Autonomous technology trialled to boost safety and productivity
Holcim UK take part in trials of AI-powered autonomous technology at Lee Moor sand and gravel quarry
HOLCIM UK have taken part in a trial utilizing AI-powered autonomous technology to operate an excavator. The trial, which took place at the company’s Lee Moor sand and gravel quarry, near Plymouth, Devon, involved a 23-tonne Develon crawler excavator fitted with autonomous technology from Swiss start-up Gravis Robotics.
Once set-up and testing had taken place, the machine was tasked with feeding the hopper of a screener with sand and gravel at target performance rate of 100 cycles per hour. During two days of testing the machine was able to average 133 cycles per hour, shifting 1,500 tonnes of material daily with 99% accuracy and minimal spillage.
Paul Mitchinson, head of mobile plant at Holcim UK, said: ‘We were excited to be able to take part in the trial at one of our quarries and see how autonomous technology could work and be successfully integrated into day-to-day operations.
‘The introduction of this type of technology in our industry could lead to greater productivity through increased output and consistency, improved safety on site, and improved sustainability through optimizing the performance of large plant equipment.
‘As a company, we are continuously seeking to innovate and to improve our ways of working in order to enhance productivity. This includes exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can support what we do to help us be more efficient.’
Following the trial, a three-way memorandum of understanding was agreed between Holcim, HD Hyundai XiteSolution (Develon), and Gravis Robotics at last month’s Bauma trade event in Munich.
The strategic partnership aims to develop the commercialization of autonomous technology designed to enhance productivity and improve safety in quarry operations and within confined material handling applications.
