Volvo Wins Gold Prize at Intermat Innovation Awards

April 16, 2012
Volvo Construction Equipment’s Onboard Weighing system won the gold prize at the Intermat 2012 Innovation Awards out of a field of more than 80 entries from leading manufacturers.

Volvo Construction Equipment’s Onboard Weighing system won the gold prize at the Intermat 2012 Innovation Awards out of a field of more than 80 entries from leading manufacturers. The system, designed for its F-Series Full Suspension articulated haulers, monitors the input of weight on the machine from full-suspension pressure sensors, and relays this information to load software integrated into the machine’s electronics.

Fully automatic OBW logs all transported loads, and the data is shown on the operator’s display, and can be accessed remotely via Volvo’s CareTrack telematics system. This allows complete payload management, giving access to data such as total transported load in tons, tons transported per liter of fuel and number of cycles. OBW-equipped haulers are fitted with a load-indicator light mounted outside the machine and visible to the operator of the wheel loader or excavator that is loading the hauler, helping to prevent overloading and machine wear, tire damage and excess fuel consumption that go with it.

The Intermat 2012 Innovation Awards honor the most innovative equipment and techniques in the industry. The jury, under the chairmanship of the president of the French National Federation of Public Works, announced its decision in Paris earlier this year and member of Volvo CE’s technology group were there to receive the award on the opening day of Intermat 2012.

“The potential of the OBW in unlocking the secret of hauler productivity shouldn’t be underestimated, and I’m gratified that the Innovation Awards judges have recognized its significance,” said Anders Larsson, head of Volvo’s technology function.