Staying on Top of Remote Crane Control

Montreal-based CM Labs unveiled the latest expansion of it Remote Operating line of products with its new “remotely operated” RTG crane training station. The system presented at TOC Europe in Rotterdam was developed in response to client feedback and featured a Remote Operator Station (ROS) from Spohn + Burkhardt. The ROS was paired with CM Labs’ Intellia Training Pack to provide guided, skill building and customisable exercises to train a remote RTG operator.

WorldCargo News visited CM Labs where Product Manager Devon van de Kletersteeg was on hand to talk about the new system. CM Labs has made the simulator very flexible and configurable to manage the variation in remote operator roles across terminals operating automated and remotely controlled RTGs. The role of the operator can be set from full control of the crane from a remote location to semi-automated operations involving different levels of intervention at different stages in the RTG cycle.

The version displayed at TOC was an “off-the-shelf” system featuring six separate monitors, but the exact number of monitors and the camera views and data they display can be configured as required. Devon van de Kletersteeg explained that, depending on the terminal, remote control operators might only be driving the crane or performing a more limited role. However, they still need to have a much deeper understanding of the operating environment and how the crane works.

Remote operators need to manage not only “exceptions” when the crane control system cannot operate as intended for various reasons, but also exceptions in cargo types, such as out-of-gauge cargo or other irregular items.