In a notable development in the snow removal industry, Teleo, known for its autonomous heavy construction equipment technology, and Storm Equipment, a leading distributor of commercial snow plow equipment, have announced the launch of the United States' first commercially available remote-operated and autonomous industrial snow plow. This innovative offering comes as a result of a collaboration with RDO Equipment Co., a Teleo dealer.
The two companies have successfully retrofitted a John Deere 332G skid steer loader with a Metal Pless snow plow blade from Storm Equipment, along with Teleo's Supervised Autonomy technology. This technology facilitates both remote and autonomous operations of heavy equipment. Designed primarily for clearing snow in vast open spaces like industrial parking lots, the equipment can be customized for any heavy machinery brand and model, complemented by a compatible autonomous-ready snow plow blade from Storm Equipment.
Addressing the acute labor shortages plaguing the snow plow industry, Teleo's innovation allows a single operator, stationed in a central command center, to manage snow removal operations across multiple locations. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves the working conditions for operators, traditionally accustomed to laboring in harsh, overnight conditions on-site. While the snow plows are initially set for remote operations, full autonomous capabilities are expected to be integrated by the first half of 2024.
Jordan Smith, the owner of Storm Equipment, emphasized the disruptive potential of remote snow plow operations. He highlighted the versatility of Teleo's retrofitting technology, which is adaptable to various machinery, potentially transforming the industry's operational dynamics. Smith pointed out, "This technology could also open up snow plowing opportunities to those who are not already heavy equipment operators."
Vinay Shet, co-founder and CEO of Teleo, underscored the suitability of their technology for commercial snow removal, particularly for clearing large parking lots. He stated, "We believe we are offering the only remote-operated and autonomous industrial snow plow available in the US," presenting an efficient, safe solution that doesn't necessitate the purchase of new machinery.
This initiative by Teleo and Storm Equipment not only proposes a viable solution to the snow removal industry's staffing challenges but also exemplifies how innovative technology can redefine traditional operational practices.
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