Imagine that in the future machines can be controlled virtually, the loading and unloading processes happen autonomously, the devices detect obstacles by themselves, the lifting solutions communicate with the control center independently so the service operator receives a constant flow of information about the work process and the condition of the machinery.
To make all these a reality, Palfinger organized Austria’s biggest hackathon with more than 100 participants forming 23 teams. The Palfinger Hackathon took place on 4th and 5th of March 2017 at the Microsoft Headquarter with the goal of finding the most innovative designs and ideas relating to virtual-, augmented- and mixed reality, digital services and autonomous machine handling. Hackathon is a word creation from “hack” and “Marathon” and it is a design sprint-like event in which individuals and teams collaborate intensively on both software, hardware projects.
Palfinger, with Microsoft and Tieto as experienced digitalization partners on board, is a pioneer in incorporating digital features and in the area of digital transformation. Microsoft hosted the event and provided the opportunity to work with cutting edge software- and hardware technologies, such as using HoloLens for business cases or using the Azure Platform for building powerful applications.
The Palfinger Hackathon was about breaking limits, developing new, innovative ideas and concepts, have fun, meet new inspirational people, expand Palfinger’s product and service portfolio and partaking in the company’s digitalization journey. The competition addressed students, technology start-ups and innovators, who are open-minded for new technologies and have ideas as to how new business models can be used at Palfinger.
The competitors had 36 hours to generate new ideas, concepts focusing on four core challenges formulated by Palfinger, but of course everyone had the possibility to come up with inspiring ideas outside this area. The four areas where Palfinger looked for ideas:
- 1. Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Augmented Reality
- 2. Increase degree of automation for the loading- and unloading of trucks
- 3. Digital assistance systems
- 4. PALFINGER as a service
On Sunday at 4pm the teams started to present their business models in two minutes. The teams came up with solutions covering a broad range of challenges Palfinger is currently facing. Some of the best ideas were:
- Using drones help operators having a better view on the crane and on other objects.
- A built-in camera at the end of the jib can provide a better view for the operators, which is an important security factor.
- Allow Palfinger to offer crane services with an app, which accompanies customers in the whole renting process.
- Learning cranes can automatize the whole loading and unloading process.
- With the help of VR, enable operators to have real time visualization about the ideal position of the cargo.
- Mixed reality planning assistant used with the help of HoloLens and an app for optimal crane positioning and for live lifting range and capacity visualization.
Even though all ideas were outstanding, the winning idea was an intelligent personal assistant, which recognizes natural voice and gives countless possible ways of supporting the operators.
The best 10 teams were awarded with valuable prizes. The top three competitors were awarded prize money over 6.000 Euro as well as the offer to work together with the developers of Palfinger on the victorious concepts.
The ambience of the event was just great and the feedback was very positive from every participant. The event showed the importance of collaboration on the way towards digital transformation. As an intern in Microsoft’s EPG segment it was a great experience to participate in such an exciting event, where we had the chance to get know better our partner Palfinger on their digital journey.
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtUYBZL_8MU
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