The evolution of technology and its impact on construction machinery presents challenges for OEMs and vehicle designers. Vehicle connectivity provided through Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications and the Internet-of-Things (I0T) using wireless devices and the cloud, represents the future trends in mobile functionality. Fueled by the underlying need to improve some aspect of the vehicle’s operation, or
The evolution of technology and its impact on construction machinery presents challenges for OEMs and vehicle designers. Vehicle connectivity provided through Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications and the Internet-of-Things (I0T) using wireless devices and the cloud, represents the future trends in mobile functionality.
Fueled by the underlying need to improve some aspect of the vehicle’s operation, or to become compliant with legislated environmental and safety standards, OEMs must continue to make design changes and technological advancements to remain competitive.
They must consider the impact that design changes have on the system, as well as the overall value these design changes would bring to the operation of the equipment and to their customers.
New construction machinery designs must be more productive, showcasing an advanced user interface to enhance the operator experience. Equipment must use less fuel and generate less emissions. Vehicles must operate safely and reliably and, when issues arise, it must be possible to diagnose and resolve them quickly to minimize downtime. These goals often represent competing objectives which must be addressed with cost effective solutions. OEMs will continue to use new technology to solve these challenges and introduce new functionality on the machine.
Heavy equipment and connectivity
One of the areas of development that has a high impact on the construction industry is the use of wireless technology to provide connectivity for heavy equipment. People have become accustomed to a high degree of connectivity in their daily lives, in large part due to the widespread use of tablets and smartphones. The connected construction machine uses these devices combined with cloud computing, allowing for the storage and sharing of data, as well as the widespread access to information and services.
Telematic solutions for remote monitoring of construction machinery have been available for several years; typically, it involved having a cell modem installed on the machine to provide Internet access. However, this approach requires each machine to have its own cell phone plan, which makes the cost of these solutions often higher than the benefit gained from remote monitoring.
A more cost-effective approach tethers an internet connection through people’s mobile devices and makes use of the data plans already in place. This way, no separate cell plan is required for the machine itself, bringing down the cost for this functionality.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications
The “Internet of Things” (IoT) represents an exponentially growing technology that provides connectivity and functionality in the cloud environment. Combining this with wireless technologies, attractive options for construction machinery are possible in the areas of remote monitoring, machine-to-machine (M2M) interfaces, data-logging and theft tracking. Customized apps can be easily developed for any platform, integrating smartphone features like GPS, weather and maps and used to interface with the vehicle control system.
Wireless technology brings exciting capabilities, and the use of its features should improve and enhance the vehicle control system – which remains the primary focus of functionality and productivity. Networks of controllers, sensors, actuators and displays should work together to provide the desired functionality for construction equipment and to improve its performance.
The role of software
Perhaps the most important aspect that ties all of the vehicle technologies together is the software that runs on each electronic component. Software allows designers to customize the behaviour of the equipment to implement features, improve performance, and to provide the desired ‘feel’ of the machine.
Since the software is usually customized for each application, it can be the differentiating factor that brings value to one machine over the competition. While software development for construction machinery can be challenging, the benefits far outweigh the efforts of implementation.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any construction machine, there are certainly new trends and technologies that can bring benefits to any vehicle. Technology that supports vehicle connectivity, including wireless devices and the cloud, represents the future trends in mobile functionality.
The block diagram shows a network of components, connected through software, and working together as a system to achieve the desired functionality.
For an in-detail analysis of intelligent construction machinery, wireless controls and mobile systems, read our white paper “The Connected Construction Machine”.