Development of automatic steel coil recognition system for automated crane

An automatic steel coil recognition system with two types of laser-assisted range sensor has been developed for full automated crane operation in the steel coil yard. Performance tests of recognizing full scale model coils were carried out by mounting the recognition system on a full size crane. As a result, recognition accuracy of coil center position, coil diameter and width were confirmed to be /spl plusmn/20 mm, which is enough fur practical applications. This recognition system was delivered to commercial operations in the steel maker, and has been operated regularly.