Terex Finlay unveil cutting-edge OMNI technology

Company uses bauma 2019 to showcase capabilities of new remote-access, tablet-based control system from Terex

TEREX Finlay unveiled the cutting-edge capabilities of the new OMNI control system at bauma 2019. This new system from Terex is designed to help improve safety and efficiency on job sites operating mobile crushing and screening equipment.

OMNI by Terex is a real-time, tablet-based connected system that is fitted in the cab of a material-feed excavator or loading shovel to provide centralized remote access and keep the operator in control using a simple and intuitive on-site live interface.

The generation of a secure and separate WIFI network and the integration of tablet technology allows multiple operators to be connected, in real time, to up to six machines in a crushing and screening train. It has been designed to give unrivalled, easy-to-use control to the operator with information and views of the entire machine train.

The system allows the operator to view working information from each machine that is connected to the system, make informed decisions about each machine’s operation, and remotely manage the entire machine train to maintain high efficiency and produce the required material specification.

The operator can adjust individual machine metrics or use global features, such as pausing the entire material flow across the train with one action, allowing unprecedented levels of control – all from the comfort and safety of the excavator or loading shovel cab.

Additional features of the new OMNI system include alerts that indicate when someone on the ground is making process adjustments, and camera views from up to two cameras per machine – from vantage points such as material transition points, chamber inlets and material choke level on cones.

The system also offers an option for other personnel on the job site to have read-only system access, enhancing their efficiency through a remote view of the operation.

‘OMNI is groundbreaking technology that will revolutionize the crushing and screening job site,’ explained Barry McMenamin, group engineering director with Terex Materials Processing.

‘Crushing and screening equipment operates in busy, challenging work environments with many hazards to consider – typically with one operator having multiple machine responsibility and limited process control, limited view of the process and the transition points for material, whilst another operator clears stockpiles and loads dumptrucks, and has to manage both of those competing activities.

‘We have invested in research and development to design a system that provides a level of central control, enhanced safety, connectivity and multiple-user support for the job site.’

Owen Gourley of RJT Excavations, based in Jedburgh, Scotland, commented: ‘OMNI keeps you in constant contact and complete control of the machines. It allows for immediate intervention without the need to leave the cab to engage in operational changes at ground and machine level. OMNI enhances the on-site safety of our operators without restricting the functionality of the machines.

‘Simple commands from the safe initiation of crushing operations to the changing of crusher closed-side settings, including on the fly adjustments, make OMNI not just a safer system, but a more efficient system.

‘One big advantage of OMNI is that our operators don’t have to be in close proximity to the machines. The WIFI connection is so strong that they can monitor and safely intervene when doing another job away from the crushing zone.

‘If I’m loading a truck at a different location and see that the product stockpile at a machine is backing up, I can safely react and either slow down the speed of the feeders into the machine or stop the flow altogether until the stockpile can be reduced.

‘And when I’ve cleared the material away, I can re-execute the operation. I can do this quickly and safely using the tablet in my cab, even when hundreds of metres away from the crushing zone.’

Alan Witherow, lead technical support and product manager at Terex Finlay, commented: ‘This really is a milestone for Terex Finlay. Our aim is to provide even more control and greater flexibility and efficiency for our customers. With this new technology we are able to offer our customers a safe way to maximize their productivity.

‘We know this is important for them and it feels great to be leading our industry with the introduction of this technology.’