**The Perfect Lift**
Determining the most suitable crane for specific tasks at various construction sites can be complex. Liebherr's 3D planning software, Crane Planner 2.0, offers solutions with up to 1.6 million individual configurations. This innovative collaboration between Liebherr engineers and 3D specialists simplifies the operation of advanced technology, making it accessible to all.
**From Gaming to Construction**
Sebastian Knapp has always aspired to operate a crane and lift heavy loads. Although he has not had the chance to do so, he is recognized as a crane expert. Since 2015, he has designed numerous cranes, maneuvered them across diverse construction sites, and successfully completed countless lifts, many of which set records. As a software developer at weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH in Wiesbaden, he has primarily focused on Liebherr's Crane Planner, with the latest version, Crane Planner 2.0, recently introduced.
"The program employs state-of-the-art 3D real-time graphics to assist users in selecting the appropriate crane for their lift and configuring it on-site for optimal performance," explains Knapp. Upon completion of the configuration, Crane Planner generates comprehensive reports that include relevant machine data, technical drawings, and notes from the setup process.
**The Evolution of Crane Planner**
Sebastian's counterpart, Christoph Mai, serves as the Product Manager for Crane Planner at Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH, located 450 kilometers to the south in Vorarlberg, Austria. This facility is known for developing, producing, and marketing multi-purpose crawler cranes, duty cycle crawler cranes, and deep foundation drilling rigs. As a comprehensive solution provider, Liebherr offers not only machinery but also a range of services designed to streamline construction processes. Since its inception in 2015, Crane Planner has been an integral tool for Liebherr, developed in collaboration with weltenbauer. Mai has played a pivotal role in its development. "Our objective is to provide our customers in the crane rental sector with a planning tool that meets their specific needs," he asserts. Crane Planner 2.0 features over 30 crane types, offering an impressive 1.6 million configuration options.
The software's effectiveness stems from a unique blend of an engaging 3D user interface and precise machine data from the load moment limiter (LML / LICCON). The displayed data is derived using the same calculation logic as the live data from actual mobile and crawler cranes.
"Crane Planner 2.0 calculates crucial metrics such as ground pressures, reaction forces, loads, and centers of gravity. Each configuration change triggers a new calculation," Mai elaborates. "This allows us to provide our clients with a comprehensive module encompassing all setup and operational parameters." Furthermore, it aligns with the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which integrates structured, multidisciplinary data to create a digital representation of an asset throughout its lifecycle—from planning and design to construction and operation.
**Simplifying Complexity**
Although the process may seem intricate, Liebherr has collaborated with digital experts from weltenbauer since the early stages of Crane Planner to ensure user-friendly software. Drawing from experiences in computer gaming, 3D applications, and various digital platforms, they have created software compatible with mobile devices, desktop systems, next-generation consoles, and mixed reality environments. "We design immersive virtual worlds," states Christian Rathemacher, a member of the weltenbauer management board since 2011, who has been involved in the Crane Planner project since its inception. He recounts how the project began with the Construction Simulator game and evolved in partnership with Liebherr. "It's exhilarating to explore the limits of a machine in the digital realm while ensuring safety."
**Making Planning Effortless**
Crane Planner 2.0 transforms lift planning into an intuitive experience. With just a few clicks, users can visualize a crane that can be maneuvered in any direction and integrated into a customized construction site environment. All actions performed by the crane are displayed with precision, including design and load data.
"We are merging technical functionality with gaming elements," Knapp emphasizes. "Crane Planner not only delivers accurate information but also provides an enjoyable planning experience for users exploring crane operations on specific sites."
Typical applications include challenging lifts in urban environments, such as Hamburg's Speicherstadt warehouse district. Historically, the area was not designed with modern mobile cranes in mind, resulting in limited maneuverability. Efficiently deploying a 300-ton crane in such settings requires meticulous planning. "Crane Planner 2.0 consolidates all crane and environmental data, issuing direct alerts with red collision markers if potential issues arise, ensuring a safe and precise lift in these demanding conditions," Mai proudly states.
**Achieving the Right Balance**
The 3D representations are crafted for ease of use, providing essential information without overwhelming the user. The challenge lies in ensuring that critical safety information is not sacrificed. "Our goal is to strike a balance between essential and extraneous data," Knapp explains, emphasizing that safety is always paramount. The weltenbauer team adheres to a dual control principle at every development stage to ensure no safety detail is overlooked. Liebherr experts meticulously review the resulting data. "This collaborative, iterative approach elevates the digital configuration of cranes to unprecedented levels," Mai expresses with enthusiasm. The development team at weltenbauer shares this passion, with Rathemacher noting, "We currently release two updates per year for Crane Planner, but we are eager to adapt to customer needs promptly, ensuring cranes and their operators maximize their potential at all times."
Sebastian Knapp is enthusiastic about his role: "Navigating a planned construction site virtually and optimizing machine placement is a remarkable way to work. The challenges and opportunities are endless—a continuous journey." His excitement is palpable; he finds fulfillment in his work without the need to physically operate a crane.
Did you know?
30 Liebherr mobile cranes, crawler cranes and duty cycle crawler cranes are currently included in Crane Planner.
A computer game - the Construction Simulator - laid the foundation for Crane Planner.
The Engineering Matters Podcast episode "How to plan a lift" gives exciting insights into working with Crane Planner.
The Crane Planner 2.0 tutorials are available online for you to explore.
Students also learn with Crane Planner: more about this in the interview with Frank Will from the TU Dresden at the end of this story.
With Crane Planner 2.0, Liebherr provides you with modern lift planning software. There is no need for expensive licences, elaborate hardware and extensive training for CAD software. Our engineers and software developers work daily on new functions and on the integration of further Liebherr cranes. The Crane Planner 2.0 updates are provided to you regularly as part of the selected licence.
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