Crane Technology and Automation
Crane Upgrade and Automation
For more than 20 years, we have been a trusted supplier of automation components, drives, and sensor technologies for both crane modernizations and new crane projects. Our dedicated solutions enable fully manless operation and are engineered for environments where reliability and safety cannot be compromised. Our technology is deployed worldwide in industries such as
- Metals (steel, copper, aluminum)
- Pulp and paper
- Container handling
- Waste incineration plants
LogoTek supports all phases of your project – from basic and detailed engineering to hardware and software delivery, commissioning, training, and comprehensive after-sales service.
Drive Technology
Design, supply and commissioning of drive systems for manually and automatically operated cranes. Special focus on Siemens frequency inverter technology. Service includes:
- Electrical and mechanical design
- Motor selection
- Cooling concept
- Supply of drive components on panels or in air conditioned cabinets
- Commissioning at customer site
DC-Crane Upgrades
There are still tens of thousands of cranes with DC drives in operation worldwide. The mechanical structure of older cranes may still be usable, so modernization can be assessed against each crane’s condition, drive requirements and project costs. LogoTek provides modernization concepts with high-power DC/DC converters that allow the existing power infrastructure to be used to supply modern asynchronous drives.
- Scalable DC/DC and DC/AC-converters of 400kW max.
- 230V/250VDC conversion to 600VDC link voltage
Crane Automation
Automatic crane operation can be configured for transport tasks after the required control, sensor and safety design has been assessed. We provide solutions for automatic operation of new cranes, or retrofit/modernization of existing cranes. This includes:
- PLC upgrade for automatic drive control
- Sensor design for crane and tong
- Safety analysis (PLd and PLe)
- Safe data transmission
- WMS-integration
- Ground systems (transfer cars, roller tables, safety fences)
Crane Sensors
Increased automation levels require modern sensor technology. We supply sensors for various kinds of transport equipment, like cranes, fork lifts, roller tables. Used technologies are
- Laser distance sensors
- Radar sensors (Symeo LPR and Kymanti)
- Barcode position sensors
- LIDAR scanners
- Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS
- Limit switches
- and others
Collision Avoidance
We supply collision-avoidance systems based on radar and optical sensors. Software functions can keep cranes at a defined distance before hardware limit sensors activate. Safety-related use is assessed within the project-specific control and safety concept.
Weighing and Load Sensing
Our heavy-duty weighing and load-sensing solutions use load pins, load cells and optical or mechanical sensors. They can support:
- Weighing under static and dynamic conditions
- Overload protection with safety-related signal processing
- Load sensing for transport monitoring and warehouse management
Predictive Maintenance
Condition monitoring and data analysis can help maintenance teams identify signs of wear or faults and plan inspections and interventions. The monitored parameters, alert thresholds and maintenance process are configured for each crane and operating environment. Availability, cost and safety outcomes depend on the equipment condition and maintenance practices.
Sway Control
An anti-sway system is designed to limit load swing during crane travel and positioning. Control behavior is tuned to the crane, load and operating conditions. Its effect on handling time, positioning and safety must be validated for each installation.
Remote Control Solutions
Remote operation allows crane controls to be located outside the crane cabin. The permitted number of cranes per operator depends on the approved operating and safety concept. Our remote-control solutions incorporate:
- Height-adjustable operator desks
- Comfortable, high-quality operator chairs
- Industrial-grade joysticks
- Adjustable high-resolution monitors
- Secure data transmission to the cranes
These components support crane operation from a central control room; ergonomics, staffing and safety are assessed for each installation.
FAQ
Questions about crane technology
Answers about crane modernization, positioning, sensors and automation.
Which parts of an existing crane can be modernized?
A project can address selected controls, drives, sensors, positioning or automation functions according to the crane and operating task.
How do sensors support automated crane movements?
Position and load data can provide the control system with the information needed to coordinate handling movements.
Can cranes exchange orders and status with LTWMS?
Yes. Defined interfaces can connect crane controls with warehouse and transport-management functions.
Is every crane-automation project custom engineered?
The concept is adapted to the existing equipment, material, movement sequence and required interfaces.