Schedule
8–10 June 2026 • Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square • Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Monday, 8 June 2026 | |
| 4–6 p.m. | Registration |
| 5–6 p.m. | Reception |
Tuesday, 9 June 2026 | |
| 8 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 8:15 a.m. | Crane Safety Reimagined: AI-Powered Risk Detection in the Steel Industry Rob Hruskoci, Advanced Industrial Marketing Inc. In heavy industrial settings like steel mills, where overhead cranes operate alongside ground personnel and mobile equipment, safety risks are significant — and often difficult to monitor in real time. This presentation introduces an AI-powered safety platform that leverages existing IP camera infrastructure to detect high-risk behaviors, near misses and unsafe crane-related interactions — without relying on wearable devices. |
| 8:45 a.m. | Measuring What Matters: Geometric Studies for Overhead Cranes, Runways and Buildings Noah Smithwick and Nathan Bomba, Smithwick Engineering LLC An overview of the different ways to measure runway systems and overhead cranes to solve unique issues. From the very basic rail alignment survey to complex wheel studies and building surveys, this presentation shows how to match the investigation scope and accuracy to the symptom using real-world scenarios to guide what to request, what the results mean and which corrective actions they support. Operators will leave with a practical playbook for selecting the right survey when dealing with tracking, skew, binding, abnormal wear or recurring structural damage. |
| 9:15 a.m. | Applications for Artificial Intelligence for Overhead Cranes Ed LaBruna, Janus Automation Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming crane operations by enhancing safety, efficiency and decision-making. Through advanced computer vision and machine learning models, AI can detect personnel, vehicles and potential hazards in real time — significantly reducing the risk of collisions and unsafe movements. Predictive analytics enables early detection of abnormal conditions such as load swing, misalignment or overheating, helping to prevent costly incidents and downtime. AI-driven positioning and tracking systems improve material handling accuracy, while intelligent assistance features support operators in executing precise maneuvers, especially in complex or congested areas. Integration with plant systems (e.g., WMS, MES, ERP) allows for optimized routing, sequencing and task allocation, increasing overall throughput. By combining sensor data, video analytics and contextual awareness, AI solutions turn cranes into smarter, safer and more autonomous assets — laying the foundation for next-generation steel mill operations. |
| 9:45 a.m. | Load Cells 101: How to Properly Select and Spec the Proper Load Cell for Your Application Kevin Perkins, Rugged Controls This presentation will explain what a load cell is and how it works, as well as what is needed to properly spec per application. |
| 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. | Condition Monitoring for Gearboxes — Well-Thought-Out Conceptual Design and Economic Retrofit Options Thomas Azig, Eisenbeiss GmbH Condition monitoring systems (CMS) for crane gearboxes, especially hoists, are becoming increasingly important in new projects to make operation safer and maintenance more efficient. However, due to the long service life of crane gearboxes — often up to 30 years — a large number of gearboxes are still in operation without condition monitoring. Based on case studies, this presentation addresses options for retrofit from a resource-efficient stand-alone oil condition sensor to the retrofit of a complete CMS on crane gearboxes by using a modular system concept. The aforementioned options allow the operator to retrofit existing crane gearboxes already in use into comprehensive predictive maintenance concepts. |
| 11:00 a.m. | Understanding Data Communication Technologies for Material Handling Brian Roberts, Conductix Wampfler Attendees will gain insight into the various data communication technologies and understand how these technologies fit into the portfolio of equipment that supports steel mill production processes. Secure data communication transforms crane operations, enabling greater visibility, predictive analytics and safer workflows. By adopting these technologies, facilities can confidently step into the digital age with cranes that are smarter, safer and more connected. |
| 11:30 a.m. | Overhead Crane Safety: Technological Upgrades and Preventive Culture for Safe Operations Tomás Abad, Miguel Abad s.a. By analyzing the incidence of fatalities in maintenance tasks from AIST reports, this presentation proposes an intermediate modernization stage based on high-reliability component engineering and technical training, achieving a feasible, low-cost solution that breaks the cycle of hazardous personnel exposure and ensures safe operational continuity. |
