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

  • Wirtgen W 60 Ri milling units on duty in Norway with Asfalt Remix
    July 3, 2018
    Time is money, especially in Scandinavia where the short road construction season makes efficiency and flexibility a key factor for machines. That's particularly true on small job sites, where work has to be completed quickly but reliably day after day. As soon as the job is done, machines must be quickly loaded and ready to speed off to the next project. That’s exactly what the W 60 Ri small milling machine from Wirtgen delivers. Norwegian milling service provider Asfalt Remix - which uses exclusively W
    Read More
  • Tyred compactors deliver the finish touch
    June 21, 2016
    A steady resurgence in demand for rubber tyred compactors for finishing work has seen manufacturers introduce new models - Mike Woof writes The rubber tyred compactor looked for a time as if it might disappear from the market only a few years ago, when demand began to dip for these units. However a resurgence in interest from the marketplace prompted manufacturers to revamp their respective product ranges, delivering new models to meet demand. Typically used for tasks such as finishing work, rubber tyred
    Read More
  • New concrete testing technologies improve speed, safety and quality
    July 8, 2016
    Developments in data processing and management are revolutionising the way concrete strengths can be measured and used to improve efficiencies - Kristina Smith reports on two new technologies A new system that uses thermal imaging to measure the strength of sprayed concrete tunnel linings is being trialled for the first time in London. The brainchild of Dr Benoit Jones, managing director of Inbye Engineering, the technique could lead to improvements in safety, quality and – in the longer run – productivi
    Read More
  • Compaction control boosts efficiency
    April 13, 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

Highlighted Content