The Australian roading and infrastructure industry underpins the nation’s economic prosperity. Yet, it’s an industry that inherently carries risk.
For construction crews, even the most routine tasks can present serious safety hazards. This is precisely why technological advancements that prioritise safety deserve the utmost attention.
Komatsu is at the forefront of this crucial movement. Its Intelligent Machine Control (iMC) technology is a game-changer, promising a future where worksites are safer and more efficient. It allows users to program 3D design data directly into their machines.
Operators can work with the utmost efficiency, guided by sophisticated automation. Users can be confident that they are getting the most out of their machines, and customers can adhere to their carefully designed plans.
iMC Excavators
Operators can experience increased efficiency and power compared to conventional aftermarket machine guidance. iMC excavators offer the capability to work smart across a range of industries, implementing semi-automatic control. This minimises over-excavation and increases efficiency.
For example, the iMC excavator machine controls include auto stop control. It stops the bucket edge on the design surface during boom, arm, or bucket operation. By eliminating the over-digging past the desired grade, end-users can rely on the system’s intervention.
There are also new automatic features, including Grade Assist and Tilt Control. It allows the operator to relax and focus on productivity without worrying about over-digging. These features keep the bucket edge on grade while increasing bucket fill factors.
Each bucket is calibrated to the excavator so the iMC system can calculate the bucket’s nearest point. This is also known as the minimum distance to the design model. The system is designed to prevent the bucket from damaging the surface. It gives operators confidence the iMC system will support them in the event of a mistake or working on complex designs.
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iMC Dozers
If the goal is to achieve maximum productivity at the job site, operators need to carefully plan their work and then work within the plan. iMC dozers can support the plan efficiently and accurately. Through automatic dozing rough cut to finish grade, iMC-equipped machines help operators make every pass count to achieve superior production compared to traditional aftermarket systems.
The iMC dozers are innovative and intelligent, providing automated operation, a new dozing mode and load control performance features. The system is designed for the machine, as it is factory-installed and integrated into every aspect. By eliminating cables between the machine and the blade, it increases the safe operation of the machines. Komatsu has also removed the GNSS antenna and mast from the blade while eliminating daily connections between the machine and the blade.
The iMC dozers have proactive dozing and lift layer control. Proactive dozing control will automatically cut or strip layers from existing terrain, measuring the terrain to plan the next pass.
This can increase productivity by up to 60 per cent.
At the same time, lift layer control can automatically spread the lift from existing terrain. It can potentially double the production compared to earlier models.
Customer service
Komatsu prides itself on providing high-end customer support before, during and after the purchase of its machines. This ensures that operators make a positive impact on their operations by being properly trained and experienced in the execution of their projects.
It also provides a lot of operator training and support for its intelligent machines. Project managers can receive the support they need on the digital transformation of their job sites. Komatsu provides certified solutions experts via the phone, online or on the job site. This ensures that users get the most from their investment in Komatsu machines.
Komatsu has also designed the myKomatsu program to support users’ needs and help maximise the value of equipment. This is an inclusive solution that provides a range of insightful fleet information. It also enhances the convenience of ordering parts, enabling users to manage multiple worksites from anywhere in the world.
This article was originally published in the August edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.