| Noon | Lunch |
| 1 p.m. | Practical Inspection and Structural Assessment for Capacity Increase of Existing Overhead Crane Runway Structures Mostafa Nasr, Globex Corp. Aging overhead crane runways are often desired to support higher capacities and/or higher duty cycles, while original design data are incomplete or inconsistent. This presentation outlines a practical workflow for assessing and upgrading existing crane runways, including targeted field inspection and structural checks of runway girders, columns, and key connections using AIST TR-13, AISC 360, CISC crane-supporting guidance, and CMAA 70. Project examples highlight typical defects, common analysis errors, and practical reinforcement or operational controls that allow owners to safely extend service life while planning future upgrades. |
| 1:30 p.m. | From Reactive to Intelligent: How AI Is Expanding What Crane Teams Can Achieve Dan Simkins, ATiiD Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is actively transforming how industrial operations run today. This session explores how AI is reshaping crane operations by shifting teams from reactive work to predictive, data-driven performance. Attendees will learn how AI improves uptime, safety and throughput while evolving roles toward higher-value decision-making and problem-solving. This session will cover why successful AI adoption isn’t about adding new tools but redesigning workflows to unlock measurable ROI and create stronger, more resilient operations. |
| 2 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15 p.m. | Regular Crane Inspection: Don’t Overlook the Operator Controls Fred Wells, Spohn + Burkhardt North America Corp. Regular crane inspection is critical to maintaining safe and efficient operations. While attention is often given to structural, mechanical and electrical crane components, the operator interfaces — the joysticks, master switches and chairs — are often neglected. These components serve as the operator’s direct connection to the machine and play a vital role in precision control and overall safety. By integrating control component checks into maintenance schedules and encouraging operator awareness, facilities can minimize downtime and enhance safety. This presentation highlights best practices and inspection guidelines to help maintenance teams stay ahead of potential issues and ensure optimal crane performance. |
| 2:45 p.m. | State-of-the-Art ASRS Integration for Vertical Storage and AGV Operations Ed LaBruna, Janus Automation This paper presents a state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval system integration designed to optimize the storage and handling of tubular bundles at Nucor Republic. The system features four high-speed stacker cranes and five automated guided vehicles working in full coordination to enable seamless vertical storage and retrieval operations. Through intelligent scheduling, real-time positioning and robust interface architecture, the solution delivers high throughput, operational flexibility and improved safety. This approach represents a significant step forward in automated material handling for heavy industrial applications. |
| 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30 p.m. | Overhead Crane Monitoring: How to Deal With Potential Interface Between Multiple Cranes on the Same Runway Yves Van Ingelgem, Zensor Crane health monitoring using sensors is a valuable instrument to track component health (drivetrains, hoists, etc.) and structural health. A crane's health is assessed partially based on dynamics (vibrations), but nearby cranes also emit vibrations, and may thus distort the data recorded, making interpretation difficult. Applying specific approaches to the data streams can help remove unwanted external influences and isolate out the health aspects of the crane we focus on. |
| 4 p.m. | Beyond Paper: What Your Digital Crane Inspection Data Can Really Tell You Jarrod Glasgow, crewOS Crane inspections have traditionally been treated as a compliance task, but when captured digitally and connected to asset data, they become a powerful source of operational insight. Structured inspection data can reveal trends, identify recurring issues, support proactive maintenance, reduce downtime and help justify equipment investments. By turning everyday inspection reporting into a connected, data-driven system, companies can improve safety, reliability and long-term performance while making smarter, evidence-based decisions. |
| 4:30 p.m. | Group Discussion |
| 5:15 p.m. | End of Day Wrap-Up |
