World Scan Project Co., Ltd.
A successful test flight of the flying EV crane “Sky Crane” carried a load of 80 kg, which is heavier than the weight of the aircraft (70 kg)!
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On October 30, 2023, World Scan Project Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and CEO: Ryohei Kamitaki, hereinafter referred to as “WSP”), which develops drones and sensors, announced the launch of a flying crane under development. We successfully conducted a flight test with a prototype of “Sky Crane.” [Image 1
WSP is working on the development of sky cranes as part of the development of future construction infrastructure. A sky crane is a crane that can literally fly through the air. It is operated by humans like a regular crane, but instead of moving on the ground, it can move in the air.
WSP’s sky crane prototype (the first prototype) has recently been completed, and a test flight was conducted in Chiba Prefecture (somewhere) on October 30th. During this test flight, the prototype rose to a height of 1m above the ground. A sky crane with a weight of 70 kg successfully moved 5 to 7 meters forward, backward, left and right while maintaining its flight altitude for 7 minutes while carrying a load weighing 80 kg.
◆ Benefits of flying cranes to address challenges in the construction industry Flying cranes could bring a variety of benefits to the construction industry. 1. Improving efficiency and productivity
Because flying cranes perform automated tasks, they can be expected to operate faster and more accurately than regular cranes. This can speed up construction projects and increase productivity.
2. Improved safety
Flying cranes do not require direct human intervention, improving human safety when working at heights or in dangerous locations. It is expected to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe
construction environment.
3. Improved access
Flying cranes are less restricted by terrain and obstacles, allowing them to work in locations that are difficult for traditional cranes to access. This has the potential to work effectively even on complex construction sites and constrained locations.
4. Reduction in personnel
It can accommodate a total of two people, one at each takeoff and landing point. This allows for faster progress on construction projects.
◆Utilization examples of flying cranes
1. Aerial transportation of materials and equipment at construction sites: Flying cranes can be used to transport materials (cement, single pipes, etc.) necessary for the construction of skyscrapers and highways from the air. This allows us to avoid ground restrictions and ensure quick and efficient logistics.
2. Cargo ship loading work:
Flying cranes can be used for loading operations at ports and cargo ships. The ship and crane work together to load and unload containers and transport heavy cargo on board.
3. Material transportation during tower maintenance:
Flying cranes can be used for maintenance work on high-altitude structures such as steel towers. Materials such as paint cans and bolts/nuts can be delivered to work sites located at elevated locations.
4. Transporting cargo to remote islands and depopulated areas: Flying cranes can be used to transport cargo to places that are difficult to access, such as remote islands or depopulated areas. Even in situations where land routes are difficult, it is possible to transport goods directly via air.
5. Transporting relief supplies to disaster areas:
In the event of a disaster, flying cranes can be used to quickly and effectively transport relief supplies to affected areas.
◆Future potential of flying cranes
Flying cranes may play an important role in the future not only in the construction industry, but also in various fields such as logistics and use in disaster-stricken areas. Advances in technology and autonomous driving technology will improve performance and
functionality, making it possible to work more efficiently and safely. It is also attracting attention from a sustainability perspective, and may be adopted as an energy-saving option with low environmental impact. As the scope of application expands and laws and regulations are established, it is expected that the use will become more widespread.
[Sky Crane Aircraft Specifications] (As of November 2023)
Aircraft size: W 2800mm × D 2800mm × H 1100mm
Motor: 100V maximum thrust 300kgf
Battery: 100V
Aircraft weight: approx. 70kg
[Image 3
https://world-scan-project.com/