  Heavy-duty mobile machines (HDMMs) are a wide range of machinery used in
diverse and critical application areas which are currently facing several
issues like skilled labor shortage, poor safety records, and harsh work
environments. Consequently, efforts are underway to increase automation in
HDMMs for increased productivity and safety, eventually transitioning to
operator-less autonomous HDMMs to address skilled labor shortages. However,
HDMM are complex machines requiring continuous physical and cognitive inputs
from human-operators. Thus, developing autonomous HDMM is a huge challenge,
with current research and developments being performed in several independent
research domains. Through this study, we use the bounded rationality concept to
propose multidisciplinary collaborations for new autonomous HDMMs and apply the
transaction cost economics framework to suggest future implications in the HDMM
industry. Furthermore, we introduce a conceptual understanding of
collaborations in the autonomous HDMM as a unified approach, while highlighting
the practical implications and challenges of the complex nature of such
multidisciplinary collaborations. The collaborative challenges and potentials
are mapped out between the following topics: mechanical systems, AI methods,
software systems, sensors, connectivity, simulations and process optimization,
business cases, organization theories, and finally, regulatory frameworks.
