GPS World

Tag: CONEXPO

  • Komatsu partners with Cesium on Smart Construction solutions

    Komatsu partners with Cesium on Smart Construction solutions

    Screenshot: Cesium
    Screenshot: Cesium

    Cesium’s 3D technology will power smart construction dashboard to make construction safer, more efficient and more profitable

    Komatsu has officially announced an incoming suite of the company’s Smart Construction solutions, which will include the 3D visualization power and geospatial accuracy of Cesium, a platform to visualize, analyze and share 3D data.

    “Together, Komatsu and Cesium are bringing a new era of innovation to the construction industry,” said Rod Schrader, Chairman and CEO of Komatsu’s North American operations. “As experts in 3D data visualization, computer graphics and open-source software, Cesium’s technology will help power our Smart Construction Dashboard.”

    Komatsu made the announcement at ConExpo 2020, held in Las Vegas.

    As the key strategic partner for 3D data visualization, Cesium built the company’s Smart Construction dashboard. The dashboard enables users to monitor a construction site from anywhere in the world, see how it changes over time and compare architectural plans with real-world data.

    It is compatible with different types of data — collected from sensors on individual construction machines, drone surveys, or computer generated files like BIM/CAD models — allowing users to visualize them all in a single scene within a web browser, as well as calculate precise measurements for cut and fill, slope, contours and more.

    As Komatsu noted today, the worldwide construction industry is on the cusp of rapid change and innovation driven by technology. Collecting data from people and machines — and connecting all of it across an open platform — optimizes processes and delivers insights that will enable customers to make data-driven decisions.

    Komatsu chose to partner with Cesium because of its powerful 3D visualization engine and accuracy in tying data to precise locations on the globe. Cesium’s ability to keep millimeter-level accuracy while tracking satellites in complex orbits was important to attain the level of precision Komatsu’s Smart Construction initiative demands.

    “We believe in Komatsu’s vision to create construction sites that are safer and more efficient through Smart Construction.” said Cesium CEO Patrick Cozzi. “We are proud that visualization and analytics with the hallmark precision of Cesium will provide technology for the industry’s digital transformation.”

  • Topcon launches new options for earthmoving projects

    Topcon launches new options for earthmoving projects

    Tilt rotation support for automatic excavation, bring-your-own device, mobile apps included

    Topcon Positioning Group announces advances to its portfolio of machine control solutions that are designed to provide contractors with better performance and profitability in earthmoving applications. The new solutions include tilt rotator functionality for the Automatic Excavator system, mobile and bring your own device (BYOD) display options, and other additions.

    Topcon made the announcement at ConExpo, taking place this week in Las Vegas.

    Tilt and rotation for Automatic Excavator

    Photo: Topcon
    Photo: Topcon

    Advanced tilt rotator functionality will allow Automatic Excavator operators to easily swivel or tilt the bucket with automatic boom control for faster and more efficient excavation.

    “If excavator operators are in situations such as at the top of the slope, grading a long incline and not totally perpendicularly lined up, positioning the cutting edge of the bucket to the surface is now more easily attainable with the tilt rotator functionality,” said Murray Lodge, senior VP of construction.

    “Operators can excavate more quickly, moving the excavator fewer times, with less wear and tear on the chassis — all with the proven hydraulic, automated control the system offers,” Lodge said. “It is also extremely beneficial when navigating around manholes, trenches, and generally tight spaces.

    “We have had tilt rotation functionality for a number of years, but in previous systems,” he said. “Now, it will be available for the Automatic Excavator as well. Operators are ready for this tool, and once they see the new capabilities it will bring, they will not want to work without it.”

    Bring your own device – MC Mobile

    Photo: Topcon
    Photo: Topcon

    Another resource in the small excavator and compact track loader machine control offering includes bring your own device (BYOD) options that can work as a substitute for control boxes in some applications. This solution incorporates the same hardware for Topcon 3D machine control with an indicate-only option running on Android devices with a free app, Pocket-MC, which is part of the new MC Mobile system family.

    “Pocket MC can be downloaded from the Google Store and used right from a phone or tablet either as a simple entry-level machine controller option for contractors who want an inexpensive way to speed up the productivity of their fleet, or as a backup on the job site to a fully featured controller — so, operators are still working, timelines keep moving,” Lodge said.

    Pocket MC also allows for a local positioning system (LPS) option for excavation. Now, an LN-150 Layout Navigator total station can be used as an economical alternative to fully featured traditional total stations.

    Sitelink3D enhancements

    Enhancements also have been made to the Sitelink3D job site monitoring and management system, including a pay-as-you-go point-based service model and a Haul Truck app, giving contractors more visibility into workflow management and the flexibility to use it in the way that best fits their operation.

    “These latest releases strengthening the earthmoving portfolio are part of our commitment to continually developing greater connectivity and automation for today’s job site to accelerate efficiency across all aspects of a project,” Lodge said.

  • Dynapac, Trimble travel ‘road to autonomy’ with soil rollers

    Dynapac, Trimble travel ‘road to autonomy’ with soil rollers

    Dynapac and Trimble are partnering to develop commercial-ready autonomy functionality for Dynapac soil rollers.

