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The latest advancements in machine control technology

The latest advancements in machine control technology in 2024 are marked by significant strides in various areas, including AI and machine learning, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cybersecurity, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and spatial computing. Here are some key trends and developments:

AI and Machine Learning: AI is increasingly used in control systems for fast and precise decision-making, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control algorithms. This application of AI enables real-time data analysis to predict maintenance needs and optimize system performance, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): IIoT has become integral in control systems, enabling the interconnectivity of devices and systems for data collection and sharing. This facilitates real-time monitoring, remote control, and predictive maintenance, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime and costs.
Cybersecurity: As industrial systems are increasingly connected, they become more vulnerable to cyber threats. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection systems, and regular security updates, is crucial to protect sensitive data and ensure the consistent and safe performance of machinery.
Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs): There have been advancements in HMIs, leading to more intuitive and user-friendly control systems. Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are enhancing the training, maintenance, and troubleshooting processes, thus improving operator productivity and reducing errors.
Spatial Computing: This involves building digital experiences that embody a physical sense of space, offering more dynamic, immersive ways to convey complex information. Spatial computing has implications for industrial digital twins, virtual training scenarios, and real-time remote assistance. As the working world adopts more spatial technologies, there is a need for robust security strategies designed with zero-trust principles.
Supply Chain Traceability and Efficiency: Real-time supply chain tracking is being enhanced with IoT and AI-powered software, leading to improved inventory accuracy, reduced fulfillment time, and optimized operations.
Digital Twin Technology: Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical machines, providing valuable insights into machine behavior for data-driven decision making and design improvements. They continuously update and evolve by integrating real-time data from sensors, offering a dynamic tool for troubleshooting, training, and innovation.
Industrial Cloud Computing: Centralized platforms for data collection, storage, and analysis in real-time are emerging, enabling insightful analytics and predictive maintenance. These platforms offer scalable computing resources and robust security for sensitive operational data.

In conclusion, the landscape of machine control technology in 2024 is being reshaped by these technological advancements, with a focus on efficiency, security, and enhanced human-machine collaboration.

Development of a Vision-based Machine Guidance System for Hydraulic Excavators

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An excavator is a representative construction machine used to perform earthwork. The work efficiency of an excavator significantly influences the overall work productivity of the earthwork. However, the work efficiencies of the excavators reduce with the increasing shortage of skilled excavator drivers. This study aims to develop a vision-based machine guidance system for excavators that can be used in earthwork sites to improve the work safety and efficiency of the operation. The prototype of the vision-based machine guidance system developed in this study had an around-view monitoring (AVM) image radius of 7 m. The information is updated every 50 ms, and the AVM images are refreshed at an average rate of 28.2 fps, thereby improving the efficiency of the actual excavation. The performance and stability of the developed prototype were verified through 80 h of continuous field operation. In this study, field testing was conducted on one excavator driver. Hence, further work is necessary to quantitatively verify the system using many excavator drivers. The system can improve the work efficiency after its commercialization, in comparison to that of conventional earthwork using excavators. It allows the drivers to perform earthwork with improved safety and a full view around the excavator.

Komatsu offers 3D Machine Guidance across excavator range.

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Andy BrownHead of Content, Construction and Engagement

Komatsu has announced that it will offer Smart Construction’s 3D Machine Guidance Kit as a technological enhancement for a broad range of standard Komatsu machines as well as mixed fleets, a decade after launching its intelligent Machine Control (iMC).

The 3D Machine Guidance Kit technology will be an available add-on for crawler and wheeled excavators of any brand from 13 to 120 tonnes. The kit is also said to offer a wide range of configurations for machines across all generations.

“The 3D Machine Guidance Kit is the result of extensive efforts by Komatsu to deliver a truly user-friendly system, giving the operator a level of digital assistance whatever the requirement,” said Richard Clement, Deputy General Manager Smart Construction.

By purchasing an excavator with the 3D Machine Guidance Kit, customers will be able to operate their machines with 2D and 3D machine guidance. The 3D Machine Guidance Kit can be customised with various optional additions such as a tilt bucket and couplers kit, two-piece boom kit, super long front kit, and SATEL radio kit.

