Case Study

Artificial Intelligence Enabling Remote Monitoring For Construction Loads

Industry 4.0 has led to companies wanting to improve their manufacturing processes using digital capabilities, especially the integration of advanced robotic and artificial intelligence.

Industry 4.0 has led to companies wanting to improve their manufacturing processes using digital capabilities, especially the integration of advanced robotic and artificial intelligence. To transition a prototype to commercialisation, a company must consider the team and technology available to enhance the product through this phase. Construction heavy lifter Verton Australia engaged with ARM Hub, in collaboration with the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC) and QUT to further their product development.

Verton Technologies Australia Pty Ltd has reinvented heavy-lifting operations with their world-first range of remote-controlled load-management systems. Their Everest SpinPodTM products uses revolutionary gyroscopic technology creating an output torque to rotate and precisely place suspended loads. The system eliminates taglines which are inefficient, costly, and an unsafe practice in lifting, to deliver safer, faster, and smarter crane operations.

Verton became the first resident in ARM Hub’s Northgate Learning Factory

With the successful design, engineering, prototype, and manufacture of their remote-controlled, load management system, Verton Australia sought out the opportunity to further optimise their product.

Verton became the first resident in ARM Hub’s Northgate Learning Factory where they pursued research and development to enhance their product through integrated software, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

As part of the IMCRC co-funded research project ARM Hub and QUT experts worked with Verton to enable the application of scanners, cameras and sensors, facilitating the production of the remote controlled and fully autonomous system.

Due to the demand for their product Verton needed access to facilities and experts to help scale up the manufacturing and testing capabilities. ARM Hub allowed for Verton to grow and evolve their product with the latest advancements in technology.

Throughout the duration of COVID 19, Verton used their time wisely, optimising their space at ARM Hub Learning Factory to develop seven full scope product tests, and in addition they developing and tested new products.

The AI features added to the Everest Series allowed Verton to deliver market intelligence, system and task alerts, and product improvement insights. Verton is now seeking to incorporate further computer vision technology to actively detect problems.

Verton received significant interest and investments from Investors and global lifting specialists The Crosby Group, increasing the value of their products, and contributing to the uptake of use of advanced technologies within their industry.

 

Next Steps?

Since the initial success of their Everest Series and product, Verton have extended their focus on future innovations for wind energy infrastructure, leading to the development of a new product, The Windmaster. The Windmaster solution is their latest innovation, unlocking improvements in safety and productivity. This new system contributes to both the erection and maintenance of wind turbines.