Abstract: An operator training system for a machine is disclosed. The operator training system comprises an interface in communication with a machine and a processor communicatively coupled to the interface. The processor is configured to receive, via the interface, operation data associated with operation of the machine. The processor is further configured to determine an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data. The processor is also configured to compare the operator performance value with a benchmark value. The processor is further configured to provide one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value.

Abstract: A method for sorting among a plurality of potential route plans for operating an autonomous ground based machine includes a step of creating a virtual model of a terrain of a work site. A first virtual lane having at least one measurable lane constraint is created within the virtual model. A first virtual machine footprint is created and has a first virtual movement profile corresponding to an actual autonomous movement profile of the autonomous machine. The first virtual machine footprint is moved from a starting position along the first virtual lane to an ending position according to the first virtual movement profile. During the moving step, the first virtual machine footprint is compared to the at least one measurable lane constraint. The first proposed route plan is then designated as either viable or unacceptable based on the comparison.

Abstract: A control system for a work site including an autonomous machine includes a central control system that includes a cluster of servers configured to execute an autonomous control server application on exactly one of the cluster of servers. A RAID system is in communication with the cluster of servers. A first switch interconnects a first network with the cluster of servers, and a second switch interconnects a second network with the cluster of servers. A UPS system interconnects a power source with the cluster of servers, the RAID system, and the first and second switches. The machine control system is communicatively coupled with the central control system via a wireless network and one of the first and second networks. The machine control system transmits machine position information to the autonomous control server application and receives a route plan generated by the autonomous control server application.

Abstract: A method of managing movement of an electric cable that is configured to provide power to a mobile machine. The method includes determining an initial boundary of an isolation zone in which the cable lies, for a first location of the machine. The initial boundary is divided into a first static boundary and a first dynamic boundary. The first static boundary surrounds a static isolation sub-zone of the isolation zone, and the first dynamic boundary surrounds a dynamic isolation sub-zone of the isolation zone. A second dynamic boundary surrounding the dynamic isolation sub-zone is determined, based on a second location of the machine when the machine moves from the first location to the second location, such that the cable lies within the second dynamic boundary. The first static boundary is maintained when the machine is in the second location.

Abstract: A method of managing movement of an electric cable that is configured to provide power to a mobile machine. The method includes determining an initial boundary of an isolation zone in which the cable lies, for a first location of the machine. The initial boundary is divided into a first static boundary and a first dynamic boundary. The first static boundary surrounds a static isolation sub-zone of the isolation zone, and the first dynamic boundary surrounds a dynamic isolation sub-zone of the isolation zone. A second dynamic boundary surrounding the dynamic isolation sub-zone is determined, based on a second location of the machine when the machine moves from the first location to the second location, such that the cable lies within the second dynamic boundary. The first static boundary is maintained when the machine is in the second location.

Abstract: A method of managing at least one vehicle includes sensing a tire operating characteristic of the at least one vehicle, sensing a vehicle operating characteristic of the at least one vehicle, and providing an output. The output is indicative of an expected tire life, and is based on the tire operating characteristic and the vehicle operating characteristic of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing a work machine with information about a processing machine. Information about a processing machine is determined. The determined information is sent to the work machine. The work machine then communicates the determined information to a controller of the work machine.