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

  • Innovative solutions to earthmoving needs
    January 3, 2013
    Several manufacturers are offering improved earthmoving machines, with more to come - Mike Woof reports. One of the most notable developments comes from Caterpillar, with the unveiling of a hybrid excavator in the shape of its 336E H model. The machine is having its public launch at the bauma exhibition in Spring 2013 and will start rolling out of the factory in March 2013, while customers will be able to place orders from February 2013. Unlike other hybrid excavators on the market at present, the Cat 336E
    Read More
  • Low temperature asphalt and aggregate options’
    February 7, 2014
    At what point does ‘some technology’ become ‘enough technology’? Less than four years ago industry publications were filled with a persistent message, the reluctance of UK based contractors to adopt machine control to the same extent as near European neighbours, particularly close ones such as Ireland and Holland. However from 2009 onwards we have seen a huge shift in demand for machine control as the success of high profile road and rail jobs such as the M25 widening scheme and Airdrie – Bathgate rail
    Read More
  • GPS guidance delivers accurate machine control
    July 12, 2012
    GPS systems for machine control can make massive reductions in operating costs for contractors. Using GPS systems for machine control can make massive reductions in operating costs for contractors and the pace of technology improvements from manufacturers has been rapid. This market segment is dominated by Leica Geosystems, Trimble and Topcon, all of which introduced an array of new products earlier this year. Topcon's dozer control system first seen in public at the Intermat show in Paris, offers notable c
    Read More
  • Efficient, accurate asphalt compaction technology
    February 14, 2012
    The efficiency of asphalt compaction performance has improved immeasurably in recent years with the development of more effective equipment. Manufacturers have honed the designs of the machines, making them easier and more comfortable to operate, improving visibility and also tackling issues such as maintenance downtime by making the equipment more reliable and quicker to service. However one of the biggest advances in compaction performance has come not from the machines, but from the control and measur
    Read More

Highlighted Content