Volvo (Germany)

To support the application of automated machines and collaborative robots in unstructured environments like in the mining, agriculture and construction sector the needs of the human co-worker should be investigated to ensure a safe and productive collaboration. The empirical study presented includes the prototyping of a solution for human-machine communication, which has been supported by a design thinking approach. An understanding of the human needs had been created through jobsite observations and semi-structured interviews with human workforces working in close proximity to heavy mobile equipment. The results show that trust and communication have a big impact on the jobsite collaboration.

In this proposed paper, a measurement based validation for a previously developed payload estimation method for excavators [1] is presented. The payload here refers to the weight exerted at the operating end (bucket) of the working attachment of an excavator due to the amount of material in the bucket. The proposed method employs an analytical approach, relying on calculating the payload as a function of the joint torques of the excavator working attachment. Since this approach requires the knowledge of the inertial parameters of the working attachment, a method to estimate these was proposed. The mass, center of mass and mass moment of inertia of each link are estimated recursively using simple motion trajectories of the working attachment. Once the inertial parameters are thus estimated, the payload can be estimated as a function of joint torques. Both these estimation methods were validated using measurements done on an 18 t hydraulic excavator. The paper discusses in detail the measurement runs performed for the validation, as well as the subsequent evaluation of the measurement data. Finally, the quality of the results is elaborated on, and suggestions for improvement of the accuracy and reproducibility of both estimation methods are presented.

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of excavators, road development machines, and compact construction equipment. It generates annual global net sales of approximately 53 billion Swedish kronor (SEK) (around €5.67 billion) and offers its products and services in more than 125 countries through proprietary or independent dealerships. It is recognized as a premium, high quality player and is ranked third in a global comparison with approximately 5% market share. Product innovations and strategic acquisitions made Volvo CE a major player in the construction industry, with a comprehensive product portfolio operated under the three brands Volvo, SDLG, and Terex Trucks (the latter newly acquired in 2014). In this chapter we discuss the supply chain segmentation journey of Volvo CE.