EXECUTIVE REPORT
One of Volvo’s more ‘intelligent’ machines is an experimental remote-controlled compact concrete planer.
Future-proofing plant
The theme for this year’s CPA Conference was The Future of Construction Plant Hire. Nick Johnson reports.
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) returned to the Wyboston Lakes Conference Centre for its annual plant conference. Located beside the A1 in Bedfordshire, the event attracted many influential plant hire executives who were able to learn more about where the industry - and its equipment – is heading from some interesting speakers.
Martin Frank of Volvo Construction Equipment talked about Intelligent Machines. He was a good choice as Volvo has publicly displayed futuristic design concepts of different machine types - the most recent being a full sized model of a battery-powered compact excavator called GaiaX.
Speaking about different levels of machine automation/intelligence, Martin revealed that Volvo has been trialling an autonomous L120 size articulated wheel loader in an asphalt plant in Sweden. With no operator in the cab, the machine is able to accurately carry out repetitive loading work with no reduction in productivity over the working day.
As part of its research into new designs, Volvo is working with Stanford University in the USA and the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. One research project resulting from these academic collaborations has been the creation of a remote- controlled compact concrete planer. Called the Volvo 310X, this experimental machine runs on rubber tracks and has its own dust extraction system.
selection and efficient utilisation to facilitate the future delivery of Highways England’s infrastructure programme.
Shortages of plant operators and supervisors is seen as a major problem as Highways England plans an increased programme of work, which will need to compete for resources with other major projects, such as HS2 and the new generation of nuclear power stations. Interestingly, Phil Ellis highlighted the need to adopt ‘black box’ technology on machines in the future - music to the ears of compaction equipment makers trying to sell more rollers here with intelligent compaction metering devices.
The CPA’s Technical Consultant Tim Watson updated the audience on the progress being made by the Plant Safety Group in producing guidance aided at Preventing Unintended Movement of Plant, which can lead to serious injury or death to the operator of a machine, or people within the reach of the machine. Amongst preventative measures being evaluated for inclusion in future safety guidance are secondary ‘dead man’ devices, clothing, camera and radar systems, quick-coupler alert safety systems, proximity sensing systems, plant safe zones, plant controllers and ‘thumbs up’ visual indication systems.
Glyn Matthews, the Head of IS Strategy & Engagement at Speedy, gave a particularly interesting presentation. He highlighted the advance and implementation of technology in the hire industry covering stock control (now so much faster with an RFID reader) and auto asset ID and tracking. RDIF tag technology is incorporated in a secure storage unit, and they are now being used on a number of high profile sites around the UK where the ability to accurately track the movement of the contents saves administration and paperwork.
Phil Ellis of Highways England, told delegates about his organisation’s Capacity and Capability Project. Plant and its operation is an important part of this initiative that is evaluating future demand, machine and operator availability, correct machine
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Other topics covered by the Conference were the use of augmented reality, wearable computing (such as smart glasses), drones, robotics, exo-skeletons, 3D printing, ‘flying factories’ (prefabricated component production offsite). Sam Stacey of Skanska revealed that the contractor is looking into the possibility of developing an android type construction assistant that would work on site. Perhaps, this might be one way to tackle the current plant operator shortage?
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