Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.

MHI's Overhead Alliance Launches New Virtual Reality Crane Game

MHI's Overhead Alliance Launches New Virtual Reality Crane Game

The Overhead Alliance (OA), a marketing vehicle for trade association MHI's overhead lifting product groups, will launch an interactive, virtual reality (VR) game next month (September), designed to engage students and others keen to learn about the technologies they represent.
OA serves as a commercial vehicle, promoting the collective interests of the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) and Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA). It is principally challenged with raising the profile of overhead lifting equipment above competing material handling technologies.
To that end, OA communicates through a myriad of mediums to reach target audiences. They developed a new virtual reality crane game, which is a fun and educational experience that shows what it is like to operate an overhead crane. The game uses cutting edge technology that brings you inside a realistic manufacturing shop floor. It gives its users a 360-degree, real-life perspective inside the headset.
Karen Norheim, Executive Vice President at American Crane and Equipment Corporation, a CMAA member company, said: "With this game we hope to effectively educate users on overhead lifting. The advanced technology that the programmers used to create this life-like experience is incredible. Not only does the virtual reality seem extremely realistic, but the game helps users to learn about overhead lifting while having fun at the same time! It gives everyone the chance to take a step into a virtual crane world."
Norheim explained that the intent is to harness the power and appeal of virtual reality to give audiences a memorable experience at the controls of an overhead crane. During the game, which should take players between 10 and 20 minutes to complete, there are different target paths that they can lift and move boxes through inside a bay.
Norheim added: "The concept creates a purpose to participation and will make it more challenging for the users. We hope that they will get a better understanding of what our equipment is and how it works. Technology has created an opportunity for us to create an environment close to what they would experience at a facility using overhead cranes and hoists. It's a great way to allow them to see into our world—and hopefully they want to become part of it in real life."
Eventually, the goal is to have the game available in three different options: virtual reality using Oculus Rift; PC using keyboard; and PC using an X-box controller. This will make it so that the game is not restricted to only those who have an Oculus Rift VR headset. In addition, we hope to have a version for the other major VR products available such as HTC Vive, Lenova and Microsoft.
The Overhead Alliance's primary audience for the new game is those who have never before been exposed to overhead lifting, whether it be those in academia or adults who have been in the wider workplace for a period of time. Many might already have an appreciation of what other material handling equipment (say, a forklift truck) does, but less so an electric overhead traveling (EOT) crane or hoist.
The game is a combined effort of CMAA, HMI and MMA member companies in conjunction with Vern Shurtz and John Berryman from the Stratus Technology Group. It will be available on OverheadAlliance.org in September and select gaming pOréals later this year.

More Info: https://www.mhi.org/solutions/overhead-alliance

The Latest

More Stories

Gather AI Expands Inventory Intelligence Solution into Freezer & Cold Storage Warehouse Environments
Gather AI

Gather AI Expands Inventory Intelligence Solution into Freezer & Cold Storage Warehouse Environments

Pittsburgh, PA – November 19, 2024 – Today inventory intelligence solution Gather AI announces its expansion into freezer and cold storage warehouse environments, an industry-first for inventory monitoring automation.

According to Grand View Research, the U.S. cold storage market size was valued at $40 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $97 billion by 2030. This can be attributed to technological advancements in packaging, processing, and storage of temperature-sensitive items.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

VARGO® announces several vendor partnerships and client expansions in Q3 2024

Dublin, Ohio (November 19, 2024) — VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions, has announced several new vendor partnerships and customer advancements that are helping them to create efficiencies and empower fulfillment.

VARGO® and Tompkins Robotics have signed a mutual partnership, designating VARGO® as an authorized integrator of the technology. “Tompkins is an obvious choice in partner for us,” said Bart Cera, CEO. “Their robotics solutions are conducive to a weightless, continuous flow as well as being modular and quickly deployable. Their solutions have the ability to shrink or grow with the size of our customer’s operation which will allow us to utilize it often and in many different merchandise categories.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Seegrid joins Open Source Robotics Alliance

Seegrid RS1 AMR utilizing ROS 2 to perform manipulation task in industrial facility.

Photo courtesy of Seegrid

Seegrid joins Open Source Robotics Alliance

November 19, 2024 - Seegrid Corporation, a leading manufacturer of autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions for palletized material handling in the US, today announced its membership in the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA), an initiative of the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF). Through this partnership, Seegrid will contribute its industry-leading expertise through its active involvement in the open-source robotics community. The company joins a vibrant network of innovators, collectively driving open-source development for the betterment of the global robotics landscape.

As part of the OSRA, Seegrid will actively support initiatives that foster collaboration and shared knowledge across the robotics field. The company aims to participate in key OSRF activities, including the renowned ROSCon event, as well as on-line communities such as GitHub and ROS Discourse.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rich Egan headshot

Rich Egan, Averitt's vice president of international solutions

Averitt

Averitt names Rich Egan vice president of international solutions

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Averitt has appointed Rich Egan as the company’s new vice president of international solutions. Egan, who brings over 40 years of experience in the transportation industry and has specialized in international logistics since 1990, will assume the position held by the retiring Charlie McGee.

Since joining Averitt in 2019 as director of international solutions, Egan has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global logistics strategy. His expertise and commitment to service excellence have contributed significantly to Averitt’s growth in this sector. In his new role, Egan will lead the international solutions team and drive strategic initiatives to enhance Averitt's global logistics offerings.

Keep ReadingShow less

Conveyor Solutions, KVK, Electrical Services Group, SIM Aftermarket Services, and SIM Software, combine

Elgin, Il. - October 21, 2024 – Systems in Motion today announced that its new name and brand will be effective immediately. This name change is part of a rebranding initiative, but is also the culmination of the companies’ close working relationship for the past five years and represents their unified strength. Systems in Motion will continue to provide material handling services as a tier-one, turnkey material handling integrator.

The Systems in Motion name creates a single and powerful platform – one that embodies client and industry goals of moving forward – while understanding the complexities and unique objectives of every system. The new brand also signifies the culmination of investment in internal processes that streamline procedures, and deliver a seamless customer experience.

Keep ReadingShow less