UK-based contractor Winvic Construction has trialled Skyline Cockpit, an Israeli remote-controlled crane operating system, on a student accommodation contract in Birmingham.
During a 12-week trial at the Crown Place Birmingham project, Winvic implemented the Skyline Cockpit system to remote control the Potain MR225 crane to support various construction tasks.
Comprising 814 student beds, Crown Place Birmingham is Winvic’s tallest project. The purpose-built student accommodation scheme will rise to nine, 12, and 33 storeys upon completion.
The Potain MR225 crane has a 14-tonne capacity and currently extends to a height of 77m. It is expected to reach 102m maximum height during construction.
The Skyline Cockpit technology eliminates the need for operators to climb the crane, instead allowing them to control it from a ground-level command centre.
This centre boasts a large panoramic screen, displaying views from seven cameras mounted on the crane, which are combined to create a comprehensive view of the site.
The system utilises augmented reality (AR) to enhance the crane operator’s visibility, showing the load line, expected landing spot, and real-time data such as wind speed and crane movement.
Radius Group is the Skyline Cockpit technology’s sole distributor in the UK.
Winvic multi-room managing director Mark Jones said: “During our 12-week trial period, in collaboration with Skyline Cockpit and Radius Group, we analysed the data and assessed the benefits and we’re delighted to announce that we will continue to use this game-changing technology at the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham for the remainder of the project’s construction.”
Crown Place Birmingham is set to be handed over to Crown Student Living in December 2025.
Last month, Winvic Construction was selected by GLP to construct a new industrial facility, MPN 761, at Magna Park in Lutterworth, UK.
