Crane of the Future Inspires Academic Research.

Following the sucessful installation of COTF (Crane of the Future) at the site of one of our key partners, employee Joshua Wilson chose to take a closer look at the solution as part of his final year BSc(Hons) Engineering Management dissertation.

The dissertation ‘Evaluation the Crane of the Future: A PQVC Assessment of Toiwne Lifting’s Smart Crane Technology in Modern Manufacturing Facilities” explored how intelligent crane systems can deliver significant improvements over conventional lifting practices within modern manufacturing environments.

Joshua evaluated COTF using the PQVC framework – People/Safety, Quality, Velocity and Cost – assessing how safer, smarter and more connected lifting systems can influence operational performance.

The research examined several elements within the Crane of the Future ecosystem, including LiftLog, SideWise, Access Pack, Hi-Beam and the Traffic Light System, looking at both their individual contribution and their potential when integrated as part of a wider system.

The research found that COTF improves safety and operational efficiency. Through real-time feedback and data logging, the system can protect and modernise overhead cranes, provide greater visibility of crane operations, improve process control and help reduce misuse and mechanical stress.

A key theme was the opportunity to move lifting operations from predominantly reactive maintenance and risk management towards a more proactive, data-driven approach. Greater insight into crane usage, loads and abnormal operating conditions can support predictive maintenance, reduced unplanned downtime and improved reliability, with longer-term value coming from extended equipment life, avoided incidents and more efficient planned maintenance.

Joshua concluded:

“The findings show that the COTF model has strong potential to improve safety, consistency and operational resilience when implemented as an integrated system.”

For Towne, it is particularly rewarding to see a successful COTF installation inspire academic research into the future of industrial lifting. We congratulate Joshua Wilson on completing his BSc (Hons) Engineering Management dissertation and thank him for choosing Crane of the Future as the focus of his research.