Intelligent equipment. Trucks that drive themselves. Telematics delivering real-time machine information. It’s all part of a technological revolution that’s increasing efficiency, production and profit for mining and construction companies.

Look to smsequip.com as a one-stop resource for details about Advanced Technologies, including Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) dozers that provide fully automatic blade control from rough cut to finish grade. You can also learn about iMC excavators, such as the PC210LCi-10, with exclusive control function that goes beyond simple guidance to semi-automatically limit over-excavation and trace a target surface.

Komatsu’s driverless FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) is another example of Advanced Technologies. Dump trucks using AHS are equipped with vehicle controllers, high-precision GPS, an obstacle-detection system and a wireless network jointly developed by Komatsu and Modular Mining Systems (SMS Equipment and Modular Mining Systems jointly developed the SMS FrontRunner Virtual Training Room. See related article on page 23).

Equipment owners and fleet managers can track Komatsu construction and mining equipment with KOMTRAX and KOMTRAX Plus. KOMTRAX for construction monitors hours, location, fuel consumption, idle time, maintenance alerts, monthly working records and more. Designed for mining equipment, KOMTRAX Plus goes a step beyond with information including a history of normal operating parameters, system trend data and payload meter readings.

Safety is an essential aspect of all types of operations, and SMS Equipment added to its Advanced Technologies with the addition of SICK Ltd.’s sensor intelligence systems that are designed to aid in collision avoidance. Systems that provide operators both visual and audible warnings of potential hazards are available for excavators, trucks and wheel loaders.

“SMS continues to pioneer advanced, customer-focused technology, and I am very proud of the team’s collaborative effort in developing an identity to drive our efforts into a new era of thinking,” said President and CEO Mike Granger. “Advanced Technologies encompasses all of our industries’ technologies and allows us to be forward thinkers of what could come next.”