Machine autonomy for compactors and dozers being developed by Trimble

Trimble is working on innovative technologies that could revolutionise the construction and aggregates production sectors. Perhaps the most eye-catching of all of these is for the autonomous compactor and dozer system Trimble is in the process of developing. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that while this autonomous machine technology is not yet ready for the market, “It may not be as far away as expected.”
December 10, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

2122 Trimble is working on innovative technologies that could revolutionise the construction and aggregates production sectors.

Perhaps the most eye-catching of all of these is for the autonomous compactor and dozer system Trimble is in the process of developing.

Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that while this autonomous machine technology is not yet ready for the market, “It may not be as far away as expected.”

Trimble still has a lot of development work to carry out on its autonomous machine control package and there will be other challenges too. He said, “There will be some regulations we’ll have to comply with.”

However the firm is confident that the project will deliver practical solutions and Crozier continued, “It’ll come in gradually.” He added that certain elements of the technology will be brought to market in the near future. Semi-autonomous technology could be on the market by 2020, with autonomous machines then being introduced for certain applications within five years.

The technology is being aimed at a particular range of duties. Crozier explained that these systems could be used in large greenfield construction sites such as for new airports or for use at landfill sites, where equipment would typically carry out repetitive operations. Geofencing would ensure that the machines would run in controlled areas away from personnel, optimising safety.

Connected Construction

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • UK contractor operating sophisticated Benninghoven asphalt plant
    April 27, 2015
    A sophisticated Benninghoven asphalt plant is now in use by a UK contractor close to London - Mike Woof writes UK contractor FM Conway is now operating a second highly advanced asphalt plant in the London area. As with the first unit supplied a few years ago, the plant was designed and constructed to FM Conway’s specific needs by leading producer Benninghoven. This latest plant is located to the west of London (the earlier plant is to the east of the city) and close to Heathrow Airport. Being situated
    Read More
  • CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 will help you imagine what’s next
    March 15, 2017
    What sort of key trends will be on show, and how will these new technologies shape the sector over the coming years? Alan Dron interviewed Al Cervero, the AEM senior vice-president for construction, utility and mining on how the show will reveal what is coming. The theme for this year’s event is “Imagine what’s next”, a particularly appropriate title in view of the changes in both technology and the environment in which that technology will be used.
    Read More
  • Developments in geosynthetics
    February 24, 2012
    Independent tests are showing the benefits of the latest geosynthetics developments. Geosynthetics specialist Tensar has commissioned independent tests to prove the capabilities of its innovative TriAx product, which has set a lead in the field.
    Read More
  • Machine control technology shortens road contract
    May 28, 2013
    The use of sophisticated machine control technology has helped halve the schedule required for a road contract – Jeff Winke. By using the latest machine control systems on the equipment fleet, a US contractor has managed to halve worker hours, machine time and overall costs. “We chopped 50% off the contract schedule,” said Jim Swenson, licensed professional land surveyor for Oregon Mainline Paving based in McMinnville, Oregon. “The project was completed a year ahead of the two-year schedule,” he explained
    Read More

Highlighted Content