Remote-Tracked Control for Semi-Autonomous Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile construction machinery often requires constant operator intervention due to repetitive tasks, leading to operator inattentiveness and increased accident risk, especially when frequent getting on and off the machine is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A mobile work machine equipped with a drive unit, steering device, tool holder, and electrical/electronic control unit, including a mobile remote control unit for wireless operation, tracking unit, and identification unit, allowing semi-autonomous operation and reliable tracking of the operator, enabling remote control and automatic responses to obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator frequently gets on and off the machine to perform tasks, then the operator can directly interact with the work environment, but the operator becomes inattentive over time and accident risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is equipped with autonomous capabilities including obstacle detection sensors, automated navigation systems, and safety monitoring devices that enable the machine to detect and respond to environmental hazards without continuous operator intervention. The system autonomously monitors its surroundings, identifies obstacles, and can automatically adjust its operation or alert the operator, reducing the need for frequent operator engagement while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operator control and monitoring is replaced with automated electronic systems including sensors, processors, and control algorithms. The mechanical system of direct operator observation and manual response is substituted with electronic detection and automated control systems that continuously monitor the work environment and machine operation, eliminating operator fatigue and inattention while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If the machine operates fully autonomously, then operator safety is improved and continuous operation is possible, but the machine complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous operation system is divided into separate functional modules: obstacle detection sensors (ultrasonic, optical, or radar), navigation control systems, safety monitoring devices, and communication systems. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently tested, maintained, and upgraded. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive autonomous operation capabilities.
3Productivity
If the operator remains in the control station for extended periods, then continuous monitoring is possible, but the operator becomes inattentive due to repetitive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors detect environmental conditions and machine status, the processor analyzes this data, and the control system adjusts operation accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism provides continuous monitoring and response without relying on operator attentiveness, maintaining both productivity and safety over extended operation periods.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A mobile working machine (1) is proposed, comprising a drive unit for driving at least one drive element (3) and/or a working tool (2), wherein the drive unit has at least one drive motor and a steering device (6) for steering the working machine (1) in the direction of a travel path and a tool holder (5) for receiving or holding/fixing the working tool (2) and/or a lifting device (5), wherein at least one electrical and/or electronic control unit is provided for controlling the drive unit or the drive motor or the steering device (6) or the lifting device (5) or the working tool (2) or the tool holder (5), whereby at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art are improved orThe aim is to avoid certain issues, in particular to enable at least some tasks to be carried out semi-autonomously by the machine (1) and/or to enable the unambiguous identification of the operator (7), even if the operator is not on/in the control station or driver's cab (4), whereby the operator (7) or the person (7) to be tracked may be in the monitoring/detection area (I, II, III) with several persons and/or objects/obstacles (8). According to the invention, this is achieved by the control unit comprising at least one mobile remote control unit (9) for wireless remote control of the machine (1) by an operator (7), wherein at least one tracking unit (11, 12, 13) for locating the mobile remote control unit (9) is arranged on the machine (1).