Capital Equipment News November 2019

emissions standard, for example, requires machine manufacturers to provide data based on the Chinese Beidou satellite navigation system, which broadens the connectivity offer. Reducing manufacturers’ environmen- tal impact is also important. If travel times of technicians heading to long-dis- tance locations to conduct repairs can be reduced – either by diagnosing the problem remotely before coming out to site, thereby avoiding an extra journey, or by spotting machine failures before they occur – then ultimately we will reduce the number of site visits and in turn cut our carbon footprint.

chines. Instead we sell a service paid by the hour. By asking our customers at the point of sale: ‘What do you want to achieve for your site?’, we can then offer a combined package that helps them achieve their goals. In many ways, construction is the perfect place to explore these new business models. Because with clearly defined parameters and job site targets, it’s easier to work out the best solution to help you achieve those targets. CN: We have the machines, we have the services, now it is a case of maturing the technology and enhancing the func- tionality. We will do that by testing our connected solutions in different stages – by targeting different customers and different applications. Only when we are confident we have found the best pos- sible solution will we then bring these advances to the market. Connectivity is a game-changer for Volvo CE and we want it to be a game-changer for our custom- ers too. b Q: Is Volvo CE working on new connected solutions?

of the software to react quickly in an emergency. The system needs to respond quick enough so that it can, for example, hit the emergency brake if there was an obstacle in the way. Q: A lot of progress is being made, but what are the challenges facing connectivity? CN: The biggest challenge is that dif- ferent markets and regions diverge on the quality and regulations surrounding their mobile network. Even when 5G connectivity is enabled on our ma- chines, the service won’t be available everywhere. In many ways, it’s easier for us in construction, than say Volvo Trucks, as we tend to have a pre-de- fined area of operation rather than hav- ing to travel long distances. In sectors such as mining, the primary challenge is securing connectivity in remote loca- tions or deep underground. Q: How will connectivity change the way we do business? CN: In five to 10 years’ time, who knows? Maybe we don’t just sell ma-

Q: Construction sites can be dangerous. Is safety also a motivation?

CN: Absolutely. When you consider the progress we’re making in automation, connectivity has a big role in creating the site ecosystem to make that happen efficiently and safely. If the ambition is to remove humans from dangerous job sites entirely, then without an operator behind the wheel it’s the responsibility

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