Volvo CE believes job satisfaction sits inside the cab

Because equipment operators spend so much time in the cab, the operator environment plays a large role in overall job satisfaction. (Photo: Volvo Construction Equipment)

Worker shortages continue to be the bane of the construction industry, as it faces an ongoing battle to attract and retain skilled labor. With qualified equipment operators practically worth their weight in gold, keeping them happy while also bringing new hires up to speed is essential to keeping projects on time and on budget.

That’s why OEMs like Volvo Construction have invested a substantial amount of R&D into the operator environment, incorporating technology that enhances both operability of the equipment and boosts operator productivity, regardless of skill level.

Power Progress asked Jenny Olsen, product manager – Productivity Services, Volvo Construction Equipment, about the thought process behind these enhancements, key areas of focus and the features and capabilities that set them apart among other industry suppliers.

Q: Volvo Construction Equipment has made substantial changes to the operator environment of its equipment over the past several years. What key areas have been the primary focus and why?

Our customers are always working to innovate and grow, and to support them in that goal we need to do the same. If we can improve our machines to meet their evolving needs, everyone wins.

The operator environment plays a big part in job satisfaction because operators spend so much time there, and with labor shortages, employers are looking for every possible way to keep operators happy and more productive. The tech systems available inside the cab are meant to help the operator do as much work as possible without additional people around the machine, which is also safer.

In addition to making our cabs comfortable and thoughtfully laid out, we also work to make the controls and displays as intuitive as possible so that the customer gets the full potential out of every feature and function.

Q: Specifically, how have the control systems and displays evolved? Was most of this evolution completed through in-house R&D, external suppliers or a combination of both?

The second-generation Volvo Co-Pilot provides the ability to display up to four different widgets at one time. (Photo: Volvo Construction Equipment)

From simple apps like notes and weather to the most advanced productivity software, everything the operator needs for a successful day is right at their fingertips with the second-generation Volvo Co-Pilot. This version is 20% larger, has more processing power and is easier to navigate than the first-generation version. High-definition visuals and the ability to display up to four different widgets keep the operator well informed. The home screen is fully customizable for quick access to their most used apps.

The second-generation Volvo Co-Pilot runs on the Android 12 operating system and includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility. The console has two USB ports that enable things like printing, uploading files and playing music from a smartphone. We’re also working to make the Volvo Co-Pilot more future-ready with a software architecture that allows customers to easily incorporate upgrades and new capabilities.

Our HMI development is led by team members from multiple Volvo Group divisions.

Q: How did the R&D team(s) at Volvo work to ensure these systems provided the capabilities required?

We have worked hard to get closer to our customers and take their needs into account as we develop and improve upon these systems. From the people out in the field to the engineers, we all keep customer feedback in mind as we work to lead the way with new technology.

Q: Describe how the human-machine interface (HMI) systems on Volvo machines differ from those of other brands. How were they developed and what features or capabilities do they offer that make them unique?

Our priority is that our HMI is easy to learn and navigate, whether it’s by touching the screen or using the jog wheel. We’ve updated to a more modern look that uses bold colors and easy-to-read text. We have one of the largest and highest-definition displays, with the second-generation Co-Pilot measuring 12.8 in. Because the system is Android-based, it’s like navigating a smartphone or tablet, which almost everyone is comfortable with these days. We also offer great camera views, including a 360-degree bird’s eye view for added safety.

I think our operator coaching (on Volvo wheel loaders and excavators) stands out from the competition. It’s like a virtual coach built into the machine: observing the operator’s usage and performance and then suggesting adjustments they could make. Plus, the operator or their manager can set targets and check on the progress throughout the day ​​— almost like a game where they are working to beat their personal best.

Volvo has prioritized making its HMI easy to learn and navigate, such as through the Co-Pilot’s 12.8-in. touchscreen display. (Photo: Volvo Construction Equipment)

We have a standard version that provides an operator score, basic suggestions for more efficient operation, an interactive guide and historical graphs. It measures four key performance indicators to provide an operator score: idling, braking, throttle and lock-up. The data it calculates includes fuel consumption, operating time and distance.

The advanced version also includes a previous shift summary, onboard weighing data integration, customized operator tips and a library of additional tips. It measures the same four performance indicators plus fuel efficiency, productivity and utilization.

This helpful technology not only leads to more skilled operators but also ensures that the machine is better utilized and they’re minimizing fuel consumption, wear and tear and the risk of accidents. Even experienced operators have told us it helps them think more about what they’re doing and how they can optimize efficiency and productivity.

Q: What do you envision is next for such controls and displays, on Volvo machines and in the industry, near term and looking into the future?

I think we’ll continue to see further integration of these technologies because they help newer operators get comfortable behind the wheel (or joysticks) quicker and can even help veteran operators improve their skills.

Eventually, we’ll see more fully autonomous machines, but until then, we’re making the existing machines easier to use. Some machine movements can be automated with current technologies, helping operators be safer and more productive.

For example, Volvo excavators offer a semi-autonomous system called Volvo Active Control, which helps control the hydraulics to automate boom and bucket movement. This can prevent the operator from over-digging and swinging or digging into hazards. This type of technology still requires a machine operator, but fewer (or no) people are needed outside the machine checking trench depths or grades. That saves on labor and creates a safer work site.

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