PowerFab
Pioneering Remote Excavator Operation with Virtual Reality
Swansea-based PowerFab, specialists and distributors of excavators and loaders envisioned a future where excavators could be operated remotely through Virtual Reality (VR) technology. They approached CEMET to create a proof-of-concept to showcase this innovative concept.
What Did We Do?
PowerFab sought to demonstrate the feasibility of remotely operating excavators using VR. This required the integration of several advanced technologies to create a seamless and immersive remote operating experience.
CEMET collaborated with PowerFab to develop innovative remote operating software, featuring:
Virtual Reality (VR): Operators use a VR headset creating an immersive experience that replicates the excavator's cabin view.
360° Camera: A high-definition camera mounted within the excavator cabin streams live video to the VR headset for a complete visual experience.
Wireless Data Transmission: Sensor data from the excavator, attached to a mobile device, is wirelessly transmitted to a PC controlling the VR experience.
Hydraulic Chair Control: The VR software interprets sensor data and utilizes it to control a hydraulic chair, mimicking the excavator's movements in near real-time. This provides operators with a realistic sense of motion and control.
How Did We Do It?
CEMET played a crucial role in the project, focusing on:
Software Development: The CEMET team successfully implemented three core functionalities:
Sensor data collection and wireless transmission from the excavator.
Real-time data interpretation for controlling the hydraulic chair.
Wireless 360° video streaming to the VR headset.
Proof-of-Concept Development: This collaborative project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of VR-based remote excavator control.
The collaboration resulted in a proof-of-concept that showcased the feasibility of remote excavator operation through VR. This innovative solution has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, enhancing safety, efficiency, and operator training.
PowerFab aims to refine and expand this technology for real-world applications, continuing to push the boundaries of remote operation in construction.
“CEMET had a vital role in the Powerfab project playing a key part in developing a working prototype of a Remote Operating System (ROS) used to wirelessly operate a machine from a distance with maximum emersion and feedback for the operator through the ROS utilising 3 degrees of freedom and virtual reality. It was a challenging project, but we delivered it on time, this could not have been done without CEMET who had direct experience and technical know-how. The project management and planning with CEMET meant we achieved our goals and it was great fun working on the project with them too!”
CEMET is proud to continue to support PowerFab through the early stages of its development. To find out more about their latest work visit their website or follow them via X or LinkedIn.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Swansea City Council.
