Automated Crane Systems
Automated overhead crane systems are revolutionizing material handling by improving workplace safety, boosting operational efficiency, and delivering unmatched precision. These intelligent systems reduce the need for manual lifting, lowering injury risks while streamlining complex processes. By integrating advanced crane automation technology, businesses gain real-time control over material flow and achieve smarter, data-driven resource management.
At Midwest Overhead Crane, our automated crane solutions feature cutting-edge motion control, anti-sway technology, collision prevention systems, and synchronized multi-axis movement. Designed for long-term reliability and easy maintenance, our systems integrate seamlessly with your existing warehouse management software. Whether you’re lifting heavy loads or handling sensitive logistics tasks, our automation solutions deliver the performance today’s industrial environments demand.
Midwest Crane Automation Expertise
At Midwest Overhead Crane, we design and implement intelligent automation systems for overhead cranes and hoists, giving our clients precise load control and optimized material movement. Our automated crane technology supports a wide range of equipment and applications, including:
- Overhead Cranes – Engineered for heavy-duty lifting with smooth, automated operation.
- Gantry Cranes – Ideal for large-scale or outdoor material handling operations.
- Jib Cranes – Perfect for localized, precision lifting and maneuvering.
- Hoists – Offered in electric, manual, pneumatic, and wire rope configurations to meet your needs.
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) – Streamline warehouse inventory flow and efficiency.
- T-Cars and Shuttles – Fast, accurate transport systems for automated material transfer.
- Plating Line Automation – Boost precision and throughput in industrial finishing environments.
Backed by a team with deep experience in crane automation, we offer robust features that maximize safety, performance, and control:
- Skew Correction – Maintains straight travel and improves tracking accuracy.
- Anti-Sway Control – Minimizes load swing for safer, more precise handling.
- Collision Avoidance – Uses smart sensors to prevent accidents and protect equipment.
- Multi-Axis Coordination – Enables complex, synchronized movement across multiple crane axes.
- Redundant Safety Systems – Ensures fail-safe performance and regulatory compliance.
Our automation solutions easily integrate with existing Level 2 WMS platforms, even if we are not providing or replacing the warehouse software—ensuring consistent connectivity, simplified maintenance, and increased operational reliability.
Industries & Applications for Crane Automation
At Midwest Overhead Crane, we provide custom automation solutions designed to meet the demands of a wide range of industries. With decades of experience and deep knowledge of lifting technologies, we support customers across the following sectors:
- Implement Dealers – When servicing heavy machinery, having the right overhead lifting system is essential for safely and precisely handling large components. We help implement dealers choose the right equipment or services to support efficient repairs and shop operations.
- Injection Molding – We understand the unique lifting needs of the injection molding industry—whether it’s for fast, lightweight lifts or complex, heavy tooling. Our automation and service solutions support safe, efficient maintenance and uptime for critical equipment.
- General Manufacturing – From material flow to equipment access, manufacturers rely on us to design, maintain, and upgrade overhead crane systems that minimize downtime and increase production capacity across a wide range of applications.
- Assembly Plants – Production lines demand reliability, safety, and efficiency. Our overhead crane automation solutions are tailored to meet diverse space constraints and maintenance needs in fast-paced assembly environments.
- Plating – We design and service crane systems specifically for the challenging environments of plating facilities. From corrosion resistance to heat and humidity concerns, we ensure equipment longevity, safety, and simplified maintenance.
Safety-First Automation
Safety is at the core of every automated crane system we build. Our automation technology includes safety-rated PLCs, smart object detection, and automated collision protection—designed to meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI standards.
Engineered Reliability
Our systems combine industrial-grade hardware with dependable software. Features like built-in redundancies, live diagnostics, and proactive maintenance alerts ensure your crane automation platform performs reliably under pressure.
Productivity-Driven Design
We help facilities cut manual processes, reduce cycle times, and improve throughput. With real-time tracking and intelligent control, our automation systems are engineered to help you meet your productivity goals.
Simplified Service & Maintenance
Using trusted control platforms like Allen-Bradley and Siemens, our automation systems are designed for ease of use, modularity, and low-maintenance operation. Remote support and 24/7 technical assistance ensure you’re never on your own.
Cranes Automation Solutions
Bridge Crane
Designed to emulate a 5-axis stacker crane, this automated bridge crane system enables precise, multi-directional motion for heavy-duty load handling. Integrated automation improves load positioning, operational speed, and workplace safety across a variety of industrial settings.
Auto-Centering
Ensures exact load alignment prior to lifting, reducing misplacement risks and promoting consistent workflow performance throughout operations.
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Anti-Sway
Advanced control algorithms actively minimize sway during hoisting and movement, improving load stability and enhancing operational safety.
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ICS-5000
A legacy crane control platform still found in some facilities, often requiring modernization to enhance integration, safety, and performance reliability.
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ABCIS/SIBICS
Our next-generation automation control systems are designed to replace outdated ICS-5000 units, providing improved performance, real-time monitoring, and enhanced compliance with modern safety standards.
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Skew Controls
A precision control system that reduces operational skewing, boosting crane alignment, minimizing mechanical stress, and increasing system uptime.
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Augmented Reality Crane Control
Innovative augmented reality (AR) interfaces offer live crane operation visualization, improving situational awareness, operator training, and real-time decision-making.
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Obstacle Avoidance
AI-driven sensors detect and respond to potential obstacles to help prevent collisions, increase worker safety, and minimize equipment downtime.
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TruStor
A high-performance control platform delivering precise motion control and repeatable accuracy, enhancing crane reliability and throughput.
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Truzone
A zone-based automation system tailored for plating and pickling lines that improves safety by restricting unnecessary crane movement and optimizing process flow.
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Crane Lab
Our state-of-the-art crane lab includes a fully operational bridge crane with trolley, hoist, and rotating grabs—enabling proof-of-concept testing, operator training, and system validation before full-scale deployment.
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Plating/Pickling Lines
We specialize in automating plating and pickling processes to improve chemical application accuracy, reduce waste, and maximize production efficiency.
Anti-Sway
Effectively reduces material swing during plating operations, supporting greater control and product quality.
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Trutime
Delivers real-time monitoring and data analysis to optimize cycle times, ensure consistency, and support continuous process improvement.
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Stacker Cranes & AS/RS Solutions
We upgrade legacy stacker crane systems with cutting-edge automation technology to increase system speed, precision, and compatibility with modern warehouse management systems.
ICS-5000
Older-generation controls that are still in use, often requiring modernization for improved reliability and functionality.
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ABCIS/SIBICS
Advanced control solutions developed to replace outdated platforms—enhancing system insight, performance, and regulatory compliance.
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Trumotion
A powerful motion control system engineered for fast, responsive, and accurate movement in automated crane and AS/RS applications.
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Obstacle Avoidance
Smart, AI-enabled technology continuously scans the environment to identify obstacles, helping prevent accidents and downtime.
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TruStor
Engineered for consistent, precise crane motion, this system improves dependability and enhances material handling accuracy.
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Augmented Reality Crane Control
AR-enabled solutions offer immersive, real-time control and visibility, streamlining operations and supporting efficient workforce training.
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