customers ’ machines , addresses their labor shortages , and makes the operators ’ role safer and more comfortable .”
[ Watch : Retrofitting Equipment for Remote Control : An Interview with Teleo ’ s CEO ]
Haul truck operators spend most of their time tramming from one point to another . By automating the tramming portion , Teleo says one operator can run multiple machines simultaneously , multiplying their productivity . The physical dumping of materials will be handled remotely by one operator controlling multiple machines from a command center .
“ Teleo ’ s technology has the potential to completely transform our operations ,” said Scott Lyons , managing member , Tomahawk Construction . “ With Teleo , two of our dump trucks that have been idle will be put back into service to haul dirt across the site autonomously , allowing our remote operators to do more . This will help us to run a more efficient operation .”
More customers , dealers coming on board
To date , Teleo has been testing the autonomous capabilities on two John Deere 333G compact track loaders at its Pleasanton , Calif . proving grounds , and on a Komatsu WA500 wheel loader at the Ouluzone race track property in Finland .
The company plans to have 20 remote and semi-autonomous-enabled Cat , Deere and Volvo machines , ranging from model year 2005 – 2022 , on 17 jobsites across eight U . S . states and Europe by the end of the year .
Ajax Paving Industries , also of Florida , will outfit two new Caterpillar wheel loaders with Teleo ’ s technology . The loaders will fill bins at two of the company ’ s asphalt manufacturing plants . The plants are roughly 80 miles apart , marking the first time one operator will work across two job sites , the company says .
“ The asphalt industry operates on tight schedules ,” said Andy DeCraene , vice president , Ajax Paving . “ When our customers require asphalt , we must deliver promptly , making it imperative for our machines and operators to remain available . Allowing one operator to control machines at multiple sites is a significant advantage . If an operator is unavailable at one site , another can operate the machine remotely . This is a genuine game changer for our business .”
38 DITCHMEN • JANUARY 2024