Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in intelligent crane operations

The construction of buildings and infrastructure systems increasingly rely on the extensive use of cranes to transport and erect large and heavy components and modules. Although modern cranes are equipped with various sensors and on-board computers to detect overloading and overturning, crane operators primarily rely on their own experience and knowledge to identify risks, assess conditions and accordingly make appropriate decisions and actions, without reliable assistance and feedback. It is anticipated that the safe and efficient operation of cranes in a dynamic and complex site environment can be significantly improved by adopting a cyber-physical system approach. This chapter introduces a framework to outline the integration of CPS concepts and technologies in Intelligent Crane Systems (ICS). It continues to describe the major tasks performed and key technologies required by a CPS-ICS. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the development of CPS-ICS.