Komatsu to teleoperate an excavator in Arizona from MINExpo show floor in Las Vegas

By MEq September 10, 2021 12:51

Previewing its in-development capabilities to help customers advance their safety and productivity goals, Komatsu will teleoperate a new hydraulic excavator loading its autonomous concept truck in Arizona from a remote console in Las Vegas, Nevada, during MINExpo 2021.

Separated by more than 400 miles, the Komatsu PC7000-11 and its operator will leverage an Immersive Technologies console that provides the user information and views of what is seen from the machine’s actual cab onsite. Multiple cameras and sensors around the machine and bucket, as well as a 360-degree monitor and machine display, support visibility and situational awareness for the remote operator.

Development of the semiautonomous 700-ton-class hydraulic excavator with teleoperation is nearing completion and Komatsu plans to trial the concept machine at a customer site in 2022. The live demonstrations during MINExpo offer a sneak peek of the company’s upcoming offerings to the market. The equipment will be operating at Komatsu’s proving grounds near Tucson, Arizona, during the display.

Paired with Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS), the PC7000-11 features semi-automated teleoperation capabilities to reduce cycle times and combat operator fatigue. Operator-assist with augmented reality (AR) technology supports productivity improvement, displaying information and data to provide real-time feedback to production plan.

Leveraging the machine’s onboard sensors and technologies of Modular Mining and Immersive Technologies, each loading shift is accumulated in the data and translated into insights on ways to potentially improve productivity, safety and reduce running costs. This data is incorporated into online real-time coaching as well as offline coaching. An operator guidance and coaching function is also under development utilizing AR technology.