Earthmoving technology continues to move forward at a steady pace, with new systems that make excavators more efficient than ever before. Highly sophisticated intelligent machines are offering contractors the benefit of connected technologies. These can deliver work faster and more accurately than was possible in the past while eliminating the need for reworking and cutting fuel consumption, as well as improving the environmental profile of operations.
The recent bauma exhibition saw the unveiling of a range of technologies from an array of manufacturers for the earthmoving segment, and with a particular focus on the excavator sector.
Multiple updates are now being offered for the Cat excavator range, including sophisticated grade technologies, a new user interface for quick navigation and an advanced payload option. These updates apply to the firm’s small, medium, and large excavators.
The grade enhancements are now integrated into the standard Cat Grade with 2D package, provided through the firm’s partnership with Trimble. This 2D technology offers real-time guidance for accurate vertical and horizontal control, ensuring that cuts and fills are made to specification, without undercutting or overcutting. The system can eliminate the need for ground stakes in most applications. The touchscreen displays target grade with visual guidance plus height and depth. The integrated components are protected from damage, and 2D works with multiple bucket types, including digging, cleaning, grading and tilting.
Grade with 3D technology is a new factory-installed option that can be ordered for excavators. This option includes the hardware required for the 3D system, installed and tested from the factory. Cat payload for excavators provides precise bucket-load information with on-the-go weighing to prevent overloading or underloading.
Operators keep track of material moved and can split tasks between truck loading in weigh mode and moving material around the site in stockpile mode.
The ability to input couplers and attachments into the system makes setting up work-tool combinations highly efficient by significantly reducing calibration time. Customers with excavators can upgrade the system to advanced payload for capabilities such as custom tags, daily totals and electronic ticketing. Combined with VisionLink, advanced payload enables customers to manage production targets remotely.
A highly sophisticated system for connected fleet management has been unveiled in the shape of Hitachi’s excavator concept, LANDCROS One. This package is said to blend artificial intelligence and gamified ergonomics with autonomous and remote-operation capabilities.
The concept benefits from Hitachi’s sophisticated controls and digital interfaces to provide an intuitive operator environment. The design features a modular cab with optimised ergonomics intended to appeal to a younger workforce through gamifying operations and AI-assisted interfaces.
Integrated AI and automation systems can handle routine tasks and provide intelligent assistance during complex operations. The design integrates cameras, sensors and advanced digital-assist systems that Hitachi has developed with strategic partners.
The machine can be controlled remotely, enabling 24/7 operation through different time zones. There is also an autonomous mode triggered by operator instructions for repetitive and predicted tasks.
This is a concept technology for the moment but Hitachi is likely to introduce machines featuring similar systems in production models in coming years.
Komatsu claims that its new PC220LCi-12 is the most intelligent excavator on the market. The firm says that the new model builds upon a decade of experience, and millions of operating hours in integrated machine-control technology. This excavator is said to offer customers the latest in intelligent machine-control (iMC) 3.0 technology. In addition to setting new standards of productivity and efficiency, the machine has a new cab design that maximises operator comfort and connectivity that offers solutions to make digital jobsite transformation easier.
The new PC220LCi-12 with iMC 3.0 offers advanced features including 3D boundary, auto swing, swing to line, travel along line, tiltrotator integration and control, and advanced payload meter. It also assists with digitalisation of the jobsite through Smart Construction integration.
In addition, Komatsu’s Smart Construction 3D machine-guidance system is now compatible with the major tilt rotator brands, including Engcon, Steelwrist, Rototilt, and OilQuick. This ensures that operators can achieve greater efficiency, precision, and versatility on the jobsite.
The system provides real-time 2D and 3D guidance to enhance earthmoving precision, reduce rework, and optimise workflows and can be retrofitted on excavators ranging from 13-120tonnes, including models from other suppliers.
This IoT solution collects as-built data which is visualised in a 3D digital twin within the Smart Construction dashboard. It provides actionable insights into project progress. Additionally, it includes a licence for the lifetime of the system, allowing remote file transfers and troubleshooting. Payload information is reported automatically to Smart Construction Fleet, improving operational tracking and machine productivity.
