ELECTRONICS
Employing Vehicles with AFTERMARKET AUTOMATION Keeps Existing Fleets on the Road How COM Express software for small footprints fuels the extended deployment, long life cycle and value of today’s heavy mobile equipment by Jack London, Kontron | Andrea Thomas, Intel
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he trucks and heavy machinery used to build our infrastructure and withstand the rigors of farming, construction excavation and earthmoving, and mining, embody rugged technology. While heavy mobile equipment (HME) has advanced during the last century—continuous improvements to ca-
advanced driver assistance systems must capitalize on artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, GPS, 5G and a range of computer vision applications. To transform these machines, OEMs must use fleet-specific software and hardware. It should be applicable to a spectrum of automation applications and compatible with existing systems.
NORDRODEN, ADOBESTOCK
COM-Express-based systems, developers have an open architecture platform deployable across a vehicle portfolio—a holistic fleet strategy using a single, high-performance system to manage applications. Automating heavy machinery doesn’t have to mean soaring startup costs or replacing fleet assets. Com Express systems provide customizable, reusable and scalable solutions.
Driving Flexibility and Longevity
Software HME design needs onboard edge computing platforms based on industry-standard COM Express technologies. COM Express platforms provide two disparate development tracks for data-intensive construction, trucking, mining and agricultural applications.
pabilities, hydraulics and fuel efficiency—more progress is required. Data is in the driver’s seat, sometimes literally, and is the key to smarter, better-connected systems. Today’s telematics and
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Small footprint COM Express modules are an option and demonstrate how aftermarket automation aligns with the extended deployment and long life cycle associated with HME assets. With
OEM Off-Highway | JULY/AUGUST 2022
The COM Express standard defines a range of form factors that allow developers to balance flexibility, cost and performance as they consider the needs of their embedded devices. As a result, COM Express is well-suited for small footprint, rugged applications that rely on customization. In system development, modules are paired with a carrier board containing all customization (instead of the COM itself ). This powers system performance across technology generations—for instance, a CPU core can be replaced with a more advanced version when the application requires enhancements or greater performance. It’s an inherent design attribute that adds longevity and flexibility.
Instant Platform or Building Block COM Express platforms provide two disparate development tracks for data-intensive construction, trucking,
