Next-generation load handling equipment to limit work-related accidents
The load handling construction industry seeks to curb the number of occupational accidents involving cranes used in various industries and under environmental protection requirements. With this in mind, the EU-funded ILOAD (Partnership for developing energy efficient intelligent load handling system) project is proposing an innovative approach to load handling control systems. To achieve its aims, ILOAD has pursued a multidisciplinary approach to crane construction in order to develop control systems for tomorrow's load handling, and to explore new materials and joining techniques. To achieve common research goals in electronics, mechatronics and materials technology, mutual knowledge exchange was carried out between academia and industry. In total, the joint research activities and extended training of 14 researchers have resulted in 135 months of secondment and recruitment. Specifically, project partners defined the top-level architecture of the control logic based on best practice scenarios in different industries. This type of open source architecture will facilitate the outsourcing of various control logic development services to small and medium-sized enterprises. The ILOAD team has devised a new approach to lightweight design. The new structural materials will be applied to crane construction based on fibre-reinforced steel structures. Thanks to ILOAD, a new perspective on load handling control systems will improve the operational safety conditions and efficiency of load handling equipment. What is more, the development of design strategies for advanced light materials in the application of load handling structures will reduce weight and fuel consumption.
Keywords
Load handling, cranes, construction, ILOAD, control systems
