Overhead crane manufacturer seeks investment in crane safety system

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DT Engineering Group, a UK manufacturer of overhead cranes and hoists, is seeking investment for its new electric overhead travelling (EOT) crane operator protection technology, the DT Digital Trident System.

Designed to be installed onto existing overhead cranes or bolted onto new ones during installation, the DT Digital Trident System uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, lasers and camera technology to create operator protection zones below-the-hook, true lifts, and ensure that best practice is always observed.

It prevents untrained personnel and unauthorised access to the crane; AI is used for human detection, recognition and disabling, while cloud-based software provides real-time crane asset data. In the event of any unsafe practice, such as personnel in the lifting zone, the crane will be disabled until the risk is removed.

The company is looking for a profile of investor with industry knowledge and/or with health and safety at their core. The business unit will need to undergo a transformation from provider of a system for one-off crane-by-crane installation to an out-of-the-box solution manufacturer. An investor that can empower rapid upscale with a global outlook would be welcome to make a proposal.

Gerry Weston, managing director at DT Engineering Group, said: “To date, we have self-funded the R&D [research and development] to get where we currently hold a market position.

“However, in order to take the next steps and realise product potential in international markets, we need investment. We are looking to give up some of the equity for a significant investment into the system and its development post MVP [minimal viable product].”

“The offer is compelling,” said Weston. “The system can be utilised in all manufacturing or construction facilities where overhead cranes are used. It is compatible with all industries, especially those in specialist environments, such as sectors where explosive atmospheres are present. The core value proposition is that it will significantly reduce crane-related accidents, improve safety and minimise downtime. Preliminary testing shows a potential 70% reduction in accidents with a 30% reduction in downtime.”

Weston continued: “When there is a requirement to rig loads, near-misses are too commonplace, even today. Further, injury to personnel and damage due to misuse remain prevalent in industry. The DT Digital Trident System eradicates those possibilities, but it needs taking to the next level. Response times need improvement with software and hardware upgrades relative to the site asset, and a large-scale prototype will need to be developed and tested in an industrial setting.”

Overhead crane manufacturer seeks investment in crane safety system