ABB´s remote crane operator workstation wins prestigious “red dot award”

Award for the tabletop unit of ABB’s new remote crane operator station, which is a crucial part of ABB’s crane operation solution that enables increased productivity and provides improved working environment for crane operators.

10 April, 2014 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has been awarded the prestigious “red dot award” 2014 for the tabletop operator control unit of its new Remote Control Station (RSC). An international panel of 40 experts assessed products submitted by more than 1,800 manufacturers, designers and architects from 53 nations, evaluating the degree of innovation, functionality, quality, ergonomics, durability and ecological compatibility.

“The new design of the RCS tabletop unit was created following ABB’s ‘Operator in focus’ concept. This concept addresses crane operators’ performance and well-being as the container handling industry continues to expand the scope of remote operations and searches for ways to improve productivity as the ships get larger and the cranes taller,” said Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s Marine and Cranes business. “This year the world’s first remote ship-to-shore crane operators will be joining their stacking crane operator colleagues in a centralized remote control room. Now both operator groups will be able enjoy operating comfort, top quality and leading edge technologies.”

The new RCS is based on extensive ergonomic and usability studies, and provides many improvements for crane operations. The most used controls are placed within a primary reach zone that supports the operator’s natural work flow, making the job as comfortable as possible.

The ‘Operator in focus’ concept aims to improve operator effectiveness and occupational health through the ergonomic design of the entire operator working environment. This includes the entire control room from lighting and noise absorption solutions to the location of adjacent areas, such as locker rooms, dining and meeting areas, in addition to the remote control systems and related operator workstations.

The product design competition has existed since 1955 and is an internationally recognized quality seal for design. ABB also won this prestigious award in 2013 with its Azimuth lever design, used in Azipod® powered ships to control propulsion speed and steering angle.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.

For help with any technical terms in this release, please go to: www.abb.com/glossary