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

  • Switzerland’s new tunnel bore being built
    April 19, 2018
    A major new road tunnel project is being constructed in Switzerland – Mike Woof writes Construction work is now underway in Switzerland for the new Belchen Tunnel bore, a project that has resulted from the country’s long-term infrastructure planning. The building of this latest tunnel is important for Switzerland economically as it will deliver an upgraded link for a major transport infrastructure connection. When it is complete, the tunnel will form part of the vital A2 route between Basel, in the north
    Read More
  • Road user subscriptions will fund the road ecosystems of the future says ERF Lab
    December 14, 2018
    The highway of the future will not be a physical asset created and maintained by the construction industry … it will increasingly be seen as part of an emerging global services sector. “Every day we hear about Mobility as a Service (MaaS), but what about Roads as a Service?” says Christophe Nicodème, general director of the European Union Road Federation (ERF). “The role of the road is changing. We need to think much more carefully about planning (highway) infrastructure in terms of people’s needs. We must
    Read More
  • Electromobility in the off-highway industry
    September 14, 2020
    Electrification brings many benefits to off-road machines including zero exhaust emissions, improved efficiency and significantly reduced noise levels, so why aren’t we seeing more of them yet? Zeyd Okutan, Volvo Penta’s product manager responsible for the company’s Industrial Segment Electromobility Product Planning and Strategy, explains what direction the industry is heading in and what needs to happen before electric-powered machines become the norm
    Read More
  • Road recycling developments coming to market
    March 22, 2017
    Major manufacturers are introducing new machines for road milling and recycling that will boost output and lower the cost/m - Mike Woof writes New machines for milling and road recycling will offer increased performance and productivity than earlier generation equipment. Higher quality cutting will help contractors achieve smoother surfaces and considerably lower paving costs also. Meanwhile new recycler/stabiliser machines will offer a better cost/m and improve the economics of road recycling for contra
    Read More

Highlighted Content