Advancements and Future Visions in Earthmoving Swarm Technology
Mikko Hiltunen, Rauno Heikkilä · Proceedings of the ... ISARC · 2024
This study examines autonomous earthmoving systems with collaboration among diverse machine types.It focuses on their application in a practical use case involving excavator loading, dumper transport, bulldozer spreading, and roller compacting for road construction.The study focuses on directly observed systems that primarily or partially align with the prescribed use cases.Drawing insights from evaluated systems, the research addresses implementation considerations such as the degree of human intervention, compatibility with diverse machine types, support for multiple simultaneous operations, adaptability to dynamic changes, integration of InfraBIM, reported productivity gains, and qualitative advantages.The study highlights the pioneering role of the earthmoving sector in adopting sensing and information technologies to reduce operation costs, enhance productivity, and improve automation and safety standards.The findings and use case formulation provide a foundation for the development of remote-controlled and autonomous earthmoving swarms, marking progress toward a future where complex construction tasks can be efficiently executed with minimal manual intervention.