It’s easy to hear about the autonomous worksites of the future and imagine they are a concept that’s still years down the road. That future is, however, soon approaching, as technological advancements continue to redefine expectations and experiences in nearly every aspect of the construction industry—including access equipment, like mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

As the industry continues to take steps toward connected jobsites, today’s MEWP users are seeking new opportunities to interact with these machines.
One of the best ways to continue advancing the construction industry forward with technology is for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop solutions and tools that create “moments of autonomy” on aerial jobsites, taking steps to connected jobsites through practical and digestible features and applications.

While a fully autonomous jobsite may be in the distant future, MEWP users are embracing these moments of autonomy through their already connected devices that can solve some of the most common industry challenges, like simplifying project planning, improving fleet management and enhancing training, as well as driving safety and productivity gains.

Equipment Selection

Every jobsite has its unique specifications and requirements, which means that selecting the right MEWP for the application can often be challenging. Choosing the right machine can lead to productivity; whereas, having the wrong machine onsite can lead to unexpected delays or inefficiencies.

Augmented reality technology can make machine selection more intuitive. For example, innovative AR apps available in the market can offer machine visualization that enables users to place “to-scale” 3D machine models into the actual work environments the MEWPs will be used in. Users can then virtually move a selected MEWP through doorways, into small spaces and/or around obstacles to help determine if a particular machine can be used in a specific space.

In addition, this type of AR app can also allow for accessory visualization so that users can see the various options and accessories available for the selected MEWP to better visualize what may be needed to further enhance productivity on the jobsite.

Operator Training and Awareness

While AR is making great strides with machine visualization and selection, virtual reality technology continues to advance equipment training through life-like simulators that provide trainees the opportunity to improve familiarization with controls, as well as to practice operating equipment long before stepping foot into a physical machine. This experiential form of training takes users onto virtual jobsites, helping to build operator confidence in advance of physical machine use.

For example, some of the latest advances in virtual training from MEWP manufacturers include a platform that simulates the actual movement an operator experiences while using the machine. Trainers using VR tools like this can select from various jobsite scenarios or build customized scenarios based on the skill level of the user or specific application training that may be required.

New technology is also available to help make MEWP operators more aware on the jobsite by giving them a better sense of their immediate surroundings. For example, electronic detection systems can equip MEWPs with sensors that provide visual and audio alerts informing operators that the MEWP is approaching a structure, increasing protection of people and property.

Jobsite Planning

Technology can also be used to preplan for upcoming projects and make informed decisions about the jobsite. For example, building information modeling can transform the traditionally siloed architecture, engineering and construction disciplines so that they work together more efficiently, with integrated workflows.

Collaboration is easy with BIM because it is an intelligent 3D equipment model with specification information that provides architects, design engineers and construction professionals the ability to work collaboratively throughout the early bidding, planning and design stages of a project to better plan for the construction phase.

Using OEM models ensures MEWP users have the benefit of the most up-to-date specifications, so models look and act as the real equipment would on the job. OEM-specific BIM libraries allow architects and design engineers to utilize exact MEWP models at the earliest stages of a construction project to assure that design elements can be accessed throughout construction, then maintained post-construction. For example, MEWP BIM models that contain machine specifications ensure that the equipment selected is suitable for both the short- and long-term work at hand.

Once a MEWP is selected, mobile apps can improve the operator’s experience with the machine before work begins. For example, OEM AR apps enable users to scan the MEWP’s safety decals in order to obtain current information on ISO symbols, as well as to review an overlay of a specific machine’s control panel with explanations of its functions prior to machine operation.

Mobile apps can also offer remote control of a MEWP without tethering to the machine. This allows users, while maintaining a safe distance from the machine, to maneuver the around obstacles, position it into areas with low clearance, as well as to load and/or unload it from trucks without the need for an operator in the platform or walking next to the machine.

Technology aids aren’t just for the equipment operator. For example, an OEM’s AR app can provide service technicians with virtual overviews of a machine’s components that need to be inspected, repaired or replaced.

Fleet Management

Typically, most construction jobs run on tight margins, and MEWP operators must often complete one particular aspect of a project before they can start on the next. Therefore, if equipment breaks down or requires service while on the job, entire projects can fall behind. Telematics technology can help address these challenges by giving visibility to the equipment’s location and operating condition any time of the day or night. As a result, it is easier to be more proactive when it comes to maintenance.

For example, telematics enables service departments to remotely assess a MEWP’s setup and personalities to diagnose qualitative operational issues and review fault codes. This allows techs to proactively assess whether a service call is needed.

Remote diagnostics also allow techs to be more efficient with their time on the jobsite by ensuring they arrive with the necessary materials to complete the work. These advancements can help contractors save labor costs while increasing machine uptime.

Telematics data makes it possible for fleet managers and equipment owners to quickly receive actionable diagnostic information on a MEWP’s battery and charger system, which can help owners and operators follow best charge/discharge practices to improve in battery life. Additionally, it can help to reduce the majority of battery replacements, which are often performed erroneously due to a lack of actionable data.