Advancements in machine control and monitoring technology, plus remote operating systems, have transformed the equipment operator's experience in recent years. We in the industry have experienced a shift — technology as a tool helps us complete the same work but differently.
Operating heavy machinery has become more accessible with Teleo’s supervised autonomy. A trusted dealer, like RDO Equipment Co., can retrofit various machine models and sizes, allowing an operator to oversee multiple machines from a remote command center.
Beyond the potential efficiency boost offered by the ability to remotely operate multiple machines at once, Adam Gilbertson, RDO’s senior vice president for Mountain construction equipment and field technology explained that Teleo’s supervised autonomy is addressing labor shortages by extending operator job opportunities to people who may not have been able or interested in doing such work in a traditional setting.
Case in point: Knife River Corporation and RDO recently partnered to facilitate a pilot program for disabled veterans to complete job site tasks with heavy equipment from a safe, centralized remote command center. Knife River is offering equipment operator positions specifically to disabled veterans as a powerful demonstration of how supervised autonomy can open new employment avenues in the construction industry.
Watch the Knife River team at their semi-autonomous job site in Montana.
Operators’ Experience with Semi-autonomous Machines
Casey Perry, RDO's product manager, said wireless mesh nodes and solar stations have been installed at Knife River’s job sites to ensure the connectivity of dozers and loaders. Each machine’s connectivity, GPS data points and machine control allow the operators to control it from a job site’s trailer or another location.
From the command center, the operator views a screen with multiple camera angles and moves the machine with remote controls, similar to a video gaming system. When their view from the cab is blocked by a lifted bucket, the operator can switch to the under-the-bucket camera. In addition to multiple viewpoints, the operator’s screen shows real-time information about the machine’s speed and g-force (gravitational force equivalent).
“We really think Teleo is the technology of the future,” said Dave Zinke, Knife River’s senior advisor. “I’ve tried operating the wheel loader remotely and was really impressed.”
Zinke said their mid-sizer wheel loader, which is equipped with Teleo, easily navigated their gravel pit.
Hal Fuglevand, Knife River’s vice president and general manager, agreed. Teleo, RDO and this pilot program will attract operators to their job sites.
Knife River team member remotely operaters a John Deere wheel loader.
How Semi-Autonomous Machines Increase Efficiency
RDO partners with customers like Storm Equipment to retrofit skid steers into supervised snowplow machines in Minnesota.
"Snow removal companies typically don't have just one make or model in their fleets, so the fact that Teleo's technology can be retrofitted onto virtually any make and model of heavy machinery makes it a great option for the industry,” said Jordan Smith, owner of Storm Equipment.
Smith partnered with RDO technicians to integrate Teleo’s semi-autonomous technology into their fleet.
“This effectively could quadruple the productivity of a single skilled staff member, creating massive operational efficiencies for the snow contractor,” Smith said.
With a click of a button, an operator can switch to a different loader or plow on a job site across town or even state lines. Teleo’s remote support command center and the support of technology experts at RDO empower operators to remove snow in less time from a safe – and warm – “cab seat”.
“Simply put, remote-operated and autonomous snow removal demonstrates undeniable value for contractors looking for the best return on their heavy equipment investments,” Smith said.
When we work together to combine technology like Teleo and machinery, it dramatically changes not only what can be achieved on a job site but also who can help achieve it.
Interested in the latest solutions to control to attract talent and expand your hiring pool? Contact your local
RDO Equipment Co. store.
Tom Potter
As the General Manager of Emerging Technology Markets, Tom Potter identifies opportunities to use technology solutions to enhance accuracy and consistency for customers working in landfill, mining, solar and other specialized industries. He enjoys partnering with customers to increase their efficiency in growing industries.
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