Overview
An organisation is seeking technologies, systems, software, sensors, analytics, or decision-support tools that can improve the efficiency, consistency, safety, and sustainability of digging and loading operations in heavy-duty off-highway environments.
Solutions of interest may support operators, machines, supervisors, planners, or fleet systems by providing better real-time insight into material conditions, loading performance, machine interaction with the dig face, and opportunities for operational optimisation.
The organisation is particularly interested in technologies that provide actionable information, guidance, coaching, recommendations, or optimisation insights. Full machine control is not required, although technologies with a pathway toward automation may also be relevant.
Background
Digging and loading are critical operations in sectors where large volumes of fragmented, variable, or unstructured material must be moved efficiently. Performance can be affected by changing material properties, uneven terrain, operator variability, machine condition, bucket interaction, fragmentation quality, and coordination with downstream haulage or material-handling systems.
Current approaches can rely heavily on operator experience and indirect performance indicators. There is an opportunity to improve outcomes through better sensing, digitalisation, real-time analytics, machine perception, adaptive guidance, and integration with broader fleet or planning systems.
The organisation is seeking technologies that can help improve one or more of the following:
- Bucket fill factor, payload consistency, and cycle time
- Operator guidance, coaching, and situational awareness
- Dig-face response, fuel efficiency, and machine health
- Integration with fleet, planning, or autonomy systems
Solutions of Interest
Relevant industries and application areas include, but are not limited to:
Mining
- Dig-face and muckpile interaction – includes optimisation, and adaptive response to variable or fragmented rock faces
- Stockpile loading – consistent bucket fill from loose or blended material piles
- Shovel and excavator automation – operator assistance, semi-autonomous digging, and integration with autonomous haulage systems
Construction & Earthmoving
- Bulk material excavation and loading – cut-and-fill, mass excavation, and site clearance on variable ground
- Demolition and rubble handling – picking, sorting, and loading fragmented concrete or mixed debris with variable geometry
Trenching & Utility
- Pipeline and cable installation – automated depth and grade control for trench digging in variable soil conditions
- Foundation and drainage works – precision digging to profile in unprepared ground with underground obstacle avoidance
Agriculture
- Bulk material handling and loading — autonomous or guided soil loading with bucket attachments on uneven off-road terrain
- Adaptive implement control responding to variable soil resistance, compaction, and terrain profile
- Rock mapping
Defence & Disaster Response
- Military and emergency earthmoving – autonomous or remotely operated digging systems for unstructured, hazardous, or rapidly changing terrain
- Search, rescue, and debris clearance – perception and guidance systems for equipment operating in unstructured rubble or collapse environments
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Requirements
Solutions should ideally demonstrate relevance to heavy-duty equipment or demanding industrial environments. The client is open to commercial systems, pilots, prototypes, research capabilities, and technologies proven in adjacent sectors that may be transferable.
Of particular interest are technologies that can improve productivity, consistency, energy efficiency, safety, equipment life, or system-level coordination.
Related TechNeeds:
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