Autonomous special equipment: present and prospects

Autonomous and unmanned special equipment has long since moved beyond the category of futuristic theories and is being actively used in practice, from modern construction sites to the mining industry. Such machines can completely change the modern approach to the construction industry, especially when it comes to difficult working conditions and heavy loads, offering high efficiency and safety.

Today, there are 2 systems that can provide navigation and positioning in extremely difficult conditions: LIDAR and GPS.

Artificial intelligence is also actively used, analyzing data and recognizing possible obstacles and allowing to influence decisions in the management of special equipment in real time

Remote control of machinery is widespread in the agricultural sector: combines, tractors, and seeders.

In the mining industry, automated control technologies are actively used in Komatsu and Caterpillar dump trucks, which significantly reduces the risk of injury for workers in this area, especially in difficult conditions.

In the construction industry, automated bulldozers and asphalt pavers are used to perform tasks accurately.

Among the manufacturers of special equipment that also use these technologies in their machines are Komatsu, Volvo, JCB, Hitachi, and Hyundai.

As for the autonomous control of excavators, these technologies are still in the process of active development. Today, fully autonomous excavator models are used in limited testing conditions, but such technologies will be 100% improved by manufacturers and more and more special machines will be able to operate without an operator at all or with minimal operator intervention. 

The advantages of such technologies are, of course, safety for operators and drivers of special equipment. This is especially true in the mining industry, such as mines and quarries

The number of possible mistakes is significantly reduced thanks to modern navigation and machine control systems, and there is no excessive material consumption. Autonomous machines use fuel efficiently and are able to operate on schedule with significantly less downtime.

Autonomous special equipment in the future is a combination of innovative technologies from high-quality autopilot systems in excavators and other special equipment to automatic digging systems that allow the machine to independently change the angle, depth of digging and perform digging independently.

Integrated 5G networks will ensure fast data exchange between the operator and the equipment, which will make autonomous special equipment systems as reliable and accurate as possible. Using Big Data, it will be possible to analyze large amounts of data. This will help to predict possible problems and optimize the routes of special equipment vehicles. 

Another important aspect is environmental friendliness. Special equipment equipped with autonomous technologies works as efficiently as possible, consumes less fuel, and thus reduces emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

It is expected that automated systems will be implemented for road paving, construction and earthworks. That is, fully autonomous construction sites with automated processes, from design to construction.

But among the clear advantages of using such technologies in our current situation, there are also certain development challenges:

The development and improvement of these technological solutions requires significant investments in this area

complete retraining of operators and employees will be required to be able to work with such equipment.

Also, in many countries of the world, legislation has not yet been adapted for the full implementation of autonomous systems

Nevertheless, autonomous special equipment is already a partially formed future of the industry. Thanks to technological advances and adaptation to new conditions, autonomous special equipment will become an integral part of any construction project. Despite certain challenges, this special equipment has undoubted advantages, such as safety, efficiency, environmental friendliness, and reduced equipment costs.

Over time, you will be able to find spare parts for your autonomous special equipment in the Aspect Plus online store.

We keep up with the times and follow the latest innovations!

For now, you can buy spare parts for hydraulics for equipment from world manufacturers of special equipment on our website, or contact our automated specialists for help in selecting spare parts :)