The core of the tunnel boring machine is a metal structure at its front, responsible for the destruction of rock, retraction of the excavation, and the forward movement of the machine. This shield structure is composed of numerous elements such as cutters, spheres, and wheels. These components are vital for the machine's functionality but are also consumables that wear out and need timely replacement. Failure to replace these parts promptly can lead to machine breakdowns, project delays, and increased operational costs.
To address this challenge companies usually think about developing a software solution to automate the process of monitoring and controlling the timeliness of component replacement. This system could visualize the TBM with all its components and allows the entry of manual inspection results regarding the technical condition of these parts. As a software's standout feature in this case we would name its predictive algorithm, which estimates the wear of components based on the history of technical works, enabling proactive maintenance.