Developed by Komatsu for Smart Construction, the 3D Machine Guidance Kit is said to be fully supported by the Komatsu distribution network.

“Customers tell us that productivity, real-time jobsite information, and keeping pace with digital transformation are some of their biggest challenges today. Komatsu has developed the 3D Machine Guidance Kit in response to these needs,” said Jim Venerus, product marketing general manager.

Venerus added that the 3D Machine Guidance Kit delivers “productivity gains via 2D and 3D machine guidance, real-time connectivity, and the ability to make data-driven decisions.”

AI tech trials see Costain play a key role in roadwork innovation

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Costain is providing pro bono support to two proposals to trial the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in National Highways projects in 2024.

National Highways, in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, has announced a competition to encourage innovative solutions aimed at improving road users’ experience of roadworks on England’s motorways and A-roads.

Two winning proposals have received Costain’s mentorship and extensive experience in complex delivery and customer service. Costain will continue to support these proposals during their trials scheduled to begin in January.

Alchera Technologies collaborated with Costain to propose the use of AI technology for monitoring the impact of road closures and roadworks on traffic flow and driver behaviour.

The trial will employ graph convolutional neural networks to provide predicted traffic data, enabling road engineers and traffic controllers to quickly respond to changing conditions and make informed decisions while conducting essential roadworks.

Costain has also partnered with Wordnerds, a data company, and recently joined forces with Kier to tackle the challenges encountered across the National Highways supply chain.

Both Alchera Technologies and Wordnerds have been mentored by Costain throughout the competition process, learning from customer and traffic management experts to see how the technology could be applied to real-world scenarios. Both companies received up to £60,000 from National Highways to take their ideas forward to trial in early 2024.

David Taylor, interim managing director for transportation at Costain, said, “The winning proposals are hugely compelling because they have the potential to solve complex, often intangible infrastructure problems with a clever blend of cutting-edge technology and deep industry knowledge.”

Why Connected Construction Gear is All the Rage in 2023 and Beyond

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Let’s dive into why machine control is the hot ticket in construction right now, thanks to a combo of digital advancements, emerging products, and big economic trends.

The 2023 State of the Industry Construction Technology Report tells us that contractors are already getting amongst connected equipment tech, and they’re planning to use it even more. About 13% of those surveyed are already using interconnected gear, and another 62% reckon it’ll be key for them in the next decade.

So, what connected equipment tech are these tradies using or planning to splash cash on? More of them are using machine control tech straight from their equipment OEM than aftermarket options from the likes of Trimble, Leica, Topcon, and others. Experts reckon the construction machine control sector will jump from $4.4 billion in 2022 to $5 billion in 2023, and then to $7.6 billion by 2027.

Automation to Tackle Staff Shortages This growth isn’t just about new tech and products hitting the market. It’s also because machine control is a solid answer to a big headache in construction – finding enough staff. As of February 2023, contractors need to hire about 546,000 extra workers to meet this year’s demand, says Associated Builders and Contractors.

McKinsey’s research by Garo Hovnanian, Ryan Luby, and Shannon Peloq highlights that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to create 3.2 million new jobs in nonresidential construction and its supply chain. But with a tight labor market, other sectors have seen productivity dips. Not great timing when there’s a surge in demand.

Tech that cuts down on the hours needed or the skill level required for projects is already making a difference. This includes not just automated machine operation but also equipment guidance products like Cat Assist.

An early study at the University of Southern Mississippi found that automated machine guidance offered:

66% time savings for grade checking
85% reduction in or elimination of staking
30-50% time savings through uninterrupted earthmoving
66% reduction in survey staffing and 100% increase in speed

Equipment Guidance as a Stepping Stone Equipment guidance is bringing real labor and time-saving benefits, and more products are on the way. Some, like Trimble’s Siteworks Machine Guidance, can be upgraded later for more autonomy.

Jack Young from Trimble Civil Construction says, “This is machine guidance, not full automation. But it’s a stepping stone to more advanced tech. It’s buildable and not a dead end.”

