From Battlefields to Worksites: How Tech is Empowering Disabled Veterans
In an inspiring tale of technology meeting heartfelt initiative, RDO Equipment Co., in partnership with Knife River Corp., has launched a commendable pilot program. This partnership is designed to furnish disabled veterans with job opportunities in the rapidly evolving aggregate industry by employing autonomous technology.
A New Frontier for Veterans
Autonomous technology, synonymous with safety and efficiency, has found a promising application in providing accessible job opportunities for veterans. By outfitting job sites with remotely-operated machinery, the barriers that once excluded veterans with disabilities are steadily being dismantled.
At Knife River’s gravel pit in Belgrade, Montana, veterans will soon find themselves commanding heavy machinery like the Deere 944K loaders from a state-of-the-art remote control center. This setup leverages the innovative autonomous technology developed by Teleo, a firm known for its expertise in retrofitting construction equipment.
Empowering Veterans Through Innovation
Adam Gilbertson, a senior vice president at RDO and himself an army veteran, champions this project. He sees it as a meaningful way to give back to veterans who have sacrificed so much. “The vision of merging pioneering technology with our veterans’ excellence is coming to life beautifully,” Gilbertson remarks.
David Zinke from Knife River echoes these sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of the new technology. “This is all about opening up avenues and building futures,” he says with enthusiasm.
A Milestone in Technological Advancement
Teleo’s technology is at the heart of this initiative, crafting a new narrative of empowerment through advanced remote operation capabilities. “We envision a world where technology serves as the ultimate equalizer,” says Vinay Shet, CEO of Teleo. This vision is shared by John Deere, further underscoring the program’s potential to redefine workforce inclusivity.
Tom Potter of RDO enriches this optimism, emphasizing how intuitive the control systems are. “Even someone with minimal experience can operate these machines efficiently,” he notes, positioning the technology as a beacon of hope for job accessibility.
Community Support and Forward Momentum
The program’s fruition owes much to a generous $325,000 grant from Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry. Montana’s Governor, Greg Gianforte, lauds this initiative, urging veterans to embrace this novel work opportunity. “This is noble work, and I encourage our heroes to be a part of it,” says Gianforte, underscoring the significance of this groundbreaking venture.
The Road Ahead
RDO and Knife River are not just resting on their laurels. They’re actively forging partnerships to expand this initiative, striving to integrate more veterans into the workforce and redefine what job accessibility means in the modern era.
As Gilbertson points out, the potential is limitless. “We’re in the midst of a revolution, both in terms of technology and social responsibility. And this is just the beginning,” he asserts, brimming with vision and purpose.
According to a statement in Pit & Quarry, this endeavor not only promises a brighter future for veterans but sets a precedent for industries seeking to harness technology in ways that deeply resonate on a human level.
