AUTONOMOUS excavators have begun work in Queensland in an Australian first, digging pipeline trenches across the Surat Basin.
It follows a successful trial by MPC Kinetic in late 2019 of a 30t excavator operating fully-autonomously and guided by artificial intelligence (AI).
MPC Kinetic will partner with Built Robotics, the developer of the AI technology, to roll out a fleet of fully-automated excavators.
MPC Kinetic business unit leader Richard Butler said the move to autonomous equipment is part of a progressive step for the wider industry.
“We see autonomous earthmoving equipment as the key to building a new era of construction here in Australia,” he said.
“It’s not about replacing our people, it’s about freeing up our skilled workers from simple, repetitive tasks, and letting them focus on the more technical and critical duties within our operations.”
Built Robotics chief executive Noah Ready-Campbell said this was the first time its automated technology had been deployed outside the US.
“We’ve completed more than 8000 hours of safe and successful autonomous operation on job sites across the US,” he said.
“MPC is a proven leader in deploying cutting-edge technology in tough environments, and they recognise the impact that autonomy can have as a force multiplier in the hands of skilled workers.”
