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

  • Cost-saving benefits of dual layer asphalt paving
    February 14, 2012
    Sophisticated dual layer paving technologies currently on the market are said to offer major advantages to road builders. Roads built using twin layer, hot on hot paving techniques can last considerably longer than those constructed using conventional methods. Contractors and clients also stand to gain from savings on materials costs, through the elimination of the need for emulsion spraying between binder and wearing courses and with the use of thin layer wearing course designs. At present two paver man
    Read More
  • Italian firms’ more global vision
    February 22, 2013
    At a diminished Asphaltica exhibition, many of Italy’s asphalt sector companies spoke of the importance of overseas markets. Kristina Smith spoke to some of the firms seeking export success. Italy’s 6th Asphaltica show, held in Padua in November last year, provided a snapshot of the challenging economic conditions faced by the country. 2012 was the year when Italy felt the impact of the economic crisis which many other European countries had already suffered. Reflecting this, the exhibition was half the siz
    Read More
  • Mini excavators; versatile digging machines
    January 18, 2016
    Mini excavators represent one of the most competitive markets for utility machines and are firm favourites with rental companies
    Read More
  • ITS promotes sustainable Mobility
    June 14, 2012
    As introduced in an important new publication, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has a longstanding commitment to promoting and creating an enabling environment for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The world’s citizens depend on safe, efficient and secure transport systems. Whether we travel by road, boat, rail or air, we rely on our transportation systems to get us where we need to go. The same systems play an important role in our national economic well-being, making it poss
    Read More

Highlighted Content