PURPOSE: To carry objects automatically and safely in prevention of collapsing or falling of carrying objects in cylindrical form stacked in plural steps.

CONSTITUTION: In an automatic crane by which carrying objects G1, G2, G3 are carried from a carrying objects storage where carrying objects in cylindrical form are stacked in plural steps, distance detection means 3, 4 for sensing a distance up to a carrying object existing obliquely downward from a hanging means 1 are disposed at the hanging means 1, of an automatic crane, so that it is determined by a determination whether there is any other carrying object, or not, on the upper step of carrying objects about to be hang up. Accordingly, by detecting carrying objects in cylindrical form in non-contact manner, collapsing or falling of carrying objects stacked on a upper step is prevented.