OPERATOR’S OPINION

How augmented and virtual reality will change our work in the field

Steven Roberts Universal Cranes

Steven Roberts is a second-generation crane operator who has been working in the crane and rigging industry for 11 years. Steve has operated Universal Cranes’ Grove GMK5220 for the past three of his eight years with the company. We caught up with Steve to get his thoughts on augmented and virtual reality in the crane industry, and the role of these technologies alongside operators into the future. Steve shared his view on the potential of mixed realities playing an important complementary role in the safety of those in the industry.

Do you think mixed reality has the potential to change the way you do your job?

Any technology has the potential to make doing a job easier. It is always evolving from generation to generation bringing safer innovations and techniques. Augmented and virtual reality technologies bring obvious safety benefits and improvements, but it is not the sole contributor. There will always be a need for the human element in the field - the operator’s eyes and intuition being able to react at a moment’s notice to changing conditions on the work site. Doctors performing surgery with robots are able to gain more control or a better result, but this isn’t always possible with cranes; a dogman or rigger needs to be present to watch and step in if required.

In what ways do you think the crane industry can or should adopt these technologies?

In terms of job planning in situations where there are many variables at play, simulations will assist in saving time on mobilisation, planning lifts in advance and saving time on set up. As a training tool, there is definite value in allowing new and untrained employees to learn and practice in different scenarios before they’re allowed in the field, saving time on explaining and avoiding potential errors on site.

It allows them to be mentored by a trained operator and practice over and over as a way of learning and perfecting techniques.

Technologies in safety are always changing and improving. That being said, a person needs to go with their own experience and judgement in association with technology to make the best and safest decisions. A crane crew can’t solely rely on technology aids to make decisions especially when there are many variables at play that technology can’t always detect including working in the blind, wind directions, loads that aren’t level or lifting loads that aren’t on a level surface. So, we should be open to using the technology but still rely on our own knowledge and experience.

Do you think it will change things for the better or worse?

As long as these technologies make a site safer and don’t restrict the basics of a job, I can only foresee a positive impact on the industry. Similarly, as long as the technology doesn’t provide excessive non-relevant information and replace what is already supplied back from the dogman / rigger to the operator from the cab, I see a place for it working happily alongside existing and longstanding processes.

Can you see yourself adopting any of these technologies?

Most definitely. Many simulations will allow you to gain an early awareness of a site, get you into the headspace for a job and turn up prepared. This is particularly beneficial for bigger, more complex jobs that require cohesion between lots of contractors and services allowing you to streamline a job right from the get-go.

Some virtual applications can also help with winning a job – the ability to attend site, take photos and 3D images that can be used to plan, produce drawings and models can give a company the winning edge.