Efficient. Safe. Sustainable.
Modular crane automation for existing and new crane systems
More performance for your crane system. Less risk in operation.
Cranium is the crane automation system that allows you to make existing and new crane systems safe, precise and scalable.
More about: Solutions – Systems – Modules – References
Today, your crane automation must do more
than just provide functionality
“Your existing systems should be modernized economically, new systems should be future-proof right from the start. This requires solutions that can be integrated, grow modularly and function reliably in everyday industrial use.”
With Cranium you can achieve:
Modular platform for crane automation
Hardware and software perfectly matched for maximum flexibility in brownfield and greenfield projects.
Solutions according to crane type
Select your area of application for specialized functions.
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STS Cranes
More TEU per hour with the same crew.
Focus: shorter lay times thanks to automated destination approach and real-time obstacle detection. -
Intermodal Cranes
More LE per day with the same team.
Focus: Avoiding delays through automated assistance and safety functions. -
Industrial Cranes
Higher layer output with the same crew.
Focus: shorter cycle times through automated pathfinding and precise Sway Damping. -
Rotary Cranes
More metric tons per hour with the same crew.
Focus: shorter dwell times through automated grapple positioning and load stabilization.
We are in action in many different ways.
Find out how you can optimize your operations with Cranium.
Integrating assistance and automatic systems with Cranium
Proven modules for crane automation can be optimally combined.
Expandable at any time with our modules
Deeply integrated features for safety and efficiency.
Remote maintenance
For reliable remote maintenance, Cranium supports the integration of WireGuard as a VPN solution in combination with a compact and secure 5G router that fits easily into a control cabinet.
Central Management App
The CMA is the ideal solution for terminals that use multiple Cranium instances. It offers an intuitive web application for monitoring and controlling all running Cranium systems.
Load collision protection
Cranium uses the lidar sensors to scan the area around the load. The 3D environment maps created in this way are processed to avoid dynamic obstacles.
Navigation
Based on the defined and detected obstacles, Cranium uses state-of-the-art 3D pathfinding algorithms to find the optimal and safe trajectory to a target position in real time.
Areas and obstacles
In addition to the automatic paths in the basic modules, this module offers convenient options and interfaces for setting static obstacles and speed ranges.
Proximity sensors
Real-time detection of approaching obstacles with modern directional lidar systems as proximity sensors. Ideally suited for intermodal crane runway monitoring, for example.
Lidar
State-of-the-art 3D lidar technology complements Cranium with advanced automation functions such as load geometry measurement and dynamic obstacle avoidance.
Laser
The base module can be extended with an infrared 2D laser as an alternative to the camera to measure load swing and geometry, especially for outdoor applications.
Camera
Cranium’s standard solution for sway damping feedback is a robust industrial camera used to detect skew and load tracking.
Fieldbus
If the built-in TCP connection is not sufficient for PLC communication due to specific restrictions in the project, this module supports Profinet, Profibus and CANopen.
Instrumentation
Special functions for port scenarios. The “Crane Instrumentation System” (CIS) controls the load transfer safely with PLd for SC-automated gantries and is the interface between OCR, TOS, etc.
Lane control
This extension for overhead cranes minimizes wear on wheel flanges and rails by centring the running wheels. The module can also be used for synchronization.
Rotary crane
This module extends Cranium for the automation of slewing cranes, including pendulum damping with open and closed loop control. Enables the load to be controlled in Cartesian coordinates.
Overhead crane
The module for advanced automation and sway damping of overhead cranes. The algorithms provide parameters for fine-tuning the control behavior and the trajectory.
Industrial PC
The Cranium platform combines a robust IPC with powerful software, including real-time crane monitoring and secure firmware upgrades. It is the prerequisite for every other module.
Proven solutions for industry leaders
Our technology is in daily hard use at the largest logistics and infrastructure companies in Europe. We don’t just deliver systems, we deliver measurable results.
EUROGATE and APM Terminals use Cranium at Jade-Weser-Port Wilhelmshaven to secure the STS container gantry cranes and for reliable cooperation with automated straddle carriers.
Cranium ensures greater safety, efficiency and smooth handling for DSD HILGERS’ intermodal cranes in Cologne-Eifeltor.
Talk to the makers
Optimize your logistics processes with the Cranium platform or start your individual automation project with us.
Martin Kirst
Geschäftsführer
Richard Herrmann
Prokurist
Uwe Ochs
Vertrieb