Software has revolutionised the automotive industry. Powered by data and sensors, today’s cars come with immersive infotainment systems, autonomous driving capabilities, increased security and much more.
Data is driving the evolution in off-road heavy vehicles, too. From harvesters to rock drills and excavators, software is the key element in increasing productivity no matter the industry.
At the same time, this is nothing new. Leading heavy industry manufacturers have leveraged software for years to develop data-driven vehicles to stay ahead of the curve and secure their market position. Both the business value and the used technologies have already been proven in action.
Drawing from our experience in developing the intelligent industry, here are some of the game-changers for off-road vehicles.
Optimizing the Human Element
Good drivers and vehicle operators are hard to come by. Traditionally, productivity differences between experienced and motivated operators compared to newcomers is dramatic. So far, it has been pretty much up to the human element to determine the value of a work shift.
Software is not removing the human element, but it will balance out the differences and optimize productivity. Good drivers will still deliver great results, but also less experienced operators can now make a higher impact more consistently and reliably.
The ways how software can improve human output naturally depend on the industry and type of heavy vehicle. It is all about understanding the context and identifying the cases that make the biggest impact – starting with the low-hanging fruits and then moving on to more advanced solutions.
For example, enriched information overlaid on top of live camera feed can assist operators to move around in the working area optimally, identify and prioritize tasks and warn about any security hazards, if the operator’s view is blocked or the operator is tired or distracted.
Further, sensor-enabled software can completely take over for humans by automating certain machine actions.
As an example, Unikie and Mantsinen Group, a Finnish material handling machinery and logistic services company, have developed a fully automated log transport solution for industrial needs. It can transport over 60 tons of logs in a single trip and operates automatically within the sawmill facility. This is one of the world’s first solutions in which a heavy vehicle can move safely among people and manually driven machines in an industrial environment. See the demonstration video below, filmed at Metsä Group Rauma sawmill.
Intelligence Embedded in Everyday Operations
In addition to operator efficiency and productivity, software and data-driven vehicles introduce a wide variety of possibilities across industries.
For example, by accurately pinpointing machine locations, agriculture businesses can easily utilize location-based data for tracking where seeds are sown or pesticides are sprayed. They can plan and optimize routes for each field and machine when harvesting.
Machines can start collecting all kinds of data about their operation – and through mobile connectivity, that data can be made instantly available in the cloud, ready to be processed and utilized at the company’s head office.
As an example, Unikie has collaborated with Komatsu Forest to develop an autonomous forest machine for challenging offroad conditions (more on AGRARSENSE Chips JU Project). Automated driving has already been conducted successfully in Komatsu’s test track.
Connected, data-driven vehicles allow companies to start managing entire machine fleets with more efficiency and less downtime, when the availability and potential needs for maintenance can be predicted well in advance.
Naturally, safety is an important aspect to intelligent machinery. Sensors and software can help in mitigating hazards in the working area, such as preventing collisions and keeping workers safe.
Unikie’s Solutions for Off-Road Vehicles
Unikie’s software expertise helps improve off-road vehicles’ safety, operational efficiency and endurance. From collision avoidance systems to advanced operator assistance systems, our solutions help manufacturers develop the next generation of data-driven heavy vehicles.
Our solutions are based on a proven platform that uses sensor technology – such as cameras, LiDAR or radars – and software to make the vehicles aware of their surroundings. On top of that platform, we build concepts and applications to match the needs of each individual customer.
In the end, automation and intelligent awareness built into the vehicle help human drivers of all experience levels work in a safer, more productive and predictable manner.
Read more on our offering for Heavy Vehicles & Intelligent Industry
