Arizona Region Pioneers Supervised Autonomous Equipment

A new autonomation initiative is showing the value of building intra-company partnerships to drive innovation. Granite’s Arizona Region, in partnership with the Technology and Innovation team, recently introduced supervised autonomous equipment on the Questa Project near Questa, NM. Recognizing an opportunity to enhance both safety and productivity, the collaborative effort identified an opportunity and executed implementation with precision and a forward-thinking mindset.
 

The Initiative
Under the guidance of Derek Betts, VP of the Arizona Region, and Jay Frazier, Questa Project PM, Granite retrofitted a CAT CS12 Roller with a semi-autonomous kit from Bluelight Machines. The upgraded roller will continue maintaining essential haul routes, but the innovative technology enables the skilled operator to be reallocated to a more impactful role as a CAT 745 rock truck operator. The integration of this technology not only showcases the Arizona Region’s dedication to cutting-edge solutions but also emphasizes their unwavering focus on partnerships, safety, quality, and productivity.
 

Commitment to Raising the Bar
The introduction of the Bluelight Machines’ semi-autonomous kit highlights the Arizona’s region’s commitment to operational excellence. Developing experience and partnerships in the autonomous space helps the team prioritize innovation and efficiency while continuing to work safely. The adoption of advanced technology and autonomous equipment positions us as a best-in-class partner for future endeavors with our current customer.
 

Through the vision and collaborative efforts of Jay Frazier, Jake Kraus, Derek Betts, Rick Clark, and Aaron McClellan, Granite’s Arizona Region has set a new benchmark in the industry and will define new best practices for future projects throughout the company. Moreover, this alignment with Granite’s values strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations safely and sustainably. 
 

In the coming months, the Questa Project will continue with Phase II, outfitting five additional machines with Teleo’s supervised autonomous stations, making it the most automated project in our construction operations.