In Norway, one of the most ambitious earthmoving projects is currently underway, aiming to create 3,700 acres of commercial land and a state-of-the-art port terminal. A crucial part of this massive operation is the use of a remote-controlled dozer, designed to streamline the material management process at the marine filling site. This innovative technology ensures that the dozer can manage materials from up to 14 dump trucks, including Caterpillar 772G, 775G, and electric Sany trucks, safely and efficiently.
The remote-controlled dozer operates in a manner that greatly minimizes risks, particularly those associated with landslides and material collapse. The dozer’s operator remains about 500 meters away from the machine, eliminating the danger of being near the equipment while it performs high-risk tasks. According to Asle Ståland, Project Director at Hæhre, the ability to operate the dozer remotely is a game-changer: “This technology allows us to efficiently deliver on demanding projects without jeopardizing operator safety.”
Despite the lack of an onboard operator, the remote-controlled dozer performs just as effectively as a traditional dozer. The system, developed in collaboration with Steer, integrates Trimble’s machine control technology, which automatically adjusts the dozer blade using GPS data. This precision allows for smoother operations and more accurate material management.
Njål Gjermundshaug, CEO of Steer, emphasizes that this technology has been tested extensively over several years, and it is now on the verge of becoming a standard solution for marine filling projects. He highlights the significant safety improvements, saying, “It’s a much safer method than equipping operators with life vests, oxygen tanks, and mechanisms for automatic window breaking.”
The remote-controlled dozer technology is not just limited to marine filling operations. The innovation has sparked considerable interest from the quarry and mining sectors, where it is envisioned that a single operator could oversee multiple loaders and dozers at different dumping sites. The flexibility and safety of the system could drastically improve operational efficiency and reduce the need for multiple operators.
Espen Holte, the technical lead at Hæhre, mentions that only minor adjustments are needed to fine-tune the seat and controls for optimal operator comfort. However, the technology has already proven to be intuitive and user-friendly, with operators finding it easy to use and comfortable. This marks a significant step forward in the integration of automation and remote control within the construction industry.
The success of this remote-controlled dozer highlights a broader trend toward safer, more efficient machinery in large-scale construction projects. With fewer personnel exposed to dangerous conditions, operations can be completed faster and more safely, creating a model that could be applied to a wide range of industrial applications.
Fulian Operation Team
2025.2.12
