Abstract: A retrofittable remote control system is provided for enabling remote controlling of an on-board component of machine that is inherently incapable of being remote controlled. An interface control module is retrofitted on machine and is configured to communicate with off-board remote control over wireless communication channel. The interface control module detects presence of an on-board control module that communicates with the on-board component over a digital communication channel. The interface control module is configured to then establish either a digital communication link with the on-board control module or a direct Input/Output (I/O) communication link with the on-board component of the machine based on the detection. The interface control module is configured to send a control signal over either the direct I/O communication link or the digital communication channel via the detected on-board control module, for controlling the on-board component.

Abstract: A method for controlling a machine during a transition from a service brake state to a parking brake includes receiving, by a control module, a request for activating a parking brake assembly. The method also includes transmitting, by the control module, control signals for activating a set of first brakes associated with a service brake assembly, a set of second brakes associated with the service brake assembly, and a clutch assembly. The method further includes controlling, by the control module, the set of first brakes for deactivating the set of first brakes. The method includes controlling, by the control module, the parking brake assembly for activating the parking brake assembly. The method also includes controlling, by the control module, the set of second brakes for deactivating the set of second brakes. The method further includes controlling, by the control module, the clutch assembly for deactivating the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A method for remote operation of machines using a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device may detect and display one or more machines. The mobile device may establish a wireless connection with a machine. The mobile device may retrieve and display machine related information including one or more machine parameters, one or more implements, and one or more controls of the machine. In addition, the mobile device may transmit input commands received from an operator via the controls to the machine. The machine may be configured to establish the wireless connection with the mobile device and broadcast machine related information to the mobile device. The machine may also execute the input commands received from the mobile device and perform one or more functions. The method includes steps performed by the mobile device and the machine for the remote operation respectively.

Abstract: A method for remote operation of machines using a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device may detect and display one or more machines. The mobile device may establish a wireless connection with a machine. The mobile device may retrieve and display machine related information including one or more machine parameters, one or more implements, and one or more controls of the machine. In addition, the mobile device may transmit input commands received from an operator via the controls to the machine. The machine may be configured to establish the wireless connection with the mobile device and broadcast machine related information to the mobile device. The machine may also execute the input commands received from the mobile device and perform one or more functions. The method includes steps performed by the mobile device and the machine for the remote operation respectively.

Abstract: A retrofittable remote control system is provided for enabling remote controlling of an on-board component of machine that is inherently incapable of being remote controlled. An interface control module is retrofitted on machine and is configured to communicate with off-board remote control over wireless communication channel. The interface control module detects presence of an on-board control module that communicates with the on-board component over a digital communication channel. The interface control module is configured to then establish either a digital communication link with the on-board control module or a direct Input/Output (I/O) communication link with the on-board component of the machine based on the detection. The interface control module is configured to send a control signal over either the direct I/O communication link or the digital communication channel via the detected on-board control module, for controlling the on-board component.

Abstract: A method for controlling a machine during a transition from a service brake state to a parking brake includes receiving, by a control module, a request for activating a parking brake assembly. The method also includes transmitting, by the control module, control signals for activating a set of first brakes associated with a service brake assembly, a set of second brakes associated with the service brake assembly, and a clutch assembly. The method further includes controlling, by the control module, the set of first brakes for deactivating the set of first brakes. The method includes controlling, by the control module, the parking brake assembly for activating the parking brake assembly. The method also includes controlling, by the control module, the set of second brakes for deactivating the set of second brakes. The method further includes controlling, by the control module, the clutch assembly for deactivating the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A Machine Automation System (MAS) for a machine with an implement includes a plurality of Vehicle Electronic Control Modules (ECMs), a local transceiver, an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN), a first Controller Area Network (CAN), an Autonomy Electronic Control Module (AECM), an environment monitoring system, and a Remote Shutdown Module (RSM). The AECM is configured to generate output control signals, and to transmit the output control signals to at least one ECM of the plurality of Vehicle ECMs, wherein the output control signals control an operation of the machine. The RSM is disposed on the machine and configured to receive a safety control signal from off-board the machine. The MAS is configured to operate advanced machine control features concurrently with execution of the input control signals received from off-board the machine.

Abstract: A remote operator station may include a seat. A first and a second input device may be disposed on the seat. An interface device may be discretely arranged with respect to the remote operator station and may include an interface processor in communication with a machine. The interface processor may be configured to remotely control non-movement features and function of the machine. An electronic control module may be in communication with, at least, the first and second input devices. The electronic control module may be configured to: receive input signals from one of the first and second input devices; process the input signals; and communicate wirelessly processed input signals to a machine for remote operation thereof.

Abstract: A MAS for a machine that includes an implement, and a related method of controlling such machine is provided. The MAS may comprise a plurality of Vehicle ECMs, a local transceiver, an Ethernet LAN, a first CAN, an AECM, an environment monitoring system and an RSM. The AECM is configured to generate output control signals, and to transmit the output control signals to at least one of the Vehicle ECMs, wherein the output control signals control an operation of the machine. The RSM is disposed on the machine and configured to receive a safety control signal from off-board the machine. The MAS is configured to operate advance machine control features concurrently with execution of the input control signals received from off-board the machine.

Abstract: A MAS for a machine that includes an implement, and a related method of controlling such machine is provided. The MAS may comprise a plurality of Vehicle ECMs, a local transceiver, an Ethernet LAN, a first CAN, an AECM, an environment monitoring system and an RSM. The AECM is configured to generate output control signals based, at least in part, on input from the environment monitoring system, and to transmit the output control signals to at least one of the Vehicle ECMs, wherein the output control signals control an operation of the machine. The MAS is configured to execute semi-autonomous functions of the machine based on input from the environment monitoring system.

Abstract: A remote operator station may include a seat. A first and a second input device may be disposed on the seat. An interface device may be discretely arranged with respect to the remote operator station and may include an interface processor in communication with a machine. The interface processor may be configured to remotely control non-movement features and function of the machine. An electronic control module may be in communication with, at least, the first and second input devices. The electronic control module may be configured to: receive input signals from one of the first and second input devices; process the input signals; and communicate wirelessly processed input signals to a machine for remote operation thereof.

Abstract: A control system and related method for controlling the machine in a mine. The control system may comprise a LADAR, an interface device, a processor and an AECM. The LADAR may be configured to capture scan data of physical mine walls. The interface device may be configured to display a mine map illustrating a section of the mine. The processor may be configured to add a virtual wall to the mine map in response to a first user input. The processor may be configured to add a temporary wall to the mine map in response to a second user input. The temporary wall may be based on scan data of a physical mine wall captured by the LADAR. The AECM is configured to control an operation of the machine, based on the mine map, to avoid collision of the machine with the virtual wall or the temporary wall.