Liebherr Wins ESTA Safety Award for Mobile Crane Driver Assistance Systems
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
Liebherr has received the ESTA Awards of Excellence 2025 Safety Award for introducing driver assistance systems on mobile cranes. The systems, designed to improve visibility and protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, mark a first for the mobile crane sector and reinforce Liebherr’s long-standing focus on safety-driven crane development.
Liebherr has been recognised in the Safety category at the ESTA Awards of Excellence 2025, becoming the first mobile crane manufacturer to introduce driver assistance systems specifically designed to improve safety in road traffic and protect vulnerable road users.
The award was presented during the ESTA Awards ceremony held in Munich on 10 April 2025, with Julian Rapp, Product Manager at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, accepting the award on behalf of the company.
Industry Recognition for Safety Innovation
The ESTA Awards of Excellence are presented annually by ESTA, the European association for the abnormal road transport and mobile crane rental industry, across nine categories.
Commenting on the award, Julian Rapp said:
“It’s great to be honoured in the safety category. Safety has always been a top priority for us in crane development. We at Liebherr care about people’s lives. That’s why winning this safety category is a clear signal for the industry.”
The recognition reflects Liebherr’s focus on extending crane safety beyond lifting operations to include road travel, manoeuvring, and interaction with public traffic environments.
Driver Assistance Systems for Mobile Cranes
Liebherr’s driver assistance systems use digital cameras, sensors, and visual and acoustic alerts to monitor areas around the crane that are difficult or impossible for operators to see from the cab.
These systems are designed to reduce collision risk, particularly in urban environments where mobile cranes frequently operate alongside pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)
The Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) monitors the entire side area of the mobile crane, where blind spots remain even when large mirrors are fitted.
The system is operated via a camera wing equipped with two digital cameras. When pedestrians or cyclists are detected in the danger zone, the system provides visual and acoustic warnings to alert the crane operator in real time.
Moving Off Information System (MOIS)
The Moving Off Information System (MOIS) is designed to protect pedestrians directly in front of the crane, an area where visibility is often restricted due to vehicle height and the position of the hook block.
Two digital cameras mounted on the left and right of the windscreen scan the area ahead of the crane. If a person is detected when the crane is about to move off, the operator receives an immediate visual and acoustic warning.
Raising Road Safety Standards
By introducing driver assistance systems to mobile cranes, Liebherr is addressing a critical risk area often overlooked in crane safety discussions: road travel and manoeuvring in mixed traffic environments.
The systems provide crane operators with a significantly improved situational overview, helping to prevent accidents before they occur and setting a new benchmark for safety technology in the mobile crane sector.gital cameras. If the system detects cyclists or pedestrians, it warns the crane operator visually and acoustically.
About Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile and crawler cranes. Its mobile crane portfolio ranges from 35-tonne, 2-axle cranes to heavy-duty 1,200-tonne mobile cranes on 9-axle chassis. Liebherr’s mobile and crawler lattice boom cranes offer lifting capacities of up to 3,000 tonnes.
With universal boom systems and extensive additional equipment, Liebherr cranes are used on construction sites worldwide. The Ehingen site employs approximately 5,000 people and is supported by a global service network ensuring high crane availability. In 2024, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen recorded a turnover of €3.19 billion.
Visit website → https://www.liebherr.com
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-owned technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment and also supplies products and services across numerous industrial and technology sectors.
The Group comprises over 150 companies worldwide, employs more than 50,000 people, and achieved combined revenues of over €14 billion in 2024. Founded in 1949 by Hans Liebherr in Kirchdorf an der Iller, Germany, the company continues to focus on continuous technological innovation and customer-driven solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Liebherr win the ESTA Safety Award?
For introducing driver assistance systems on mobile cranes, improving road safety and protecting vulnerable road users.
Which systems were recognised by ESTA?
The Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and the Moving Off Information System (MOIS).
Why are these systems important for mobile cranes?
Mobile cranes regularly operate in public traffic and urban environments where visibility is limited and collision risks are higher.
Is Liebherr the first manufacturer to introduce these systems?
Yes, Liebherr is the first mobile crane manufacturer to bring driver assistance systems to market.
Where are Liebherr’s mobile cranes manufactured?
At Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH in Ehingen, Germany.
