A New Crane System for Remote Inspection and NDT

For non-destructive investigation of structures and materials, a crane ­system was developed to enable easy access and implementation of different non-destructive methods, such as high-resolution photography and detailed 3D scanning of surfaces. The crane was specifically designed for remote inspection and documentation of cultural assets. It was constructed from the world’s smallest crane base that allows access through standard doorways. The crane is self-propelled by a non-abrasive caterpillar drive and has a small turning circle. The hydraulic outriggers ensure a level and secure ground base. A newly constructed telescopic mast mounted on the crane’s original arm enables compactness in retracted state and the ability to reach an extension length of up to 22 meters. With the help of an extra mast, which is driven by an electric motor, the mast can be extended and retract by remote control. A high-resolution camera with a flash unit can be installed on the 3D head placed at the front of the crane. The head is controlled from the ground and can be placed in a variety of positions. The camera is operated remotely and features a live-image view on the ground based computer that allows easy positioning in front of the object. Examples from initial applications are provided in the paper.