XCMG has officially launched the "Intelligent Rock-Recognition" system for its XE700 series large hydraulic excavators, specifically designed for open-pit mining operations. In traditional mining, operators must manually adjust the throttle and joystick inputs based on the hardness of the rock face. This often leads to "inefficient digging"-applying too much force on loose soil (wasting fuel) or too little force on hard rock (reducing productivity).
The new system integrates a high-dynamic-range camera mounted on the counterweight, facing the bucket. Using a deep learning "Convolutional Neural Network" (CNN), the system analyzes the texture and color of the material in the bucket and the trench wall. It can distinguish between topsoil, weathered rock, and hard granite in milliseconds.
The engineering innovation lies in the "Power-Flow Matching Logic." When the system detects loose soil, it signals the engine ECU to lower the RPM to "Eco-Mode" and reduces the main pump displacement, prioritizing fuel efficiency. When the system detects hard granite, it instantly switches the engine to "Heavy-Duty Mode," maximizing torque output, and commands the main pump to increase flow for higher cylinder speed. Furthermore, the system features a "Bucket Fill Factor" optimizer. It monitors the position of the bucket teeth. If the system predicts that the bucket is full based on the trajectory and resistance, it automatically stops the digging motion and lifts the boom, preventing "over-digging" which wastes engine power. This automated adaptation increases truck loading efficiency by 20% and significantly reduces operator fatigue during long shifts.