MV RAJASEKHAR discusses five tech advances in the construction equipment sector that are boosting productivity, uptime and efficiency. Today, the integration of many new technologies in the construction equipment industry is driving productivity and uptime in jobsite operations. Among these, the following five key advancements adopted by BEML Ltd will help achieve new levels of productivity, uptime and efficiency.1. Cev Stage IV EngineTo meet emission norms, BEML is upgrading construction and mining equipment to meet the CEV stage IV. CEV stage IV-compliant diesel engines don’t just reduce the emission of harmful gases into the air, they are also powerful workhorses that are reliable, easy to operate and save fuel.The new engines feature advanced fuel injection, a more effective air-handling system and enhanced engine management. The perfect harmony between engines, drive train and hydraulics is achieved for greater efficiency to improve performance and productivity.2. TelematicsBEML has developed comprehensive, robust and reliable GPS-based telematics for construction equipment to track and monitor geo-location and optimise fleet operations. Telematics is one of the key technologies changing the way the construction industry does business. A telematics system can provide machine diagnostics alerts that help prevent downtime, theft and misuse. All vital details of the equipment, like vehicle information, update date, update time, location, vehicle speed, remark and status of the vehicles, are graphically shown along with various colour indications to specify the status of the vehicle as ‘moving’, ‘idling’, ‘halted’, ‘not reachable’, ‘GPS not active’ and even ‘panic’.3.Integrated Grade Control SystemsThe third major technology impacting construction equipment today is grade control systems. Technology providers are often partnering with manufacturers to deliver advanced 3D grade control with no external masts or cables. This can reduce costs and risk of theft or damage to the equipment. At BEML, we have designed an automatic blade control system integrated into the machine and hydraulic systems that allows operators to grade with complete accuracy. The system uses intelligent, machine-mounted sensors to calculate precise blade slope and elevation information. Automatic blade control allows operators to improve efficiency and productivity by achieving grade faster and in fewer passes than ever before, reducing the need for traditional survey stakes or grade checkers. The system is designed for a wide range of construction earthwork applications, from bulk earthmoving with high production rates to finish grading with tight tolerances.4. Payload WeighingAnother key advancement is payload weighing, which provides the supervisor the ability to monitor material moved on a worksite. To avoid guesswork regarding the bucket load and overloading, BEML introduced a payload monitoring system (optional feature for BEML loaders) that can be engineered at a convenient location in the operator’s station. The onboard system allows the operator to work without interruption and load the bucket accurately. The system provides overload alarms, alerting the operator when the bucket is loaded beyond its capacity. It reduces loader cycle time, uses less fuel and extends machine life, increasing efficiency and profitability. By preventing overloading/underloading and keeping weights within limits, it maximises safety, eliminating accidents caused by overload.5. Data Analytics and Predictive MaintenanceCondition monitoring and data analytics for predictive maintenance of construction equipment have been constantly evolving with a focus on productivity, safety and efficiency and integration with various existing subsystems—thereby deriving more features for users across the value chain. BEML has developed an AI-based predictive maintenance system to help determine the condition of in-service equipment and estimate when maintenance is required. This approach promises not only cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance but benefits the customer with improved availability of equipment deployed at various sites. Continuous collection of statistical data makes it possible at the initial stage to predict a breakdown and point out possible causes for its occurrence. Eliminating these causes even before the occurrence of a malfunction significantly reduces the cost of equipment repair and downtime.About the author: MV Rajasekhar is Director (Mining & Construction), BEML Ltd. He assumed this role on June 1, 2019. Prior to assuming charge as director, he served as executive director (Mining & Construction Business). He has vast experience of over 31 years spread across several functions like R&D, production, planning, and marketing in the Mining & Construction and Rail & Metro businesses.