Mobile work machines are becoming more autonomous, affecting the role of the operator. Tampere University develops robotics that make work more socially and ecologically sustainable.
The electrification of mobile work machines increases productivity and reduces emissions. Matti Vilkko, Professor of Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering at Tampere University, states that smart machines can also make workers' daily lives more meaningful.
Large mobile machines, such as forestry and excavating equipment, are becoming increasingly autonomous. This means they can assess their work environment and make related decisions without constant human supervision and control.
According to Vilkko, autonomy makes operators' work more efficient and meaningful. As machines handle repetitive tasks, humans can focus on other aspects of their work. This opens up entirely new opportunities for redefining roles within the industry.
Operating a mobile work machine requires technical skill. An experienced forestry machine operator can achieve several times the productivity compared to an inexperienced one. However, the work is often monotonous, which drives skilled workers to seek other jobs, creating a labor shortage in the industry.
The development of autonomy in mobile work machines helps address this issue. In Finland, this is primarily driven by leading machinery manufacturers and Academic Fellows researchers, including Vilkko.
Transformation Won't Happen Overnight
Vilkko is confident that electric and biofuel-powered machines will replace current diesel machines. However, diesel operators need not fear an overnight change, as Vilkko believes the transformation will occur gradually, led by major industrial giants.
According to him, we are now at a stage where the diesel engines of many machines are being removed and replaced with electric ones. This is because it's not worthwhile to take expensive machines out of service if they still have plenty of mileage left.
Vilkko believes that machines designed to be electric from the outset will be adopted first by major industrial players. When the volumes are large, even a small advantage in productivity or energy consumption can quickly accumulate.
The demand for alternative power sources for mobile work machines is also increasing due to tightening regulations on CO2 emissions. A report published by the Finnish Government in 2022 estimates that improved data collection and statistics on machinery will facilitate the renewal of the machine inventory and reduce emissions.
Currently, researchers at the Tampere University are investigating how autonomous machines can operate on the same job site without colliding with each other. Vilkko and his colleagues are also developing mathematical models to enable multiple mobile work machines to collaboratively carry out the same task.
Multifaceted Sustainability
Vilkko emphasizes that the autonomy of work machines creates so much new value that its full scope is still hard to grasp. The new generation of machines can be precisely tailored to their specific tasks, opening doors to entirely new roles in the industry.
According to Vilkko, mobile work machine operators are smart individuals who often have a deep understanding of their work environment. As their tasks become automated, they can focus on creating different types of value, whether economic, social, or ecological.
According to Vilkko, a seasoned professional can, for example, effortlessly cut down and process trees with an autonomous machine. This frees up the operator's time to plan their activities in the forest more deeply, considering factors like animal feeding and nesting areas.
This is just one of many examples. Humans still excel at many tasks compared to machines. Therefore, the development of autonomy in work machines should be seen as an opportunity that creates new jobs and transforms existing roles into more rewarding ones, Vilkko explains.
Easier control of machinery also lowers the threshold for hiring inexperienced workers. This promotes employment and alleviates the rapidly growing labor shortage in the sector.
This text is part of a series on the Mobile Machines Platform of Excellence (PoE) network, exploring six themes. The other five themes are the new value of data, machine collaboration, sustainable energy solutions, intelligent control systems, and humans in the loop.
The themes are based on a roadmap developed by the SIX Mobile Work Machines cluster. The cluster is coordinated by Tamlink and includes Ponsse, Epec, Sandvik, Valmet Automotive, Valtra, Kalmar, Normet, Tana, Nokia, Danfoss, Junttan, Hevtec, Cargotec, VTT, and Tampere University.
The texts are part of an EAKR-funded project called the Twin transition of mobile work machines (SIX-PoE).
Matti Vilkko serves as the head of the Automation and Mechanical Engineering unit at Tampere University. His research focuses on industrial processes and the management of related operational processes.
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