[VIDEO] Autonomous digger passes site tests, will be deployed at Manchester Airport

An autonomous excavator passed trials with flying colours at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield, in collaboration with Taylor Woodrow and Gravis Robotics

The autonomous digger machine was showcased at a dedicated testing site in Sheffield, demonstrating the capabilities of the Yanmar SV100-7 excavator.

The autonomous excavator excelled in a series of exercises, including autonomous excavation to various depths in differing ground conditions, real-time LiDAR capture of the excavation, emergency safe stop, and autonomous manoeuvring.

These tasks were derived from a real, upcoming Taylor Woodrow scheme to ensure robust evaluation, and the machine performed “exceptionally well”.

According to Taylor Woodrow, this trial “represents more than just an excavator without an operator; it signifies a leap forward in the development of physical AI. Taylor Woodrow is committed to transforming how physical work is done by enhancing inclusivity, productivity, safety, and accuracy while reducing environmental impact and waste.”

Swiss specialists Gravis Robotics also helped develop the tests.

Increased automation could increase productivity whilst reducing costs and safety risks

Phil Skegg, managing director of Taylor Woodrow, commented: “Over the last 10 years, our industry safety record has not improved, and our productivity has declined. As an industry, around 20% of the cost of what we build can be attributed to not getting it right the first time (GIRI).

“We believe that increasing the mechanisation and automation of tasks on site will help address these problems, removing people from danger, being more productive, and improving the quality of workmanship. Computer-controlled machines could be the way forward, and as an industry leader, we want to be early adopters and trial what is available. This is an exciting first step made possible by our partnership with Gravis Robotics, supported by Yanmar Construction Equipment and AMRC.”

The next phase of trialling the technology will see the autonomous excavator go live at Taylor Woodrow’s project at Manchester Airport.

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