To adapt to the diverse construction environments, the control system needs to accurately and Timely measure the machine’s acceleration, speed, and position during the process of automation of construction machinery and transportation vehicles. Moreover, the signals must not be affected by the harsh environment of the construction site. As a sensor for measuring the acceleration or angular velocity of an object, it can convert the changes in mechanical motion acceleration or angular velocity into electrical signals for output. In the automation of construction machinery, inertial sensors are mainly used in the following aspects:
Attitude Control: Inertial sensors can accurately measure the tilt and attitude of mechanical equipment, thereby realizing automatic control and positioning functions. For instance, on an automatic excavator, inertial sensors can be installed to control the movement direction and stopping position of the bucket by measuring the body tilt and tilt angle. This enhances the accuracy and quality of excavation operations.
Motion Control: Inertial sensors can measure the acceleration, speed, and displacement of construction machinery, thereby achieving automated motion control. For example, by installing inertial sensors to measure the acceleration and speed of a lifting platform, precise control of the automatic navigation and navigation of the lifting platform can be achieved, enhancing safety and reliability.
Inertial Navigation: Inertial sensors can serve as the core component of an inertial navigation system. By measuring information such as the vehicle’s acceleration and angular velocity, the vehicle’s positioning and navigation can be realized. For example, by installing inertial sensors and integrating other sensor data such as GNSS to build a combined navigation system, construction vehicles can autonomously drive and operate in complex terrains or construction environments with satellite signal blockage, such as underground mines, tunnels, mine pits, bridges, or large architectural structures.