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

  • Greener transport infrastructure
    February 16, 2024
    Crossing the carbon challenge: Pioneering carbon reduction on the UK’s ‘greenest’ major infrastructure project Paul Taylor – AtkinsRéalis Carbon Manager, Lower Thames Crossing Roads North
    Read More
  • The future’s bright at Develon says Young-Cheul Cho, CEO of parent company HD Hyundai Infracore
    April 8, 2025
    Global Highways editor Mike Woof has been talking to the boss of Develon about its future plans for growth and new products. Here’s what Young-Cheul Cho, CEO of parent company HD Hyundai Infracore, has to say...
    Read More
  • SDLG dealer success in Oman
    June 12, 2018
    SDLG reports a strong dealer success in Oman. With the help of its local partner, SDLG claims to have become a leading player in the construction equipment market in Oman. It has been five years since General Engineering Services (Genserv) introduced SDLG to Oman’s construction equipment market. “It was a challenge to introduce a new brand into an established market, but we used our name and reputation to p
    Read More
  • Power Pavers and Power Curbers are powering up production
    April 12, 2018
    Power Curbers and its sister company Power Pavers are both benefiting from increased demand for machines - Mike Woof writes Both Power Pavers and Power Curbers are experiencing strong demand from customers for new machines. Both firms have long order books at present, with an improved US market having helped unlock pent up demand from contractors that had deferred decisions to buy new units for some time. And both Power Curbers and Power Pavers are also benefiting from strong overseas sales also, to mark
    Read More

Highlighted Content