenge more complex operations and further advance the technology for mobile crane automation. We will also aim to apply this technology on various types of cranes in a wide range of industries.

■About DeepX

DeepX is an AI startup which 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 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.

Address: Mikura Bldg. No. 1 3F, 3-21-4, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034
Established:  April 22nd, 2016
Representative: Kaoru Nasuno, Chief Executive Officer
Business: Support for automation of machinery and field operations, business development using AI technology, software development, and R&D
URL: https://www.deepx.co.jp/ 

■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.URL: https://www.tadano.com/

■Contact

info@deepx.co.jp

 

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