Page 20 - Construction_Opportunities_September_2024

COVER STORY

Autonomous Equipment Making a Beeline: offering real-time insights into equipment performance and
The improved efficiency and productivity of autonomous enabling quick responses to any issues that may come up. These
equipment are fuelling the adoption of autonomous construction advanced connectivity solutions revolutionise how construction
equipment. Autonomous equipment can function continuously sites are managed, improving productivity, efficiency, and safety.
for lengthy periods of time without needing breaks or becoming By embracing connectivity, the construction equipment industry
fatigued. This results in reduced downtime and allows projects to can unlock new levels of efficiency and streamline operations.
be finished faster. Autonomous equipment collects real-time data Hitachi Construction Machinery is introducing an Autonomous
from the workplace using sensors and smart algorithms. This data Haulage System (AHS), autonomous operation of mining dump
enables the equipment to improve its performance by selecting trucks with the aim of improving productivity and safety at
the most efficient path, maintaining constant speeds, and customers’ mining sites. AHS travels autonomously while stabilizing
reducing material waste. Autonomous equipment can conduct its body when it avoids obstacles on an unpaved haul road on
repeated operations with great accuracy and consistency. This which other vehicles and machines are coming and going. AHS
lowers mistakes and rework, resulting in a higher-quality finished is a system that could help improve safety and productivity by
product and less wasted time and materials. autonomously controlling dump trucks based on instructions
Autonomous construction equipment is witnessing significant from a Fleet Management System (FMS). The system features are
technological advancements. Sensor advancements, such as currently being expanded beyond mere dump truck dispatch
LiDAR, radar, and high-resolution cameras, enable autonomous management to supporting various operating tasks at mines.
equipment to accurately and precisely sense its surroundings. In the next decade, the construction industry is expected to
This allows them to better navigate complicated building sites, witness a significant shift in business models, with Equipment as
recognize barriers & risks, and execute accurate operations. a Service (EaaS) emerging as a viable option. This shift towards
The development of faster and more powerful computers, EaaS and other subscription-based models frees up time and
along with advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), enables budgets for fleet management. It ensures access to cutting-edge
autonomous equipment to handle complicated tasks, make technology, ultimately enhancing the industry’s efficiency and
real-time choices based on sensor data, and continually learn productivity. EaaS enables customers to concentrate fully on
and improve performance over time. Wireless communication their core business without worrying about the equipment that
advancements such as 5G allow for smooth data interchange supports it, driving the industry towards a more sustainable and
between autonomous equipment, control centers, and other efficient future.
construction machines. This enables greater coordination, remote The construction industry is on the cusp of a technological
monitoring, and real-time operational optimization. revolution with the adoption of autonomous machinery. While
Improvements in autonomous technology will impact construction fully autonomous machines may not be ubiquitous in the next
equipment for the foreseeable future. Autonomy can enhance decade, the growing intelligence of these devices will play a
safety by reducing the need for operators on high-risk jobsites. pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and fuel and
This technology also allows remote monitoring and control, energy efficiency.

20 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|SEPTEMBER 2024