Technology was the primary theme at ConExpo recently and the advances in equipment were a lot to take in and far more than I have space to inclusively discuss in this column. Pages could be written on some of the things Caterpillar is doing and a lot of manufacturers are making some amazing advances in technology.
John Deere’s partnership with drone manufacturer Kespry offers an aerial intelligence system to enable users to capture topographic data in minutes with survey-grade accuracy. The fully automated drone system takes off, flies a designated flight path and lands without operator intervention. Users can create a mission with the touch of a finger, then capture, analyze and share survey-grade data and insights. The data is available from anywhere in world through a web interface.
Volvo has launched Dig Assist, which allows operators to input job specifications and track progress along the way to make sure the job is done correctly. According to Volvo’s product manager for GPE Products, it takes 10 minutes to learn to use it and just a few touches to get started on a new job. The operator begins by opening the application and setting a reference point using a tooth on the bucket to tell the system where the earth begins. The operator then inputs the target depth and grade before beginning work. From there, the operator can visualize the bucket and the machine’s position in real time, alongside indicator guide lines that provide a “follow the line” reference point for trenching. Additionally, an on-screen light bar display notifies the operator when target grade has been reached. With Volvo Smart View, the operator can toggle to a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the machine and its surroundings — further improving jobsite safety.
With multiple views of the machine — up to four views simultaneously — including side, front, top and 3D views, plus Volvo Smart View, the operator is acutely aware of the machine’s position in relation to the job at all times.
Volvo has also launched Load Assist, a complete load-weighing management system for Volvo wheel loaders, as well as the Volvo Intelligent Compaction system, Compact Assist for Asphalt with Density Direct, which offers real-time density mapping tool, available exclusively for Volvo asphalt compactors.
Additional applications launching in the near future include Haul Assist, a payload management system for Volvo articulated haulers, and Compact Assist for Soil — a system offering real-time pass mapping and CMV mapping data on Volvo soil compactors.
I saw some pretty impressive technology at Xylem’s booth where we looked at a jobsite across the country in New Jersey on a computer screen and turned the pumps on and off with a flick of a switch in Las Vegas. I was told the same could be done on machines located anywhere in the world.
JLG and Genie are setting the bar pretty high in the aerial space. JLG’s SmartLoad, which includes attachment recognition to ensure the proper load chart is used with the selected attachment; a load management indicator system, that visually indicates the current load on the load chart and the weight on the attachment; and a load stability indicator, which indicates forward stability and balance.
The No Touch Enhanced Detection System is an advancement of JLG’s existing Soft Touch System. Soft touch uses whisker proximity to stop a machine when it makes contact with an object or structure. No Touch uses advanced infrared technology to sense an object or structure is nearby, first slowing, then stopping the machine before it makes contact. A visual and auditory warning alerts the operator when a boom or scissor approaches a structure. No Touch EDS then stops the machine, limiting its operation to reverse mode unless the operator overrides the system to inch closer to complete the work at hand. If the operator doesn’t override the system, the machine remains in reverse mode until it is safely clear of the obstruction, when it will return to normal operation. No Touch EDS is designed for aviation, aerospace and other industries where operation near costly structures requires extra care.
This is all just the beginning because it’s growing and exploding so fast.
