Machine control systems generate huge amounts of data to be used to build smarter. This information is still not widely used as there are no general methods to access this massive spread of data as these are strictly closed systems. Main tools in our study were an open source 3D game and simulation engine for visual 3D presentation (Panda3D), a machine control system on an excavator which was o...

This paper considers the application of Proportional-Integral-Plus (PIP) control to the Lancaster University Computerised Intelligent Excavator (LUCIE), which is being developed to dig foundation trenches on a building site. Previous work using LUCIE was based on the ubiquitous PI/PID control algorithm, tuned on-line and implemented in a rather ad hoc manner. By contrast, the present research u...

According to the existing problems in the development of actual product and working process of excavator working device’s boom, the method of integrated design and analysis for excavator boom is put forward. The defects in the process of CAD/CAE integration are summarized, the integrated design and analysis system including parametric design of boom, database design, detail feature simplificati...

With the recent advancements in deep learning and computer vision, AI-powered construction machine such as autonomous excavator has made significant progress. Safety is most important section modern construction, where machines are more automated. In this paper, we propose a vision-based perception, activity analysis, safety monitoring system. Our perception system could detect multi-class huma...

C onstruction is of prime economic significance to many industry sectors. Intense competition, shortages of skilled labor, and technological advances are forcing rapid change in the construction industry, thus motivating construction automation [1]. Earthmoving machines, such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, excavators, scrapers, and graders, are common in construction. Excavationbased operations ...

In this paper, we propose a novel trajectory generation method for autonomous excavator teach-and-plan applications. Rather than controlling the to precisely follow teaching path, proposed transforms arbitrary slow and jerky of human excavation into topologically equivalent path that is guaranteed be fast, smooth dynamically feasible. This optimizes trajectories in both time jerk aspects. A spl...

The excavation of foundations, general earthworks and earth removal tasks are activities which involve the machine operator in a series of repetitive operations. Automation is likely to provide a number of benefits such as improving efficiency, quality and safety. However, a persistent stumbling block for system developers is the achievement of fast smooth movement of the excavator arm under au...

Virtual Reality simulators of heavy machinery are often used for training purposes. However, the complexity of terrain as a dynamical system makes the simulation of earthmoving machinery an specially challenging problem. In this paper, the architecture of an excavator simulator is described, together with the different models used to describe the behavior of the systems involved. Special attent...

Eight species of the genus Allophrys Förster are found to occur in South Africa: A. astafurovae sp. nov., A. broadi sp. nov., A. calculator sp. nov., A. dictator sp. nov., A. excavator sp. nov., A. granulata sp. nov., A. scitula sp. nov. and A. tractor sp. nov. All these species have body length 2.5–3.4 mm and fore wing length 1.7–2.3 mm, and along with members of the genus Aneuclis Förster are...