Connected Construction

Trimble’s innovation with new technology

January 11, 2019

Trimble is developing highly advanced technologies for the construction and quarrying sectors – Mike Woof writes Trimble is working on a number of highly innovative technologies that could revolutionise the construction and aggregates production sectors. Perhaps the most eye-catching of all of these innovations is for the autonomous compactor and dozer system Trimble is in the process of developing at present. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that whi

Tarmac’s productivity boost with new software

December 13, 2018

The highly sophisticated BPO ASPHALT software system is at the heart of a major boost to productivity and efficiency from contractor Tarmac. The company is the first contractor in the UK to employ the package, developed by Volz Consulting in Germany. Tarmac says that the software allows its contracting team to plan highways schemes and inner-city projects in detail, ahead of work starting on site. Using GPS data, the software utilises surface area values to produce fully optimised planning documents and w

New tablet solution for Leica Geosystems

December 12, 2018

Leica Geosystems is now using the rugged ZX70 Android tablet from Getac as the hardware for its new Leica Zeno GG04 plus Tablet Solution. The new partnership allows Leica Geosystems to bring geospatial data collection capabilities to customers in all terrains and weather conditions such as utilities, public services, transportation and construction. Leica Geosystems has developed a range of new software and hardware including its Zeno Mobile data collection app and Zeno GG04 plus smart antenna to capture a

Topcon’s advanced software for construction

December 12, 2018

Topcon Positioning is introducing the latest version of its MAGNET 5 software. This new version includes upgrades to the MAGNET Field, Office and Enterprise applications designed for advanced performance, third-party integration, and construction planning and oversight capability. The package offers new flexible display options and additional customisable data labels. Additionally, operators can view GNSS status when the controller is connected to a total station in Hybrid mode, and show offsets as a visua

Locating underground utilities accurately with Trimble

December 11, 2018

A highly advanced prototype system Trimble is working on is based on the Earthworks package and is intended to reduce the risk of contractors hitting buried utilities when carrying out digging operations. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that this mixed reality solution is an emerging technology that will be available in the near future. The package is integrated into the machine display and provides a visual reference for the operator where buried utiliti

Trimble partnering with software firm HCSS

December 11, 2018

Trimble and HCSS are partnering to couple estimating and bidding workflows to field operations. The firms say this collaboration will include product integrations to Trimble's construction software portfolio, helping boost productivity and quality for construction. The companies plan to develop solutions to improve current workflow and real-time visibility for customers by connecting bidding and estimating processes to developments onsite. Trimble and HCSS are currently exploring how best to bring HCSS's

Boosting the efficiency of tiltrotator use with Trimble

December 11, 2018

The Trimble Earthworks system now allows excavator operators using tiltrotators to use automatic machine control, which can help to boost productivity. When tiltrotators are used with Trimble Earthworks for Excavators, the bucket position and orientation are visible regardless of bucket rotation. The operator can see the height and the rotation relative to the design, so the attachment can be more efficient. With this latest development, Trimble Earthworks can automate the tilt functions of a tiltrotator.

Trimble’s advanced Site Vision package being released

December 11, 2018

Trimble’s Site Vision package has been offered on limited release to a number of firms in EEP (early engagement program) format, to help develop the system. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He explained that Trimble is working with a number of selected customers at the leading edge of construction technology, so as to help refine the system for release in due course. These firms are encouraged to use the Site Vision package in parallel with existing systems. De

Improving excavator efficiency with Trimble

December 11, 2018

A new development from Trimble is the integration of its LOADRITE load weighing system for excavators using the Earthworks Grade Control package. According to the firm, this will allow customers to boost productivity and efficiency for excavation work. Contractors will be able to track the load carried in each bucket and monitor mass haul progress. This can provide an accurate picture, real-time picture of earthworks progress using the Trimble Earthworks monitor fitted in the machine. This data will also be

Improved grader efficiency with Trimble technology

December 10, 2018

The introduction of the Earthworks for Motor Graders package offers a GNSS-based, 3D grade control system that makes fine grading more accurate, faster and easier. This utilises the same hardware as the firm’s existing excavator and dozer packages, with IMU units featuring inertial measurement technology fitted to key moving components on the machine. These provide three axis tracking of operations Scott Crozier, general manager for Trimble's Civil Engineering and Construction Division said, “It’s the thir