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Winvic Construction has implemented a ground-based control system for operating tower cranes at its student accommodation project in Birmingham. The new Skyline Cockpit technology, trialled for 12 weeks at the Crown Place Birmingham development, is designed to improve health, safety, and well-being on-site.
The Skyline Cockpit system allows crane operators to control the tower crane from a specialised ground command centre, rather than the traditional cab atop the mast. The system integrates seven cameras placed on the crane to provide a panoramic 2.1 by 1.2-metre screen view, augmented with real-time data such as wind speed and load line positioning. This setup enhances visibility, eliminates blind spots, and includes augmented reality for additional precision.
The technology also offers daily and weekly analytics reports through a cloud-based portal, enabling Winvic to analyse data and improve efficiency. A 14-tonne Potain MR225 crane, now operating at 77 metres and set to reach 102 metres, is being used to construct the concrete frame, install the curtain wall, and move materials at the site.
The project, due for completion in December 2025, includes 814 student beds across three blocks, with the tallest structure reaching 33 storeys. Winvic’s Managing Director of Multi-room, Mark Jones, highlighted the safety and efficiency benefits of the system, stating that the company is proud to be the first contractor in the UK to implement such technology.
Alan Pulver of Crown Student Living praised the innovation, noting that the Skyline Cockpit system is a significant advancement for the construction industry, positioning Winvic at the forefront of technological progress.
