Semi-autonomous bulldozer

Accurate remote control technology that enables effective utilisation of a remote work force.

The mining industry was looking towards teleoperation as a means to eliminate the human operator’s exposure to hazardous environments as well as supporting the concept of remote operation centres.

Teleoperation has proven viable in line-of-sight conditions and in non-line-of-sight conditions where the equipment under control is in relatively close proximity.  However, performing teleoperation over long distances (of the order of 1000km) introduces a number of additional non-trivial challenges that have not received significant research attention in the mining context.  In particular, there are unique challenges introduced by potentially large communication delays as well as a person performing a task in an environment that is physically remote from them.

There was a need for accurate remote control technology enabled effective utilisation of a remote work force.

Ground-breaking technology allowing an operator, at a console, to drive a bulldozer remotely.

This world-leading innovation in earth-moving technology allows better productivity per operator.

• Improved safety through decreased operator exposure to hazardous environments
• Enhanced view of a work area with non-line-sight conditions visible
• Increased performance levels
• Allowing tasks in remote areas to be performed from a control centre

Wilpinjong in New South Wales, Australia is currently trialing – and helping develop – semi-autonomous bulldozer technology with Caterpillar.