Is progression to fully automated excavators possible?

Our interviewees have been sharing their opinions on the likelihood of operator-free construction machines taking over in the future.

A continued need for operators?

While many agreed on the future of “green-powered” machinery, our interviewees are less convinced about fully automated machines – they shared their thoughts on the importance of operators.

Belgian contractor Wim Ceulemans agrees that there’s been “remarkable” progress in construction machinery over recent years – and tells us that “modern times will bring automation and electrification”. However, Wim stressed the importance of manpower, saying: “I don’t see an excavator without an operator as yet.”

“I still think that there will always be people who need to know the feeling of controlling the machine and they will also know what they are doing,” concurs Luyckx representative Louis Vinck.

Fully automated vs semi-automated

Despite a consensus on the continued need for operators, some of our people believe in the potential for semi-automation.

Kjell Arne Småge from Norwegian contractor Odd Småge shared the apprehension over full automation: “The future, when it comes to autonomous driving is hard to predict, but I think that in excavators you’ll need operators for a long time.”

However, Kjell does concede the possibility of automated developments in certain areas, telling us, “When it comes to dump trucks and transportation, who do the same job every day, it might be easier. Maybe there will be one guy who’s in control of many dump trucks for example.”

Norman Hole, from contractor Hole Maskiner, bought his first Hitachi machine back in 1983 and has witnessed the company’s product evolution since. He too predicts the useful development of some automation: “I think that excavators will have semi-autonomous systems that are connected to the GPS. This will increase productivity and efficiency.”