A concept proving prototype of automated earthmoving control

A survey of current practices revealed that very little control is normally done in earthmoving management. An automated control model for earthmoving operations was developed. The model is based on the concept of automatically measuring performance, by measuring parameters—in this case, locations. Applying this concept to earthmoving operations, the present control algorithm converts the measured locations to produce real-time control data: productivity (or progress) and materials consumption. The locations are measured, at regular time intervals, with a Global Positioning System (GPS). Field experiments conducted with a prototype system proved its suitability to perform automated control of earthmoving equipment.