For many years, people have been hearing about how Internet of Things (IoT) technology will revolutionise their homes. Although less widely reported in the mainstream media, industrial applications of the IoT could be even more revolutionary than consumer applications, allowing manufacturers to cut production costs and improve efficiency in their facilities.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things is the name given to physical objects, such as machinery and appliances, that are connected to each other via a wireless network. IoT machines use sensors to monitor their environment and the functioning of their own components. They send this data to other devices, where it can be stored, reviewed by a human or used by a computer to determine the next action the machine should take.

Cranes Get Connected

Connecting cranes to the Internet of Things could have some significant benefits. Remote control cranes have existed for many years, but combining a system of motors on the crane with a series of sensors could increase the possibilities that operators have for controlling them. A recently tested system allows operators to use hand gestures to direct a loader crane, which must be moved slowly and carefully to move a load safely.

Connected Cranes Are Easier to Maintain

Sensors on cranes offer another important benefit; they can let maintenance workers know exactly why a crane is malfunctioning. At a manufacturing plant in Ohio, plant managers couldn't work out why their cranes were going through parts so quickly. However, the cranes were fitted with sensors, so they were able to analyze the movement data and identify a usage pattern that was causing the motors to wear out. By retraining the operators to change the way they used the cranes, plant managers were able to reduce the maintenance costs to less than half their original level.

Could Connected Cranes Cause Security Concerns?

Security is a concern when increasing connectivity in any organisation. The more devices are connected to a network, the more opportunities hackers have to break in. When embracing the Internet of Things in an industrial setting, site managers must consider how to secure their system against potential attacks. This may include locking sensitive data away in inaccessible parts of the network, as well as using strong passwords or two-factor authentication to prevent hackers gaining control of cranes and other large pieces of equipment.

Conclusion

With the right security precautions, cranes that are connected to the Internet of Things can be an asset to a manufacturing plant. As the technology develops, more and more machines are likely to be connected to Internet of Things, increasing the amount of data available to help plant managers understand and control their facilities.