New electric hydraulic controls, AI-powered safety systems and advanced machine intelligence have been designed to improve productivity while reducing operator fatigue and rework.

Develon’s 9-Series excavators are upping the ante when it comes to intelligent excavator technology. Image courtesy of Develon.

For decades, excavator innovation has largely been measured by increases in power, fuel efficiency and hydraulic performance. However, with the launch of its new 9-Series excavators, Develon is shifting the conversation toward operator experience, intelligent automation and jobsite safety.

The new machines combine fully electric hydraulic (EH) controls, integrated AI-assisted safety technologies, advanced grading capabilities and enhanced lifting intelligence into a package designed to help contractors address some of construction’s most persistent challenges, including labour shortages, productivity pressures and increasing safety expectations.

In fact, according to Brian Kim, Heavy Excavator Product Manager at Develon, the move to EH controls represents a significant evolution concerning the ways in which operators interact with heavy equipment.

“Electric hydraulic controls are much more customizable because you can tailor response times, sensitivity settings and even how the joystick buttons are mapped out,” he explains. “Those controls can be programmed around an operator’s natural tendencies, which reduces the learning curve and allows both experienced and newer operators to become productive much faster.”

Customization improves operator performance

For general contractors struggling to recruit and retain skilled operators, the ability to personalize machine controls could provide massive benefits. Traditional hydraulic systems typically offer limited customization, requiring operators to adapt to the machine. EH controls serve to reverse that equation by allowing the machine to adapt to the operator.

The result is a more intuitive operator experience that can help reduce fatigue over long shifts while accelerating training for less experienced workers.

As labour shortages continue to affect construction markets across Canada, technologies that shorten onboarding periods and improve operator confidence are becoming increasingly valuable assets for contractors.

AI adds another layer of jobsite protection

Safety remains one of the most significant concerns on modern construction sites, particularly as projects continue to become more complex and jobsite congestion increases.

With this in mind, the 9-Series incorporates AI-powered safety features, including human detection technology and intelligent emergency stop functionality designed to increase an operator’s awareness of their surrounding environment.

“Our safety systems enhance general site awareness by helping operators understand what’s around them at all times,” says Kim. “The technology has been designed to help prevent accidents and collisions while still allowing operators to maintain control of the machine and make the decisions required to perform the work.”

One notable feature is the intelligent emergency stop system, which can be activated or deactivated depending on operating conditions.

“If you’re working in a tight area where certain detection functions might interfere with the task, the operator can temporarily disable the system, complete the work and then reactivate it,” Kim explains. “The flexibility allows contractors to maintain productivity without sacrificing the benefits of advanced safety technology.”

Reducing costly rework

Beyond safety improvements, Develon is also focusing on reducing rework through integrated grading technology.

The 9-Series comes factory-equipped with 2D grading systems and is ready for 3D machine control integration through plug-and-play sensor compatibility. The technology provides operators with real-time information about bucket position and excavation depth directly through the machine’s display system.

For contractors performing site development, utility installation or foundation work, the ability to maintain grade accuracy can have a direct impact on project costs.

“Our 2D system provides real-time bucket position and depth information,” Kim says. “We’ve also incorporated over-dig protection, which allows contractors to set a target depth. The machine simply won’t allow operators to excavate beyond that point, eliminating a major source of costly rework.”

The implications can be significant. Over-excavation often requires additional material, extra labour and additional machine time to correct deficiencies.

“When you over-dig, you’re not just doubling the work – sometimes you’re tripling it,” Kim adds. “You may need to bring in additional material to restore grade, which creates unnecessary costs and delays. Preventing that from happening saves both time and money.”

Smarter lifting intelligence

Another new feature receiving attention is Develon’s Advanced Lift Assist (ALA) systems, which provides real-time load calculations based on actual conditions. Traditional excavator lift charts are based on ideal circumstances and level ground conditions. The ALA system goes further by incorporating sensors that continuously measure machine pitch and roll. The technology then adjusts allowable lifting parameters in real time and provides visual guidance to operators through the in-cab display.

“We’ve integrated lift chart information with sensors that measure machine position, so operators receive real-time guidance based on actual site conditions,” Kim explains. “The system shows which movements are safe and uses colour-coded indicators that change from green to yellow to red as you approach lifting limits. It’s particularly valuable for applications involving heavy lifting where stability is critical.”

The road toward autonomy

Looking ahead, Develon sees autonomous operation as the next major step in the evolution of heavy construction equipment. In fact, the company’s already collaborating with Gravis Robotics on autonomous excavator technology aimed at repetitive applications.

“Autonomous operation is particularly suited for what I call the ‘three Ds’ – work that’s dull, dirty or dangerous,” Kim explains. “If a task is highly repetitive and doesn’t require the full skill set of an experienced operator, autonomous technology can handle that work while allowing skilled personnel to focus on higher-value activities. In hazardous environments, it also removes operators from potential risk altogether.”

For contractors facing mounting pressure to improve productivity while managing labour constraints, technologies like those found in Develon’s 9-Series may offer a glimpse at where heavy equipment is headed next – smarter machines that help operators work safer, faster and with greater precision.

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