Research takes heavy machinery to a new level
Research can often be conducted with the help of simulations, but sometimes more heavy-duty machinery is needed. Long-standing collaboration with industry enabled TUT to obtain a research platform, dubbed the IHA machine, to the Department of Intelligent Hydraulics and Automation (IHA). The machine helps increase the level of automation of heavy machines.
”We couldn’t have purchased the machine without industry support. Now it serves as a versatile research platform for academic and company projects”, says Professor Kalevi Huhtala.
”Agco Sisu Power provided the diesel engine, Vilakone the chassis, and Bosch Rexroth the components. We are also cooperating with Avant Tecno in the field of wireless control.”
Interaction between different levels of automation
The IHA machine can be operated using different levels of automation. Drivers can operate the machine manually, wirelessly, or remotely with the help of cameras. Even fully automated operations are possible.
”Future work sites will see a wide range of different machines operating at various levels of automation,” says Huhtala.
Centre of Excellence in Research
The Department of Intelligent Hydraulics and Automation is part of the Generic Intelligent Machines Research (GIM), which has been appointed a Centre of Excellence in Research by the Academy of Finland for the years 2008-2013. GIM is formed by a team of researchers from TUT and Aalto University.
The department is also involved in the Strategic Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation (SHOK) in the field of metal products and mechanical engineering. The purpose of SHOKs is to promote cooperation between research institutions and companies. Several research projects with different companies are underway at TUT through SHOK.
Measurement data for condition monitoring purposes
One of IHA’s projects focuses on measuring machine operations and utilizing measurement data. Information on the load rate of the machine makes condition monitoring and preventive maintenance easier. This way the machine utilization rate can be improved. Measurements also help the driver: he can simply look at a computer screen to check if the load rate is optimal at any given time.
In addition, measurements help optimize the fuel efficiency of vehicles. As the emission standards for heavy equipment are becoming increasingly stringent, the project is also aiming to cut down emissions.
”Instead of striving to create a fully automatic vehicle, we are trying to determine the best features of different levels of automation and do the work with the least amount of power. University-industry projects provide companies with knowledge of different types of control architecture. Our main objective is to develop heavy machinery applications, but the findings have proved useful in other areas as well.”
Cross-disciplinary projects open up new horizons for researchers. New forms of collaboration have also emerged between companies through SHOK.
”Companies often face problems that could be solved through collaboration. The limited resources available in Finland should be used wisely. Collaboration saves time and money,” reminds Huhtala.
