Technical information

DRV Final Evaluation Report

handled with anticipation of the DRV being used to retrieve it, that the machine could be

more efficient than a manual operation and considerably safer. Obviously, improvements

in the design of the machine would greatly increase the efficiency providing for a debris

removal process more efficient and safer than the current operation.

Key Points

• Debris removal plan must be in place and complete. The plan should describe

the areas and type of debris targeted for each piece of equipment. The

resources needed to support the method, and the techniques to be used.

• The operator should be in a comfortable position while performing assigned

task.

• Joysticks are easy to use and preferred by operators.

• Use of indicator lights may be replaced or complimented by text on a LCD

display or pre-recorded voice messages.

• Automated tasks should be quick and allow the operator to multitask.

• Software modes customized for different work spaces, such as working on

banked shoulders or near sound walls.

• Versatile or interchangeable end effector.

Conclusion

The importance of the field operational testing and evaluation of the DRV is the lessons

learned from observing the machine used by operators in an actual working environment.

Operators must be comfortable when operating a machine and the machine should

automate the tedious task. In addition, a well defined and executable debris removal plan

must be in place.

The debris removal plan is as important as the machine design. The debris is first

managed on the roadside before it is retrieved. Ice plant is trimmed and gathered along

with tumbleweed, loose garbage is picked up and bagged, and larger debris is stacked

along the roadside. Then, a secondary operation retrieves it from the roadside. However,

the retrieval process in the second step has to be known during the gathering process in

step one in order for the program to be efficient. In the case of using a machine to

retrieve the debris, the debris must be placed in the workspace of the equipment and in an

orientation that allows the machine to work at maximum efficiency. For example with

the current machine, debris should be placed along the roadside within the workspace of

the arm and in piles the size of the maximum payload of the clamshell. This permits

minimal effort on the placement of the end effector and maximum efficiency in the dump

cycle.

Providing a comfortable method for operating a machine reduces work place injuries and

facilitates efficiency. The operator should be able to face the task either directly or

through an electronic viewing screen. Considerations should be made at the concept

stage to plan for the operator being comfortable during the operation. The current layout

of the design required that the operator be able to run the machine with one hand while