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Crane Position Monitoring System

In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced multiple crane truck accidents, raising widespread concern across society. In view of this, with “Smart Traffic Fund” from the Transport Department, the Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS) (formerly Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre) has developed a Crane Position Monitoring System. To prevent potential collisions with roadside infrastructure, this system comprises:

  • Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors for real-time crane height monitoring
  • Audio-visual alerts for operators upon detection of over-height conditions 
     

Currently, the Transport Department requires all vehicles equipped with extendable aerial structures to install an over-height warning system. If the extended overall height of the vehicle exceeds the specified height limit while in motion, audible and visible warnings should be provided to the driver. This alert aims to prevent crane from deviating from its stationary position while travelling on the road, ensuring the safety of other road users and infrastructure.

Regarding the over-height warning systems for vehicles with extendable aerial structures, the relevant regulations are as follows:

  • Any vehicle with an extendable aerial structures first registered on or after 1st March, 2025; or
  • Lorry crane requiring license renewal on or after 1st September, 2025; or
  • Any other vehicle with an extendable aerial structures requiring license renewal on or after 1st September, 2026,


are required to submit a system inspection certificate before licensing.

Advantages
  • Alert system will be disabled when the crane is stopped moving, which will reduce the unnecessary impact to normal operation
  • Easy installation and compatible with most crane equipped vehicles (including 360° rotating crane trucks).
  • Crane status can be uploaded to cloud server as record tracking purpose (optional).
  • Can connect to online platforms for real-time monitoring and fleet management purposes (optional).

 

Patents and Awards
  • Obtained patent in Hong Kong - “A Crane Position Monitoring System on a Truck”
  • 2023 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions - Bronze Medal

Crane Position Monitoring System
Crane Position Monitoring System