Skyline Cockpit’s remote control system for tower cranes won the Digital Innovation in Productivity category at the Digital Construction Awards 2025.
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Skyline Cockpit has done what no other company ever did before: challenge the basic premise of tower crane operators having to sit dozens of metres in the air to perform their job.
In the words of one judge, this is “a game-changing innovation that could redefine crane operations”.
With a multi-angle camera system, Skyline Cockpit allows operators to get a panoramic view from the ground of every essential angle, from the trolley winch to the hook and load line, eliminating the need to squint through a tiny window.
What the judges said
“Skyline Cockpit is a clear winner due to the nature of its benefits, which were significant and evidenced so well. They have the ability to create a lasting step change within the industry, not only to benefit the programme, but also operators’ wellbeing.”
Its cutting-edge software stitches visuals into a single, intuitive display, layering in augmented reality to anticipate exact landing spots in real time. Real-time alerts, safety warnings and weather-based adjustments turn crane operation from guesswork into precision.
The system can be retrofitted to existing tower cranes. Unlike fully automated solutions that require new machinery, Skyline Cockpit upgrades traditional cranes, making remote operation accessible without massive capital investment. It also allows one operator to manage multiple cranes, addressing the labour shortage without impacting efficiency.
Skyline Cockpit’s first UK deployment took place in partnership with Winvic and Radius Group at the Crown Place Birmingham project, a 33-storey student accommodation development.
Other finalists
Electricity Transmission Substation Site Visits AtkinsRéalis
innDex and FM Conway
National Rehabilitation Centre IHP (Vinci Building/Sir Robert McAlpine)/Buildots
Prefabricated partitions on high-rise residential projects KOPE AI/Saint-Gobain Intewall
Smartwaste Scan Cielo Costa/BRE Group
Willmott Dixon in partnership with Nialli and Ascentae
The process came with challenges, including crane operators being initially sceptical about moving from the cab to the ground and regulatory compliance (remote operation in a live construction site required close collaboration with site safety teams). However, once the crane operators experienced the improved visibility, ergonomic set-up and reduced fatigue, adoption accelerated.
Skyline Cockpit also worked alongside Winvic to ensure seamless integration with existing workflows to ensure regulatory compliance.
After a 12-week trial, Winvic kept the system on site, reporting a 10% increase in crane efficiency.
The Digital Construction Awards are organised by Digital Construction Week, the Chartered Institute of Building, Construction Management and DC+. To find out more about the Awards and enquire about sponsorship or entering next year’s event, visit digitalconstructionawards.co.uk.
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