This approach makes the tech more accessible, even for contractors with just one machine. Trimble and others are also offering it as a service, which might be more appealing for those cautious about investing big or wanting to try the tech without fully committing.

More Autonomy and Robotics on the Horizon While equipment guidance is great on its own, tech that automates the business end of construction gear or even the steering is now mature and proven, especially for earthwork and paving.

Emerging tech is pushing the boundaries even further. Built Robotics, for example, is automating excavators for utility trenching in solar farms. They’ve also launched a robotic pile driver at CONEXPO.

Sarcos Technologies is another player in this space, focusing on supervised autonomy for repetitive tasks. They’ve got machines for grinding, spraying, hydroblasting, torque tooling, and surface prep.

Underlying Tech Advancements Electrification is another big shift in construction gear, driven by environmental and sustainability goals. This could speed up the rollout of new machine control tech.

Electrification is changing the game, especially for lighter gear. It might lead to more efficient electromechanical actuators replacing hydraulics, which are smaller, lighter, and don’t need all the hydraulic kit.

Electromechanical actuators could first appear in lighter equipment due to their capacities. They offer more precise movement, which could make automated gear more accurate and easier for operators in tight spaces or complex tasks.

The Future of Autonomous Construction Gear While some companies are unleashing fully autonomous machines for specific tasks and others automate steering and production, the future could see gear that operates entirely on its own in more complex and dynamic job sites.

“Revolutionising the Construction Industry with Tech”

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In recent times, the construction industry has copped a massive shake-up thanks to the introduction of machine control systems. These top-notch tech solutions have turned the game on its head, bringing in a new age of precision, efficiency, and safety on construction sites. In this yarn, we will have a squiz at the leaps and bounds made in machine control systems and the massive benefits they’re chucking into construction projects.

Enhanced Precision: Machine control systems have been a game-changer in boosting precision on the worksite. With the help of GPS, sensors, and clever algorithms, machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes are now operating with spot-on accuracy. They stick to the design specs to a T, ensuring the project shapes up exactly as planned. This spot-on precision cuts out human error and slashes the need for do-overs, saving time and resources.

Increased Efficiency: Chuck in machine control systems, and you’ve got yourself a new level of efficiency in construction work. These systems let you keep an eye on things in real-time and crunch the numbers on the fly, helping project managers to smooth out the workflow and spot any hold-ups. For instance, machine control can give you the lowdown on how much your machines are being used, how much fuel they’re chugging, and when they need a bit of TLC. This means you can make smart calls early on, keeping downtime to a minimum. With streamlined processes and machines running like a dream, construction jobs can wrap up quicker, hitting deadlines and reducing costs.

Improved Safety: Safety is a big deal in construction, and machine control systems are doing their bit to make worksites safer. By automating some of the jobs and cutting down on the need for hands-on work, these systems reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Plus, with nifty features like collision detection, obstacle dodging, and remote operation, there’s an extra layer of safety for both the operators and the crew. Machine control systems help sites stick to strict safety standards, dodging potential dangers and creating a safer workplace.

Enhanced Productivity: Machine control systems are a boon for productivity in construction projects. They take care of the repetitive and grunt-heavy tasks, like digging, grading, and shifting materials, freeing up the crew to focus on the trickier stuff. With productivity through the roof, construction companies can tackle more significant projects, juggle multiple jobs simultaneously, and boost their bottom line.

Cost Optimisation: Rolling out machine control systems can save a pretty penny for construction projects. By cutting down on stuff-ups, rework, and wasted materials, these tech solutions help keep costs in check. Plus, the data gathered by machine control systems is gold for planning projects and allocating resources without blowing the budget. The long-term savings make investing in machine control systems a smart move for construction businesses, big and small.

Machine control systems turn construction sites into more efficient, precise, and safe workspaces. With tech constantly evolving, the construction industry is getting a leg up with automation, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decisions, delivering projects with top-notch accuracy and productivity. As these systems keep improving, they’re going to make a huge splash across the industry, ushering in a new era of tech-savvy and innovative construction. By getting on board with machine control systems, construction companies can stay ahead of the game, meet deadlines, and lift the overall quality of their work.