Verton

Accelerated commercialisation of world’s first and ground-breaking technology to rotate and manage suspended loads

Research partner
Queensland University of Technology

Total Project Value (AUD)
$3,901,405

IMCRC Funding (AUD)
$370,724

Start date
10/10/2019

Duration
3 years

Currently, when a crane is moving a suspended load, it must be manually positioned or oriented by a person on the ground. Given the operator’s proximity to the load, this is a risky process that has the potential to result in injuries or fatalities.

To de-risk load management, Queensland-based technology company Verton designed, engineered, prototyped, and manufactured a hands-free lifting solution, and in 2019, partnered with IMCRC and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to further refine and commercialise the product.

Three years on, Verton and QUT have successfully harnessed artificial intelligence, data science and robotics to deliver a revolutionary remote-controlled system that safely and accurately orients the loads.

“Using gyroscopic technology, our system enables an operator to remotely manipulate and hold loads in place from up to 200 meters away,” said Marcio Casagranda, Verton’s Head of Business Development.

“The main motivation behind developing this product was improving safety, but as we have deployed the equipment and started monitoring its performance, we have noticed a significant improvement in efficiency as well.

“We have now got the results, proof points and case studies we need to go out to industry to demonstrate how our technology can save time and money. And with key components of our load-management system manufactured in Australia, and with it assembled in-house in Brisbane, we can offer our customers an Australian-made product.”

Stanley Thomson, Verton’s Chief Executive Officer, added that working with IMCRC and QUT was a great experience.

“By providing funding and connecting us to QUT’s expertise and resources, IMCRC helped us to accelerate the commercialisation of our technology, reduce costs and create a more robust and reliable product for our customers.

“IMCRC was able to ensure QUT’s research aligned with Verton’s commercial objectives. And QUT’s team was incredibly supportive of IMCRC’s industry-led approach, as it enabled researchers to integrate with our team and solve a real-world challenge.”

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The success of Verton’s second-generation load management system, which has been released across Australia, Europe and USA, is a direct result of the partnership with IMCRC and QUT.

Stanley Thomson
Chief Executive Officer, Verton