New WOLFF High-speed positioning assistance system available for order now

06.11.2023 | Press Release

The connectible HiSPS assistance system operates using two battery-powered sensors on the trolley and hook block of the crane hook. Connected to a control unit in the switch cabinet, it detects the rope’s movements and automatically adjusts the motion and speed of the slewing gear and trolley to it. “Ultimately, the crane operator controls more than the crane – they control the load with assistance from the system,” explains Viktor Mosolf, Head of the Digitalization Department at Wolffkran.

Greater safety at all levels

By activating the HiSPS, the load that was already swinging as a result of the crane movement is stopped within seconds. This can also be used to eliminate heavy wind effects. Since the trolley always assumes its position automatically via the hook block when HiSPS is activated, it prevents the load from being pulled diagonally. The trolley automatically moves as well or is always positioned precisely over the load when the hook is manually pulled or when the load is manually pushed by hand on the ground. “HiSPS significantly reduces the risk of accidents and damage due to swinging loads or hooks,” summarizes Viktor Mosolf. “Furthermore, the anti-collision system is optimized since not only the crane but also the load in the working range limitation is automatically stopped.”

Working efficiently in the digital age

The WOLFF High-Speed-Positioning-System not only enhances safety at the construction site; it also allows you to work far more efficiently. The crane can be operated far more easily and intuitively from the ground than before via remote control. Previously, the crane operator had to move the load very slowly to prevent a strong pendulum motion; with the system connected, they can move the crane significantly faster. Moreover, the HiSPS allows you to save hook positions and automatically move to them. As a result, the load can be positioned precisely even with a limited view. Besides construction site cranes, the ability to automatically travel to saved positions also makes HiSPS attractive for ground-controlled WOLFF cranes without crane cabins at storage areas, in mines, and in industry.

“However, HiSPS is more than just a digital assistance system and the building block for the autonomous driving crane,” says Dr. Mohamed Abouelezz, Head of Product Management and Business Development at Wolffkran. “The crane movement and position data that the HiSPS generates can be integrated into the modern digital construction site organization using building information modeling (BIM). With HiSPS, our cranes are ready for the progressive digitalization of the building industry.”

HiSPS will soon be available for the entire pack

After an extensive testing phase, the HiSPS was introduced in a market-ready state for the first time in Heilbronn at the end of September. At the beginning of September, it was already presented and awarded the Innovation Prize at Matexpo in Belgium, the largest construction trade fair in the Benelux countries. In the coming months, all current production trolley jib cranes will be delivered with a pre-installed system as standard so that HiSPS can be used as an option at any time. And, of course, existing cranes can also be retrofitted accordingly. Afterwards, the high-speed positioning system is also intended to be available for the WOLFF luffers in the future as well.