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

  • Sons of the soil
    February 20, 2012
    New regulations and technology are driving change in the soil compaction sector - Mike Woof reports. The impact of the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations has been hard on some machine sectors in particular. Sloping engine covers have been introduced in several equipment categories as a way of improving visibility for operators, including soil compaction machines. At the same time, new machine guidance technologies have been developed and introduced to the soil compaction market, boosting produc
    Read More
  • Better asset management will reduce costs and improve efficiency
    August 22, 2013
    The FEHRL Infrastructure Research Meeting 2013 (FIRM 2013) raised key issues in transport innovation The key theme for FIRM 13 was advanced and innovative construction and maintenance, highlighting the importance of efficient asset management. Infravation, or infrastructure innovation, was another focus area for the event. Joris Al, FEHRL president said, “We aim to bring interested parties together. We’ve decided to build on existing knowledge rather than starting with front edge technologies and working
    Read More
  • Compaction control boosts efficiency
    March 14, 2012
    Effective compaction control is one of a series of technical innovations boosting performance efficiency – Mike Woof writes. Maximising compaction efficiency can be a major cost factor on construction projects. Both for soil and asphalt compaction sectors, the risk from leaving an area under or over-compacted is substantial.
    Read More
  • Take control in asphalt plants
    September 24, 2018
    Control systems play a crucial role in effective and efficient asphalt production. Production manager Richard Stott works for Aggregate Industries and focuses on ensuring that output is maximised. At the same time, Stott also follows the company policy on utilising the most sustainable technology and processes available Delivering on both fronts is no small task, but the firm has achieved that at its facility in Sheffield in the UK. RAP utilisation is high and meets the company’s sustainability goals. Pr
    Read More

Highlighted Content