- Tragedy to Triumph: How a Fatal Crane Accident Launched a Center for Crane Safety Research
Prof. Dr. William Singhose, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Abstract: In 2019 a tower crane collapse at a Google building in Seattle, Washington killed two workers and two bystanders. After a prolonged investigation, five companies were found responsible for contributing to the disaster. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the property damage, insurance settlements, and the trial jury verdict resulted in an economic cost of approximately $400 million. The family of one of the bystander victims used the settlement to establish and fund a Center for Crane Safety Research. This talk will review the accident investigation, the legal process, and the activities of the Research Center that was established in the aftermath of the tragedy. - In-Situ Resources Utilization – materials handling, construction and manufacturing in space
Prof. Dr. Damian Pietrusiak, Prof. Dr. Przemysław Moczko
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Abstract: In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is becoming a key technological pathway for sustainable human and robotic exploration of the Moon, Mars and other planetary bodies. Future missions will require not only scientific instruments and mobility systems, but also complete engineering chains for acquiring, transporting, sorting, processing and transforming local materials into useful products. This presentation discusses ISRU from the perspective of mechanical engineering, with particular emphasis on bulk material handling, construction and manufacturing in space. Lunar and Martian regolith are considered not only as geological materials, but also as engineering feedstock for infrastructure, landing pads, roads, protective structures, construction components and, potentially, oxygen or metal extraction processes. The lecture introduces the main challenges related to granular material behaviour under reduced gravity, vacuum, dust contamination, electrostatic effects and limited access to conventional transfer media such as water or air. Special attention is given to size separation. The presentation also highlights the need for experimental testing, numerical modelling and validation using regolith simulants.
- Toward a Unified Analytical Framework for Automated Warehouse Systems: From Crane-Based AS/RS to Shuttle and Robot-Based Architectures
Dr. Michael Eder
Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development, TU Wien
Abstract: Analytical performance models for automated warehouse systems have traditionally been developed for crane-based automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). These systems provide a clear structural basis for modeling storage capacity, travel times, cycle times, and throughput. However, modern warehouse systems increasingly combine technologies such as shuttles, lifts, conveyors, and autonomous mobile robots, making direct comparisons and system design more complex. This paper proposes an analytical framework for describing warehouse systems as three basic functional modules: storage, transport, and transfer. By separating these functions, different system technologies can be represented using a common set of parameters. The framework supports the derivation of capacity and throughput models for conventional AS/RS as well as for shuttle-based and robot-assisted storage systems. In addition to deterministic modeling approaches, the framework considers dynamic system behavior, stochastic effects, and hybrid configurations. This allows the analysis of interactions between storage locations, transport resources, transfer points, and order-processing requirements. The proposed approach provides a structured basis for comparing automated warehouse technologies and supports decision-making in the design, evaluation, and optimization of current and future intralogistics systems.
- Humans Optional? Robotics, Humanoids, and the Future of Logistics Work
Prof. Dr. Jana Jost
Technische Logistik, Technische Universität Hamburg
Abstract: This talk will examine the challenges and solutions in intralogistics resulting from the use of humanoid robots. Despite a wide range of automation solutions, intralogistics is still heavily reliant on manual processes. Companies are currently facing several hurdles. In addition to the shortage of skilled workers, the high physical and mental workload leads to absenteeism due to illness. Robots—and humanoids in particular—can help address these issues thanks to their wide range of applications. But what systems are available on the market, and how do they differ from traditional robotics? And which role will the human worker play.
