Next-Generation Heavy Equipment

Of course, we must stay grounded in the physics of the real world when we consider heavy equipment. Pushing, scooping, lifting, moving, crushing, mixing, and generally getting object A to location B will always generally involve blades, wheels, tracks, engines, and an operator, but incremental improvements are happening in the design, mobilization, and use of heavy equipment. Some improvements may go unnoticed while others may have far-reaching effects. The deployment of autonomously operated equipment will undoubtedly enhance the safety and operation of heavy machinery because their operators will be relocated into operation centers.

Incremental improvements to heavy equipment are being delivered daily. These component changes will add up to a much more efficient and productive use of heavy equipment. Improvements to engines, GPS control, fuel economy, Internet Protocol (IP) systems control, robotics, fleet management and deployment, lighter materials, greater use of electric motors, and componentry will add up to much more powerful and efficient machines.

The Lineup

Volvo is particularly forthcoming with images of their conceptual heavy vehicles; these images provide a clue to some of the more visible improvements that are on the way. Its “Fenix” paver concept model shows componentry at work, where a pre-filled POD is deployed systematically in front of the paver to supply asphalt. Once the POD is emptied, it automatically collapses for convenient return to the batch plant for its next load.

Volvo’s “Gryphin” wheel loader is surely named for the powerful mythical creature that is half lion and half eagle. Revolutionary innovation includes the four independently driven wheels, each with its own electric motor, that allow it to climb in unprecedented ways. This bird includes a zero-emission electric hybrid engine and a cab that has photometric glass, lightening and darkening as daily conditions change for optimum operator visual acuity.

The cool-looking “Centaur” articulated hauler improves the flexibility options available to a job site, where its tractor is able to be uncoupled quickly from its trailer component, allowing for rapid response to a variety of work application needs, where it can be a dump truck one minute and a fuel carrier the next.

Particularly notable is the next generation research coming out of Volvo CE’s Product Portfolio and Advanced Engineering Department, working with Swedish industrial design firm Prospective Design as well as Volvo Group’s Technology Centre in their development of a next-generation excavator. The "SfinX" conceptual excavator not only brings incremental improvements to basic components like the bucket and boom, it also includes some highly innovative components that (Volvo admits) may not be incorporated into product development but that otherwise are great ideas. The diesel engine is replaced by a hydrogen fuel cell system that emits only water vapor and heat. The engine moves to the rear where it also does work as an “active counterweight,” moving in and out to compensate for movement in the boom. Composite materials that have yet to be invented are shown, including high-abrasion wheel material improving traction. These lighter and stronger materials will improve the efficiency of the equipment, where energy is devoted to moving material and not heavy booms and buckets. Making operator efficiency a hallmark of the design, Volvo made the cab removable for remote operation in dangerous locations or when the excavator is needed underwater. Strategically placed cameras can broadcast a better view of what the excavator is up to than what’s typically available from behind the boom and bucket.

All in all, the future looks very bright for the next generation of heavy equipment. So guys (and gals), whatever you do, DON’T let your environmentally responsible daughter (or son) or wife (or husband) watch this true-to-life "Avatar"-like Komatsu machine at work.