| 5:30 p.m. | Conference Adjourn |
| 6:30 p.m. | Group Outing |
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 | |
| 8 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 8:15 a.m. | Remote Operation Pulpits: Transforming Metals Industry Safety, Efficiency and Operator Ergonomics Edward Royer, Janus Automation Remote operation pulpits are reshaping the way the metals industry approaches crane and material-handling manual operations. By removing operators from the immediate crane environment and placing them in climate-controlled, ergonomically optimized control rooms, facilities dramatically improve safety, visibility and operational consistency. Modern remote pulpits integrate high-resolution cameras, networked sensors and real-time data overlays that provide a clearer, more comprehensive view of the process than any traditional cab can offer. State-of-the-art technology — including advanced AI, computer vision and 3D situational awareness — creates a safer and more efficient operational ecosystem. AI-driven tools such as personnel and vehicle detection, object avoidance, and automated zone monitoring reduce the risk of critical incidents. Intelligent no-fly zones and 3D anticollision protection continuously supervise crane motion to prevent unintended movement into restricted or hazardous areas. These systems are further enhanced with antisway control, obstacle detection and predictive alarms that support smooth, controlled operations under all loading conditions. Remote pulpits also enable semiautomatic sequences that standardize repetitive tasks such as picking, positioning and depositing loads. This reduces operator fatigue, minimizes human error and increases throughput. Coupled with improved ergonomics — from enhanced seating and optimized displays to reduced physical strain — operators benefit from a more sustainable and productive working environment. By integrating remote operation with AI analytics, 3D sensing and advanced safety layers, metals producers gain significant advantages: higher uptime, reduced damage, improved situational awareness, and a safer workforce positioned away from moving loads and harsh conditions. Remote operation pulpits represent the next evolution in manual crane control, combining intelligent automation with human oversight to achieve unmatched performance and safety. |
| 8:45 a.m. | Radar Positioning Technology for Harsh Environments in Steel Plants Alonso Castro, Kymati GmbH Safety solutions for overhead cranes. |
| 9:15 a.m. | Is Disassembly Required for Crane Inspection? A Discussion on the Specific Rules and Laws Tad Dunville, Lifting Partners/Unique Group, and Larry Dunville, Overhead Crane Consulting One of the most common questions is, “How much teardown of gearboxes, motor brakes, etc., is needed to meet the requirements for routine OSHA overhead crane inspections?” For this paper, three primary sources and one trump card will be referenced. The sources regarding overhead crane authority are: A) OSHA (a Federal Law) — OSHA 1910 General Industry in general and specifically OSHA 1910.179 Overhead & Gantry Cranes. B) ASME B30 (a series of U.S. Consensus Standards) — Specifically, ASME/ANSI B30.2: Overhead and Gantry Cranes (Top Running Bridge, Top Running Trolley Hoist), ASME/ANSI B30.16: Overhead Underhung and Stationary Hoists, and ASME/ANSI B30.17: Cranes and Monorails (With Underhung Trolley or Bridge). C) CMAA (the Crane Manufacturers’ Association of America specification) — Specifically, CMAA 78: Standards for Overhead Crane Services. D) The Trump Card — The Manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual. In all cases, the fine print in generic documents, including OSHA, B30 and CMAA, states that the manufacturer’s guidelines take precedence over them all. A quick overview of these documents indicates that routine overhead crane inspections generally do not require a complete teardown or disassembly of major components, such as hoists, gearboxes or motor brakes. |
| 9:45 a.m. | Crane Inspections: What’s Required Dave Hallow, Qualified Crane Training OSHA, ASME and CMAA each set forth specific requirements regarding the frequency of both frequent and periodic inspections for overhead cranes. This presentation will clarify the distinctions among these organizations and reference each separately. It will break down each inspection and cover the scope of work of what is required on each one. Although the terminology used by these regulatory bodies may vary slightly, their shared objective is clear: To ensure a workplace that is both safe, productive and free from recognized hazards. |
| 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. | Case Study of Developing a Crane Simulator for Hot Metal Handling at the BOF Kyle Toth, Purdue University Northwest |
