BAUMA PREVIEW detection systems ( PDS ) and collision avoidance systems ( CAS ), as standard , in 2019 .
Bell Equipment ’ s Manager : Electrical and Software , Eben Lemmer , says : “ We were first to develop our own telematics solution , Fleetm @ tic , and to introduce onboard weighing , which is standard on our ADTs . When we introduced an inclinometer to improve our on-board weighing accuracy , we saw an opportunity to improve the safety of our trucks with our Hill Start and Tip Safe features that prevent rollback on slopes and rollovers due to tipping at unsafe angles . Similarly , by adding further layers on top of the existing PDS ISO standards , we have created an autonomous-ready platform that uses an open communication protocol principle to integrate easily with third-party suppliers .”
Bell Equipment ’ s focus is on the execution of instructions from those third-party suppliers .
Lemmer explains : “ In the work environment , the guidance software processes all the sensory input , plots a path and sends instructions to the Bell drive-by-wire interface , which electronically controls the acceleration , braking and steering of the truck . Our communication simulator provides the ability to collaborate with service providers by allowing them to test communication and response in the desktop environment prior to going live in-field . This makes it easier to develop and test new software for controlling the Bell ADT .”
Bell first demonstrated that cost-effective remote control is achievable with the right building blocks when it successfully operated a B45E with a video game controller . Since early 2020 , the company has been working with indurad and voestalpine on a lime quarry site in the Alps where the industrial radar specialist has fitted its iTruck autonomous haulage system ( AHS ) on Bell B30E ADTs with excellent results , the company says .
A collaboration with US-based safety and automation technology developer , Pronto AI , followed , with Pronto officially launched its product at MINExpo 2021 in Las Vegas in September . In the next few months , a fullyfledged test site will also be open to the public near Orlando , Florida , where three autonomously-operated Bell B45Es and a Bell B50E will be working on an established sand mine using this platform .
“ In most cases an autonomous operation will also need the end customer to set up their site to work differently ; there may be special traffic control measures , berms or even different roads needed ,” Lemmer says . “ At this point in time , Bell has an autonomous-ready solution available for customers that are interested in doing proof of concept work in their application .”
New Hitachi platform
To demonstrate its expanding range of connected machinery at Bauma , Hitachi Construction Machinery ( Europe ) NV ( HCME ) is showcasing a Zaxis-7 medium excavator with a 3D machine control solution from Leica Geosystems . This has been fitted in HCME ’ s factory in Amsterdam as part of the new Hitachi Customised Solutions platform .
Adding Leica Geosystems machine control technology to the ZX210LC-7 increases efficiency on the job site while lowering running costs , the company says . It also enables work to be completed on time , on specification and to budget , safely and sustainably . From simple slope grading to blind and submerged cuts , the machine control solution provides operators with an easy-to-use system to rapidly excavate to the reference design . This ensures more uptime and operator satisfaction , according to HCME .
HCME Solution Linkage Manager , Ryo Kurihara , says : “ By taking advantage of a factoryfitted Leica Geosystems solution , operators can start work immediately after machine delivery . Also , owners have peace of mind that the machine control system has been installed and tested to Hitachi standards , and it will be fully supported by their local Hitachi dealer in conjunction with the local Leica Geosystems specialists .
“ We are pleased to offer this new turnkey option to customers , which will not only save them time , but also make their Hitachi excavators even more efficient , productive and versatile . By delivering customised solutions such as this we aim to become their first-choice solutions provider .”
The company will also display a Hitachi ZX890- 7 large excavator at the event . This machine , which has a backhoe bucket ISO heaped capacity of 3.5-5 cu . m , offers up to 20 % reduced fuel consumption compared with previous models . This is on top of the enhanced efficiency that comes through using the HIOS V hydraulic system .
HCME will also be presenting a 5.5-t electric excavator im Munich . In addition to this , it will be highlighting more of its telematics capabilities as more clients look to automate certain functions – capabilities that can be fitted in Amsterdam as part of the Customised Solutions platform .
Excavator guidance advances
France-based iDig is readying a new tool in its own attempts to improve excavator guidance at construction , mining and infrastructure sites , with iDig 3D Connect set to launch in Munich , in October .
With the iDig system operators can manage distances , depths and desired slopes through a combination of advanced technologies that use no cables , are powered by radio communication and come with simplified installation and solar charging .
While iDig 2D successfully presented this guidance system concept to the market , iDig 3D Connect makes the process even easier to follow .
“ True to iDig ’ s signature less-is-more concept , the 3D Connect has just one GPS / GNSS that ’ s easily removable for use as a rover ,” the company said . “ This feature marks a major breakthrough in excavator guidance because it enables contractors to easily stake out points and map a site just like surveyors .”
Traditionally , only companies with an in-house surveyor would stand to benefit from 3D guidance because most equipment is sold with one or more permanently installed GNSS receptors . This requires either an expensive , independent GNSS , or working with a surveyor to stake out the points that determine the boundaries of a site .
For this reason , 3D excavator guidance is typically only called upon for large scale infrastructure projects , according to the company . iDig 3D Connect will disrupt all this , expanding the benefits of 3D to more companies , allowing even faster finish times on projects , the company claims .
For users new to 3D guidance , the main advantage is that the software works with a GNSS-generated site map , enabling precision digging relative to the area and making the process even quicker , simpler and eco-friendly than with 2D , which is already in use on large mining-sized excavators in Australia , IM understands .
More features will be revealed at the 3D Connect launch in Munich , including another aspect that is unique to the industry , according to iDig CEO , Albert Gamal .
SEPTEMBER 2022 | International Mining