To address modern jobsite challenges, John Deere has created an autonomous articulated dump truck (ADT) for the construction sector. The company has been enhancing its cross-application rev2 platform, integrating autonomous technology into heavy machinery. Known primarily for its agricultural equipment, Deere is now applying its rev2 innovations to other sectors, including construction and commercial landscaping.
Current Construction Challenges
While developing self-driving vehicles for open spaces like farms is one thing, creating them for construction sites—where personnel and machinery are continually in flux—is another significant hurdle. For manufacturers, introducing autonomous tech to construction equipment is a considerable gamble, especially given the industry’s foremost challenge: the lack of skilled labor.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Labor Department, the construction industry is short by around 500,000 workers. This number can be hard to grasp, but Deere representatives highlighted that over 80% of their construction clients struggle with a lack of skilled labor. This labor shortage is also evident in agriculture and commercial landscaping, revealing a harsh reality: major employers may never have enough qualified staff. Deere, along with other manufacturers, believes autonomous technology is the solution.
“We’re utilizing autonomy to tackle labor shortages and develop solutions that enhance humanity—whether through food production, infrastructure development, or creating enjoyable green spaces,” stated Jahmy Hindman, John Deere’s senior vice president and chief technology officer, during a press event showcasing their latest innovations.
Bridging to Construction
A few years prior, Deere launched an autonomous tractor, currently undergoing trials at selected agricultural sites. This week, the company is unveiling its latest autonomous innovations, including its first construction equipment, an articulated dump truck designed for mining and quarry applications. These advancements will be presented at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7-10.
Deere’s engineers collaborate closely with clients in the construction and mining industries to refine the technology used in the ADT. This system incorporates six pairs of stereo cameras and relies on satellite maps for navigation. The tech stack features perception, navigation, and vehicle control systems that relay information from the truck back to an operational center, employing StarFire guidance and Starlink. The ADT is built to adapt to varying conditions and includes a display that provides a visual representation of its surroundings, featuring object segmentation and classification.
Known as “Dusty,” the autonomous dump truck autonomously manages tasks such as decelerating for obstacles, yielding for passing vehicles, and coordinating with other machinery like water trucks in real-time situations. Designed to help mitigate workforce shortages and delays from employee turnover or absences, the ADT improves productivity. It has a top speed of 30 mph when loaded.
