Automated crane systems are transforming how industries handle materials—boosting safety, precision, and productivity. By reducing manual processes, these systems help minimize workplace hazards while increasing efficiency. With advanced automation technology, businesses can streamline daily operations, improve resource management, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Reading Crane’s automation solutions include intelligent motion control, load stabilization, obstacle detection, and synchronized multi-axis movement. Built for reliability and seamless integration, our systems fit effortlessly with your warehouse management setup. From heavy lifting and logistics to delicate material handling, our automation delivers the adaptability and control needed for today’s industrial demands.

Automated Crane Systems

Advanced Overhead Crane Automation

An overhead crane -Coil tong carrying a steel coil

At Reading Crane & Engineering, we focus on precision automation for cranes and hoists. Our comprehensive solutions apply to a wide array of equipment, including:

  • Overhead Cranes – Ideal for heavy lifting and consistent material flow.
  • Gantry Cranes – Designed for open-area and large-scale material movement.
  • Jib Cranes – Perfect for targeted, accurate load handling.
  • Hoists – Available in manual, electric chain, wire rope, and pneumatic configurations.
  • AS/RS Systems – Automate warehouse logistics and inventory tracking.
  • T-Cars & Shuttles – Improve transport and product positioning.
  • Plating Lines – Deliver smooth, automated processes for plating operations.

Our automation innovations support key features like:

  • Skew Control – Keeps crane travel aligned and optimized.
  • No-Sway Technology – Reduces sway for pinpoint accuracy.
  • Obstacle Avoidance – Uses sensors to maintain safe operations.
  • Coordinated Multi-Axis Movements – Manages complex tasks with ease.
  • Advanced Safety & Redundancy Features – Meets rigorous safety standards while maximizing uptime.

Our Level 1 automation systems are compatible with Level 2 WMS software, ensuring dependable performance and integration—even when we’re not replacing your WMS platform.

Industries We Serve

For more than 100 years, Reading has provided our customers with solutions and components for automated crane systems. Our automation team understands the unique challenges and benefits of utilizing automation in applications throughout many industries, including:

  • Automotive – In automotive manufacturing, automated crane systems boost productivity by streamlining material flow, managing large parts, and supporting just-in-time production strategies. Our solutions deliver pinpoint accuracy and integrate seamlessly with assembly line operations.
  • Metals Production – From steel mills to aluminum plants, automated cranes play a crucial role in moving heavy coils, slabs, and billets. Our cutting-edge automation ensures precise load control, real-time temperature tracking, and minimized downtime.
  • Power Generation – Automated crane technology is essential in power generation facilities for safely transporting turbines, generators, and key infrastructure. Our systems feature built-in safety protocols, including collision avoidance and redundancy for critical operations.
  • Construction – In construction and fabrication settings, automated cranes improve shop floor logistics by transporting materials quickly and accurately. These systems help lower labor costs and keep projects on track—particularly in precast concrete and structural steel work.
  • Aerospace – Aerospace operations benefit greatly from automated crane systems that handle delicate and high-value components during assembly, storage, and maintenance. Our cranes provide controlled movement and integrate effortlessly with complex manufacturing environments.
  • Ports – In busy port operations, automated crane systems streamline container handling and cargo movement, boosting throughput and reducing manual intervention. Our advanced controls improve efficiency, safety, and coordination for ship-to-shore and yard operations.
Automated Applications

Why Choose Reading Crane Automation?

Inspections-OSHA

Safety First

We incorporate advanced safety features like smart PLCs, collision detection, and protective zones—meeting all industry regulations to safeguard workers and equipment.

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Unmatched Reliability

Using top-tier technology from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and others, our systems are engineered to withstand harsh environments with minimal downtime.

Scheduling

Boosted Productivity

Automation reduces manual intervention, speeds up operations, and provides real-time performance data to continuously optimize your workflow.

Reporting

Easy Maintenance

Our intuitive interfaces and remote support capabilities ensure quick diagnostics and simplified upkeep.

Contact us now to find the right automation solution for your operations.

Cranes Automation Solutions

Bridge Crane

Our bridge crane system is engineered for accurate, multidirectional movement, making it ideal for demanding, high-load tasks. Its automated features boost precision, operational speed, and on-site safety across diverse industrial environments.

Auto-Centering

Auto-centering technology guarantees proper load alignment before lifting begins, helping to prevent misplacement and maintain smooth, efficient operations.

Anti-Sway

Sophisticated motion control reduces sway and vibration, ensuring safer, more accurate handling during transport and lift cycles.

ICS-5000

This legacy control platform remains active in some facilities but may benefit from modernization to enhance dependability and system performance.

ABCIS/SIBICS

Our next-generation control systems are built to replace aging ICS-5000 units—delivering greater functionality, real-time monitoring, and upgraded safety compliance.

Skew Controls

This intelligent control solution optimizes crane alignment and positioning, reducing wear, increasing throughput, and improving system uptime.

Augmented Reality Crane Control

Leading-edge AR technology enables real-time visualization and hands-on control, improving operator awareness, training effectiveness, and in-the-moment decisions.

Obstacle Avoidance

AI-powered sensors and smart detection systems reduce collision risks, promoting a safer and more efficient work environment.

TruStor

An advanced control platform engineered for precise crane operation, increasing dependability and maintaining consistent performance across all tasks.

Truzone

A zoned automation and safety solution that enhances plating and pickling line productivity by preventing unnecessary movement and minimizing exposure to risk.

Crane Lab

Our state-of-the-art crane lab includes a working bridge crane with a trolley, hoist, and rotating grab tools—designed for comprehensive testing, proof-of-concept trials, and hands-on operator training before live deployment.

Crane Lab

Plating/Pickling Lines

We specialize in automating plating and pickling line operations, delivering improved chemical application accuracy, minimized material waste, and increased production throughput for metal processing facilities.

DCIM100GOPRO

Anti-Sway

Our anti-sway technology stabilizes loads during plating and pickling processes, helping maintain precise material positioning and boosting operational efficiency.
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Trutime

Trutime offers live data tracking and process analytics, enabling smarter decision-making, optimized workflow, and higher quality output in surface treatment operations.
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Stacker Cranes & AS/RS Solutions

We modernize existing stacker cranes by retrofitting them with advanced automation technology—enhancing performance, boosting precision, and enabling seamless connectivity with warehouse management systems.

ICS-5000

A legacy control system still in use in some facilities, often requiring upgrades to improve reliability and functionality.

ABCIS/SIBICS

Our state-of-the-art control system solutions are designed to replace outdated ICS-5000 systems, enhancing performance and monitoring capabilities.

Trumotion

A cutting-edge motion control algorithm designed for high-speed, high-precision automated crane operations.

Obstacle Avoidance

Intelligent sensors and AI-powered systems help avoid collisions and significantly improve on-site safety.

TruStor

A durable control platform that delivers accurate crane motion, boosting dependability and maintaining smooth, consistent operations.

Augmented Reality Crane Control

Cutting-edge technology enables real-time visualization and control of crane operations, improving operator awareness, training, and decision-making.

Discover how our automated crane systems can transform your operations.

Contact us today to learn more about our industry-leading automation solutions.

Quality Comes First

We Make Sure That Every Minute Detail Is Looked Into While Manufacturing Even The Smallest Product. Our Focus Is 100% On Client Needs And Satisfaction.