###### Abstract  
Excavator-truck operations, characterized by their repetitive excavation and loading tasks, present a prime candidate for automation. While numerous studies have aimed to automate the earthworks, practical implementations remain scarce. This research introduces a task component design focused on excavator-truck operation planning to improve the functionality of an earthwork automation system. To address this, fundamental task primitives necessary for executing excavation tasks were engineered, and a web-based system was developed to automate the generation of work plans for both point and trench excavation through algorithmic processes. Additionally, a JSON-based protocol was introduced to facilitate efficient integration with other subsystems. Field tests were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the newly developed algorithm and protocol within the broader context of earthwork automation systems. The results demonstrated the successful implementation of the task components, confirming their operational viability and seamless integration into the existing earthwork automation framework. task planning; automated excavator; truck; excavation; web-based system; earthwork automation system +
Footnote †: journal:  
and mobility streamline workflows at earthworks sites, reducing time and costs. Dump trucks are essential for both large-scale civil engineering projects and smaller ventures in confined spaces. Their diverse sizes and configurations make them adaptable to different work environments and project requirements [12]. Consequently, the collaboration between excavators and dump trucks is pivotal in enhancing project efficiency and productivity in earthmoving [13]. Moreover, this partnership plays a crucial role in logistical planning at job sites, optimizing work sequences and schedules systematically. By applying principles of construction engineering and project management, this approach maximizes productivity and economizes effectively [14]. Traditionally, task planning revolved around minimizing the transportation of earth materials. However, the advent of new earthwork planning methods leveraging construction automation technology has alleviated constraints on improving efficiency and productivity that were previously reliant on construction workers' experience and intuition [3; 15]. In earthwork sites employing various types of construction equipment, strategic planning becomes imperative to enhance the efficiency and productivity of earthwork through the integration of automation equipment or technology. Of paramount importance is the coordinated operation of the two primary earthwork equipment: excavators and dump trucks. To address the issue, this study introduces a novel task component design for excavator-truck operation planning that operates autonomously within earthwork project sites. In contrast to traditional task planning systems that primarily aim to minimize total travel distance, this research adopts a more hierarchical programming approach that considers the operational capabilities of both excavators and dump trucks. By integrating scenarios that reflect the key functions of the excavator and its interaction with dump trucks, the proposed algorithm significantly enhances practical applicability in real construction settings. Furthermore, this study incorporates a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)-type protocol designed to facilitate efficient integration with other subsystems, ensuring seamless communication and coordination within the broader earthwork automation system. The necessity of field tests for validating this integration is paramount, as they provide empirical evidence of the system's effectiveness. These tests confirm that the task component design not only meets theoretical expectations but also performs robustly in dynamic, real-world construction environments. The paper is structured as follows: Section 2 offers an overview of the techniques relevant to the recognition of earthwork task planning and identifies the research gap.