1: SmartCrane, LLC.

• A link to this company's website can be found here.

• Smart Features: SmartCrane's AntiswayComplete solution allows users to "upgrade any overhead crane with contactor controls to a safe, efficient, easy-to-use, automated crane with SmartCrane's hardware and software." This device features an antisway horizontal motion control. This antisway feature requires an AC motor with VFD.
• This company is headquartered in the United States.

2: TMEiC

• A link to this company's website can be found here.

• Smart Features: TMEIC manufactures complete crane automation systems. The company's manual crane control systems use standard AC technology and their Maxview vision systems can be added to the system in order to fully automate the crane.
• This company operates in the United States.

3: Rockwell Automation

• A link to this company's website can be found here.

• Smart Features: Rockwell Automation produces the PowerFlex drive, which works with AC. Powerflex is a smart device that can be integrated into the Logix control environment.
• Rockwell Automation is headquartered in the United States.

4: SIEMENS

• A link to this company's website can be found here.

• Smart Features: This company produces the SINAMICS s120 which can be configured for AC or DC and can be upgraded with the company's SIMOCRANE smart technology.
• SIEMENS operates in the United States.

5: Venco Venturo Industries LLC.

• A link to this company's website can be found here.

• Smart Features: Venturo produces smart crane control systems, such as the VLC Crane Control Management System. "This system offers safe, comfortable and smart crane operations by utilizing features like overload protection, a pistol-grip controller and visible safety alerts."
• This company is headquartered in the United States.

6: Vulcan Cranes

• A link to this company's website can be found here.
• Smart Features: Vulcan Cranes offers a range of smart crane solutions for standard and special cranes, which include smart solutions that control the cranes' movement, such as the Automatic Positioning Operating System (APOS).
• Vulcan Cranes operates worldwide.

SmartCrane's Antisway Technology

• SmartCrane uses predictive sway prevention technology (open loop) to control the position of the pendulum. Doing so compensates for the sway caused by moving the load. An animation of this concept is shown here.
• This technology uses "sensors for detecting slow zones (stop zones not needed because antisway will bring load to a safe stop), absolute encoder(s) for measuring horizontal position during automatic moves, [and a] variable frequency drive (VFD) for AC motor (inverter-duty recommended)."
• The data is transferred to a sub panel (user display) via external cabling and the unit is controlled using lighted buttons. Warning and ready beacons/alerts are also included.
• "The SmartCrane display supports all phases of commissioning, including calibration of hoist sensor, setting optional input signals, ramp times and delay times, and swing timing tests to fix swing period adjustment factors. The display can be moved temporarily for convenience. If only one dimension of motion requires antisway, operator can use display to designate up to 5 automatic move positions. When fully commissioned, the system will supply anti-sway signals based on operator demands, using fine adjustments to measured hoist length. If automatic moves are enabled, the system may be configured to require a constant high signal from operator control (deadman) to begin or continue motion"

TMEiC's Maxspeed Crane Control Systems

• "The Maxspeed® crane control system architecture uses a master controller to coordinate all the networked drives and to communicate with the operator interfaces, input/output devices, and the yard management system. The Maxview® system employs vision systems to automate the crane operation."

• The main features of this product are as follows: the Maxview Vision System, the Maxspeed Fast Operator, the Remote Operator Console, Ethernet Connectivity, CraneDirector Container Tracking and Inventory System, and real-time maintenance and diagnostic reporting. The details of each feature including the measurements they take and parts of the crane they control are neatly laid out on in a chart on page 3 of the attached document.
• The data collected by this system is sent to the operator's station, which contains an operator screen, master switch, and cab I/O. This setup is shown on page 4 of the attached document.

Rockwell Automation's PowerFlex Drive

• PowerFlex works with lifting applications, load adjustments (antisway), brakes, and the crane's control environment (Logix).

• In regard to lifting applications, PowerFlex uses TorqProve Control technology to verify the control of a load. The antisway technology reduces the swinging motion of a load as its being moved. The brakes are enhanced by a regeneration technology that "enables a drive to put energy back on the incoming line."

• PowerFlex is integrated with Allen-Bradley smart devices that connect to the Logix control environment. Detailed specifications about this integration is featured on page 07 of the attached document.

SIMOCRANE Technology by SIEMENS

• SIMOCRANE is a suite of smart functions within the SINAMICS system. It includes technologies such as Drive-Based Technology and Drive-Based Sway Control. SIMOCRANE Drive-Based Technology provides function blocks that integrate into the drive control. "In conjunction with SIMOCRANE technology, SINAMICS is available as a drive system for the closed-loop control of hoisting, trolley, slewing, luffing and long travel gears."
• The system's smart functions are as follows: "Load sag prevention, smart slow-down, fine manual positioning, adaptive speed to operate at peak performance are smart features of SIMOCRANE Drive-Based Technology. Sensorless sway control is an add-on highlight of SIMOCRANE Drive-Based Sway Control. All intelligence are embedded in SINAMICS drives."
• "The AC/AC drive system comprises a Control Unit (CU 310-2) and Power Module (PM). Active Line Modules return regenerative energy to the supply system."

VLC Crane Control Management System by Venco Venturo Industries

• This system is a type of programmable logic control (PLC) system. They operate using a network of sensors and user feedback functions.

• The features of this product include vehicle stability and grade indications, overload protection, wireless or controller area network (CAN) communication, safety alerts and display messages.
• "An LCD display on the VLC™ controller gives real-time load and status updates showing the percentage of load, boom angle in degrees and percentage of total capacity during crane operation. These messages also warn the operator of any conditions influencing the manipulation of a load."
•  Alerts are sent via an LCD Display Screen text, transmitter handle vibrations, a color-coded alert light system on the underside of the boom, and lights on the radio receiver.

Smart Crane Solutions by Vulcan Crane

• Vulcan's Smart Crane Solution is composed of the following features: Automatic Positioning Operation System (for loan positioning on a specific spot), Collision Prevention System (allocates a working area where the crane is allowed to go), Load Sway Monitoring (prevents load sway), Extra Sped System (lifts the hook more quickly when no load is present), SynC system (syncs a network of cranes and hoists for lifting and transversing with loads) and a Remote Monitoring System (monitors maintenance issues for preventive diagnostics).
• The crane includes a remote control, which can be used to set up the APOS. The CPS is controlled by the operator. The RMS relays data to a control panel, smart device, and/or computer.