Komatsu has developed an assistance system for the WA900-8R large wheel loader that uses AI image analysis to automatically detect missing bucket teeth and rolling stones around the vehicle. In order to improve the productivity and safety of customers’ sites, Komatsu aims to start general sales by the end of fiscal 2025.
At the customer’s site, the crusher could fail due to the falling tooth entering the crusher, and the wheel loader could ride on a sharp rolling stone at the stone crushing site, causing the tire to be cut or damaged. When these occur, there are costs associated with repairing and replacing crushers and tires, as well as opportunity losses due to on-site shutdowns. In addition, the work of searching for a dropped tooth in the field is fraught with danger.
In order to solve these problems, Komatsu has developed an automatic detection support system for large wheel loaders. This assistance system can automatically detect tooth dropouts and rolling stones near the vehicle using AI-based image analysis. The tooth drop detection support system monitors the condition of the tooth in real time using a camera unit installed under the front lights on the left and right sides of the vehicle body and AI image analysis. If the system detects a tooth dropout, the operator is notified of the tooth omission by a monitor display and an audible warning.
In addition, the rolling stone detection assist system monitors the front and side directions of the front tires in real time using camera units installed above the front lights on the left and right sides of the vehicle body and AI image analysis. If the system detects a falling stone of a predetermined size in the detection area, a display on the monitor and an audible warning will prompt the operator to avoid the falling stone.
Tooth shedding and rolling rock
- Tooth shedding: The tooth (claw) attached to the tip of the bucket to improve excavation performance falls off due to damage caused by impact during loading work.
- Rolling rock: Rock that has fallen at a mining site immediately after blasting or during loading.
Source: Komatsu