African Overhead Cranes Move Towards Full Automation

According to Marc Kleiner, the managing director of Condra, an African crane manufacturer, the increasing awareness of the advantages of full crane automation is the most noticeable trend in Africa's overhead crane industry. Commenting on the market characteristics that emerged in 2022, Kleiner explained that there has been a significant increase in the number of tender documents that specify the provision for crane automation post-installation. While Condra did not receive any orders for fully automated cranes in 2022, the number of enquiries for such machines increased year-on-year.

Kleiner stated that repetitive crane operations, such as those in refinery operations, offer potential for increased productivity through automation. South Africa has the technology and local manufacturing capability to deliver it, and now the market is becoming increasingly aware. Full automation implies zero involvement by machine operators, and it is the ultimate step beyond an overhead crane in which the machine executes a limited number of pre-programmed, automated operations, but still needs an operator to control the crane during randomised, non-repetitive lifting functions (semi-automation). Condra has offered full automation across its product range since 2020.

Kleiner noted that about one in five enquiries received by Condra now includes specified provision for future automation and provision of fitment and wiring points for the future attachment of cameras with cognitive movement control ability, the main requirements for automation.

Kleiner concluded by saying that Condra is in a strong position going into 2023, with a solid order book that includes contracts recently signed with steel companies and mines across Africa. He also mentioned that Condra represents more than just crane manufacture and commissioning, offering design and engineering skills that dovetail with those of architects and structural engineers.