Friday round up: Road challenge, AI acquisition, space moves, big lifts

On the evening of January 29, 2024, the shrink-wrapped Endeavour began its last flight. Lifted by its nose, it was upended and set using Bragg’s Liebherr 1750/2 crawler crane. Endeavour was lifted over the structure of the new building and then lowered into position for attachment to the external tank. PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDRA GARCIA FOR BRAGG COMPANIES

We started this week with a report on the complex task undertaken by QSL Transport to move 51 piping right modules, which involved creating a custom route to avoid power lines. The team navigated narrow country roads at night, using multiple trailer configurations, reinforcing roadways, and temporarily removing power infrastructure to complete the 13.6 mile journey despite winter challenges and the modules’ extreme dimensions.

Then on Tuesday we brought you all the latest news and moves from across the industry. Our top story was the news that Montreal, Canada-based CM Labs is doubling down on adaptive learning with its acquisition of AI Redefined, a leader in human-AI collaboration.

Wednesday’s briefing looked in detail at the remarkable rigging project completed by Bragg Companies. This job involved relocating the space shuttle Endeavour, two solid rocket boosters, and External Tank-94 into a “Go for stack” configuration at the Samuel Oschin air and space centre in California, USA, despite challenges such as limited NASA data and the need to engineer, 3D print, and fabricate key components on site.

On Thursday, Eddy Kitchen, owner and founder of Kitchen’s Crane and Equipment, explored the origins, evolution and cutting-edge capabilities of strand jack technology. He highlighted how these compact yet powerful hydraulic systems enable precise, synchronised lifts where cranes can’t be used, and offered real-world applications from industry leaders like Mammoet, Barnhart, and RLT Engineering.