BEML is working and focusing to implement Telematics, AI and IoT based features to address potential needs of customer.

– M. V. Rajasekhar

Director (Mining & Construction), BEML

How do you access the technological trends in the construction equipment industry?

Technological advancement is the need of every sector and this holds true for the construction equipment sector as well.

Demand for construction equipment is likely to rise as a result of growth in traditional end-user industries, including construction and mining. However, to address this growth and sustain, what is needed is adoption of latest technology.

With growing awareness, end-users are becoming smart and demanding world-class technology for better fuel efficiency, higher productivity and profitability which motivates us to come up with innovative solutions to meet the customers’ expectations.

Some of the upgradations in technology-driven product features are such as remote access devices, automatic controls to manoeuvre machines, more efficient (Tier III) engines and cabin air-conditioning. These features are gaining popularity among customers.

The three Major areas which draws the interest of customers in terms of technological advancement are :

• Autonomous Construction Equipment
• Smart Technology in CE
• Fuel-efficient machinery

To address the above, BEML is working towards building equipment featuring several additional functionalities, which includes service enablers such as the capability to send problem logs by SMS to the nearest service point and downloading historical data regarding engine status, hydraulic systems, fuel consumption and the expected life of critical components.

In terms of safety features, various cutting-edge technologies like automatic blade control system, Electronic transmission, drivers fatigue monitoring system, electronically controlled joysticks, pay load monitoring system, telematics etc have also improved the construction industry’s productivity and safety.

BEML’s team is continuously striving towards adapting these technological trends and advancements in its construction equipment segment consisting of Dozers, Motor Graders, Excavators and Loaders.

How have you been able to leverage the advantages of Telematics, IoT, Big Data in your range of machines?

Today, productivity and uptime are crucial drivers in the construction equipment industry, what will define a bright future of construction equipment would be the adoption of newer intelligent features and increased sophistication by the manufacturers.

The data that equipment is producing today is just scratching the surface of what’s possible. In the future, different machine components will be able to communicate with each other further enhancing telematics and predictive systems.

With telematics, fleet managers can keep track of what equipment is on a jobsite, and also how each piece is functioning. Such information can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost profits. By monitoring machine status, telematics improves profitability by eliminating unplanned downtime for corrective maintenance, identifying excessive runtime and engine stress leading to fuel waste and otherwise keeping equipment fine-tuned and ready to roll.

In addition, the IOT (internet of things) will also impact construction equipment sector considerably in the future. IOT describes a system in which objects can communicate internally or with outside entities. IOT can help reduce the cost by enabling machinery to self-detect the imminent need for a repair before it becomes a bigger problem.

More optimization will take place in the future, which will change the way telematics data is presented and visualized. Instead of showing as much information as possible, data will be streamlined and packaged into relevant information that can quickly inform actions that need to be taken to help operator be more efficient.

While migrating from conventional design, Digitalization and advanced technologies are being introduced, in phased manner, on BEML equipment.

BEML is also working and focusing to implement Telematics, AI and IoT based features to address potential needs of customer and offer them AI technology enabled products and solutions. Some of the technologies implemented on BEML equipment are :

Telematics based Vehicle Tracking System along with geo fencing (TBTS) for Dozer, Excavator and Loader applications: This has been developed for off-highway equipment like Dozer, Excavator & Loaders etc, for tracking their Geo-Location, and optimizing the fleet operations. Apart from real time tracking, the OBU monitors main power ON-OFF status, Engine ignition ON-OFF status, and is configurable to send alerts to mobile phones in the event equipment goes beyond the pre- defined Geo-fence. 

AI based 360° surround view monitoring system: This intelligent camera monitor system is designed to assist low-speed maneuvering by providing the driver with a complete surround view of the vehicle in real time.

The system work with four ultra-wide-angle cameras with each covering one full side of the vehicle with a viewing angle of over 180°.

High-mounted on the front, rear and sides, the calibrated cameras capture all of the surrounding area including the blind spots of the vehicle or machine. The four live images are simultaneously sent to an electronic control unit (ECU) where they are instantly processed, combined, blended and stitched. The distortion from the wide-angle camera lens is also corrected before delivering a clear, single, smooth, real-time image onto the driver’s monitor.

The system is having inbuilt digital video recorder and images/video can be viewed later for analysis in case of any accidents/operational issues.

The system can be integrated with Radar based proximity warning system. The system will alert the operator to view the camera whenever any objects/persons are detected.

