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RTG Crane Autosteering

Safety through accuracy

In a series of RTG modular automation tools, the YardIT AutoSteering module is designed to be the backbone.

Improved worker safety and increased driver productivity are two of the decisive advantages of Konecranes RTG autosteering.  The driver can stay focused on other things, because even without driver inputs, the RTG gantry is kept on a pre-programmed path.  There are several important advantages to more precise steering, such as a greater stack density, which can be obtained through a more precisely optimized stack alignment.  Also, collisions which are caused by loose and unpredicted configurations can be prevented altogether.

In the AutoSteering-package, Konecranes has built in the exclusive RAAS feature, also referred to as “Shadow-support.”  Even if one of the antennae temporarily loses satellite connection, the unique two-antenna solution means that the position and direction of the crane will not be lost.  This can happen if, for example, a large obstacle such as an STS crane or building obstructs one of the antennae.  The exclusive GPS-calculation feature RAAS, which stands for “ReAcquisition Accelerator System,” is patented by Konecranes.

The principle AutoSteering module features are:

  • Twin dual-frequency DGPS receiver for accuracy and redundancy
  • On each side of the gantry, Dual DGPS receiver antennas are mounted for determining optimal and accurate heading
  • PLC systems are fully integrated, which includes AC drive encoders
  • Operator cabin features graphical deviation display
  • In the event of excessive deviation, AutoSteering will automatically slow down/fast ramp-down
  • The two-antenna solution is geometrically superior to the one-antenna solution.
  • Base station
  • Over 200 AutoSteering modules are already installed in Konecranes RTGs.

Efficiency at each turn

For even further RTG automation, there is a clean upgrade path for the AutoSteering module.

The key steps to full automation are:

  • AutoStop – When a target container slot is reached, the gantry and trolley travel are automatically stopped.  That way, the unit can achieve full speed motion until the deceleration process is activated automatically.  The RTG cycle time is diminished through the optimization of the deceleration profile and timing through a programmed ramp.
  • AutoMove – The RTG gantry and trolley can be operated automatically.  The spreader automatically moves on top of the target slot when a target container slot is transmitted to the RTG.  Both up and down hoisting are semi-automatic.
  • AutoGrab – The spreader automatically grabs the container and enables the RTG to perform the final movement.
  • TeleMove module – A single operator to can use teleoperation to run several RTGs.  A teleoperation station manually performs the final hoist-lowering, micromotions, lock/unlock functions and initial hoist lift, while gantry and trolley travel are fully automatic.  Video feed is sent to the remotely located operator from the RTG, and the operator uses similar controls to a regular RTG cabin to operate the RTG.