| 11 a.m. | Advanced Safety Controls for Lifting Long Products With Overhead Mill Cranes Steven Lubeck, Laser-View Technologies In production and processing of long steel products, overhead cranes are used for lifting. Lifting is performed with single cranes/single hoists, single cranes dual hoists, and dual cranes in tandem. Manual control of a tandem lift can present safety concerns if rigging is not handling product in a balanced manner and motion between cranes and hoists are not synchronized. Safe handling also means that the lift remains synchronized between bridge and trolley movements while moving loads. This presentation is an overview about control techniques available for detecting potentially unstable lift conditions during the lift and movement of a load. |
| 11:30 a.m. | AI-Driven Crane Performance and Compliance Reporting for Multifacility Operations Mike Skipper, Lift Solutions Holdings This presentation introduces an advanced AI-based crane reporting system designed to centralize and analyze performance data across multiple cranes and locations. The system delivers high-level insights including hours of operation, total travel distance with and without load, and detailed counts of each movement type. It also classifies crane usage by operational category and automatically triggers inspections, maintenance alerts, and technology-based alarms. By leveraging AI to transform raw crane data into actionable intelligence, the system enhances safety, ensures compliance and improves operational efficiency across diverse industrial environments. This symposium session highlights key capabilities, implementation benefits and real-world applications. |
| Noon | Lunch |
| 1 p.m. | Selecting Encoders for Crane Automation Marvin Limbacher, Johannes Huebner Corp. Encoders are for more than just load slip detection on hoists; crane automation systems often require closed-loop positioning control that require incremental and absolute encoders. The big question is, what kind of encoders should be added, and just where and how should these encoders be mounted? Additionally, how can encoders be retrofitted on a crane drivetrain that was not designed to accommodate them? In this presentation, Huebner and Janus Automation will attempt to demystify the recurring problem of evaluating and installing encoders for crane automation. |
| 1:30 p.m. | TR-13 Overview and Group Discussion AIST Technical Report No. 13 is one of several documents produced by the Cranes Technology Committee, and is specifically focused on design, construction, and maintenance issues related to crane runway structures and mill buildings. In an extended session, members of the mill buildings subcommittee will take the first half of the session to provide some background on key information in TR-13 as it relates to crane runway structures, discussing issues such as design criteria, construction tolerances, and runway survey guidance. The second half of the session will be an open discussion where attendees can bring their issues and questions related to crane runway structures, and committee members will do their best to provide guidance. |
| 2:15 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30 p.m. | From Hook to High-Tech: Mastering Below-the-Hook Smart Lifting Devices Brooks Nunley, Innovative Lifting Best practices and techniques using dynamic electromechanical below-the-hook (BTH) devices will be discussed. Starting from concept to contract requirements, procurement, design, manufacturing and to the uses in the field, the lifespan of a BTH device will be explored. The presentation will delve into design parameters that define BTH equipment, followed by the technical specifications needed when procuring a BTH device. Examples of common devices and techniques will be shared. |
| 3 p.m. | CraneTwin — An Outcome-Driven Digital Twin for Safer, Smarter Crane Operations Anthony Butchbaker, Spartan Scanning Solutions CraneTwin introduces a real-time digital twin for industrial crane operations that brings together live telemetry, spatial context and operational intelligence into a single shared view. The session explores how integrating sensor data and site reality enables safer lifts, fewer disruptions and improved material flow — without removing human control. Attendees will see how outcome-driven digital twins can reduce operational risk today while laying the groundwork for future automation and plant-wide optimization. |
| 3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:45 p.m. | Overhead Market Changes Robert F Geiser, Eurocrane Deep dive into the overhead crane market and major changes over the last 15 years. |
| 4:45 p.m. | Conference Wrap-Up |
| 5 p.m. | Conference Adjourn |