Graphical control interface for construction and maintenance equipment

This paper discusses graphical interfaces to improve equipment control in construction and facility/ infrastructure maintenance environments. Most large construction and maintenance machines are difficult to control because of insufficient visual feedback to equipment operators. In many emerging applications such as hazardous waste cleaning, it is also necessary to control such equipment from a distance using teleoperation techniques. Initial evidence indicates that real-time updated graphical representation of equipment and work environments can enhance equipment control by providing better spatial perception to the equipment operator. Real-time simulation and task planning with graphical models can also ensure safe and reliable operation of equipment. However, graphical control interfaces require careful design for successful results as it is very difficult to generate exact graphical models of unstructured and dynamic environments such as construction and maintenance. Design of graphical control interfaces for construction equipment also requires knowledge in various technological areas. In this paper, design issues and principles for graphical control interfaces for construction and maintenance equipment are presented. The usefulness of graphical control interfaces is also presented through performance tests of a teleoperated clinker clearing robot for power plant maintenance.