Operator Fatigue Monitoring System with Recording: The real time and non-intrusive Operator fatigue monitoring system can predict accurately and identify situations where drowsiness and fatigue may be setting into a driver; thereby it helps in preventing accidents and fatalities.

The intelligent system will detect the onset of drowsiness in driver, while the vehicle is in motion. Detection will be done by continuously looking out for symptoms of drowsiness, while considering physical signs. Physical cue including yawning, drooping eyelids, closed eyes and increased blink durations.

AI based Predictive Maintenance of mining equipment through Data Analytics and Telematics enabled  system: The development of AI based predictive Maintenance of mining equipment through data analytics & telematics was taken up by BEML to make the equipment more competitive in the domestic and Global market, thereby addressing the challenges of modern day mine management of earthmoving equipment at mines.

The system provides AI based prognostics solutions to: Trend data and predict events; Monitor degradations, predict real time failures & provide alerts; Remaining useful life (RUL) of equipment major aggregates like engine, PTO, hydraulic aggregates like pumps etc.

The system has the following salient features: Mapping and Tracking; Operating reports; Service management; Condition monitoring & Predictive Maintenance.

Rear Vision System with Recording

The monitoring system of Rear vision system has a rugged construction and reliable for use on heavy earth moving machinery. System is designed to work efficiently in all sorts of environmental conditions like moisture, dust, vibration, heat and cold. It also has the provision for recording the images captured with date and time stamp to enable easy retrieval and analysis of the immediate past 24 deployment operating hours.

How have these technologies positively impacted your site management as well as productivity, reliability and efficiency of construction machines?

The positive impact of Technological advancement with respect to site management, productivity, reliability and efficiency can be illustrated as below: 

Timely completion of projects: Usually we see construction projects witnessing delays in execution. The main reason behind project delays is usage of less advanced machines. Hence, works in construction field can get smoother and faster with the help of equipment fitted with cutting-edge technologies, which can ensure project completion in given deadline.

Enhances Brand Value: If projects are completed on time using highly advanced equipment, the brand value of business increases in the market, which in turn can help in getting new clientele.

Improves Quality of Work: Employing CE with latest technology also allows contractors to complete work with minimal quality defects.

Cost Savings and Profitability: Increased productivity and the reliability of the advanced CE also translates into higher profitability from fewer defect-related claims and the avoidance of delay penalties.

Performs Multiple Tasks: An old equipment may not be capable of doing all the work but machine embedded with advanced technology can do similar work and may be few other tasks as well smoothly in less time.

Ensures Environmental Friendliness: Generally, CE equipped with latest technology are environment friendly and highly fuel efficient. Thus, they help in reducing CO2 considerably and help companies put their greener foot forward.

Reduces Maintenance Cost: Last but not the least, CE equipped with latest technologies require less maintenance. They are designed in such a way that they can work for long hours without major wear and tear.

What are the customer preferences in terms of technology in construction equipment?

In today’s highly competitive market, customers are seeking for highly reliable equipment. The demand is for technological advanced and best performing equipment with high productivity, low operating cost, low maintenance and high reliability. The present market scenario calls for major improvements particularly with respect to operator comfort and ease of operations with maximum use of automated electronic gadgets and instrumentation. In addition to this, there is an immediate requirement to make the operations failsafe and ensure maximum productivity.

Higher productivity with optimum fuel efficiency is the prime requirement for any customer and manufacturers incorporate features that help to achieve this objective. Electronic and mechatronic controls play a vital role in this regard.

In general Customer looks for: Fuel level information; Machine utilization report; Critical machine health alerts; Service reminder; Payload monitoring.

What do you think are the major challenges in replacing the legacy systems with new technologies in construction equipment? Is cost a deterrent?

Technology is evolving rapidly. Something that’s state-of-the-art today may be woefully obsolete in a year or so.  Learning how to use new tools, especially when you’re comfortable with what you’re used to, can be time-consuming and frustrating.  Plus, implementing a new infrastructure can be costly and has the potential for major business interruptions. While moving from legacy system to advance technology it is inevitable to invest on training the people for a comfortable adaptation of the new solution.  

Furthermore, it is a bit challenge for a business to deal with the cost when looking for the adoption of new technology. That is why it has become so critical to invest in standards-based technology which will make the component affordable, investment on generic training on electronic system  etc., If the company is spending more on a legacy system in the initial stage, it may be difficult for the company to operate in the future.

In general, the challenges are:

• Project Cost control
• Absence of Skilled maintenance staff and operator and require extensive training.
• Absence of matured indigenous technology which intern attract import of powerline aggregates, hydraulic system, electronic control system.

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