    The companies first demonstrated automation of the soil compaction process at this week’s ConExpo 2020 in Las Vegas, and plans another demonstration during the Trimble Dimensions User Conference Nov. 2-4 in Nashville, Tennessee.

    The Dynapac CA3600PD single-drum vibratory roller. (Photo: Dynapac)
    The Dynapac CA3600PD single-drum vibratory roller. (Photo: Dynapac)

    Dynapac’s “Road to Autonomy” was launched with the introduction of Seismic Soil Rollers in 2019. The Dynapac-exclusive Seismic technology takes the guesswork out of the equation for operators, regarding soil type or frequency settings, the company said.

    Dynapac Seismic monitors the soil properties and automatically adjusts the frequency of vibration for optimal compaction and energy efficiency. The Active Bouncing Control System automatically cuts off the vibration of the drum when the material reaches maximum compaction characteristics.

    The next step on the “Road to Autonomy” is automatic steering and speed functions on the roller. The operator/site manager can use the machine to map the boundaries of the area to be compacted.

    Once the machine is placed in autonomy mode, the system will take over the controls for steering and speed. This functionality will be shown at the Dynapac and Trimble booths during ConExpo 2020.

    By automating these functions, operator skill gaps can be bridged, while consistent speed and steering improve compaction quality results.

    The autonomous solution is built on Trimble’s control platform and utilizes Trimble’s field-proven positioning technology. Compaction documentation systems, such as Dyn@lyzer or Trimble CCS900 Compaction Control System, work together with automatic speed and automatic steering to provide documentation of the improved quality.

  • Trimble launches v2 of Earthworks Grade Control Platform

    Trimble launches v2 of Earthworks Grade Control Platform

    Trimble’s Earthworks Grade Control Platform version 2.0, unveiled at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020, includes new features for all machine types.

    Trimble also released the Trimble Earthworks Assistant App for in-cab learning material.

    ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 is North America’s largest trade show for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment. The Trimble booth is located in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall #N-1140.

    New Features

    The improvements are designed to enable faster return on investment, increase productivity and decrease training time for operators.

    Horizontal Steering Control for dozers automatically controls the machine to follow any horizontal alignment such as a back of a curb, breakline, roadway centerline or bottom of slope, without operator assistance.

    Augmented Reality for excavators enables users to easily understand 3D models, cut/fill information, slope data and other bench points and reference points on the in-cab display in context, without the need to interpret complex 2D plans or stakes.

    A new mastless motor grader configuration gives operators an improved range of blade motion, allowing for machine control in applications where it was previously not possible.

    Integrated Trimble Loadrite Payload Management displays grade control and accurate payload data on one screen, increasing mass haul productivity and efficiency by preventing underloading, and improving safety by avoiding overloading. Contractors can maximize their investment in Trimble Earthworks by leveraging the versatility of these added options.

    Trimble Earthworks is also now available for compact grading attachments with dual GNSS, single GNSS and total station guidance options.

    Horizontal Steering Control for Dozers

    Horizontal Steering Control allows the operator to focus on the grade and machine productivity rather than worrying about steering, reducing operator fatigue and errors. It enables the machine to follow the horizontal guidance from the 3D model, providing operators increased awareness of their surroundings, better accuracy and improved productivity with decreased overlap and fewer passes.

    “Trimble is on the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge technology along the path to automation,” said Scott Crozier, vice president, Trimble’s Civil Engineering and Construction. “Using proven steering technology from Trimble Agriculture, we are continuing to advance construction machine control yet again.”

    Mastless motor grader

    A new mastless motor grader configuration gives operators an improved range of blade motion. (Photo: Trimble)
    A new mastless motor grader configuration gives operators an improved range of blade motion. (Photo: Trimble)

    Trimble Earthworks for motor graders mastless configuration mounts one GNSS receiver on the cab and one on the gooseneck of the machine to eliminate masts and cables traditionally located on the blade. Mastless GNSS receivers are ideal for the blade’s maximum range of motion, which is needed for steep slope work and complex designs with tight tolerances. The new configuration enables contractors to decrease risk of damage to the machine, keep valuable receivers safer as well as reduce the time needed to remove and reinstall them each day.

    Augmented reality for excavators

    Augmented Reality was first released in the Trimble SiteVision™ system and is now available on excavators with Trimble Earthworks. Using a camera mounted on the outside of the machine, operators can view 3D models in a real-world environment at a true-life scale, in the context of existing surroundings. On the Trimble Earthworks display, the model is overlaid onto the existing ground giving the operator a better understanding of the work that needs to be done. Visibility of the bucket gives operators better situational awareness to be able to keep surrounding people and objects safe.

    “With the intersection of physical and digital worlds, Trimble is empowering contractors to accelerate their business,” said Cameron Clark, business area manager, Trimble’s Civil Engineering and Construction. “Augmented Reality simplifies complex concepts by allowing users to see a blend of digital content and real-world environments.”

    Earthworks Assistant App

    Trimble now has an easier way to access critical Earthworks learning material and documentation, allowing for a shorter learning curve and less downtime for operators. This stand-alone app consolidates and simplifies access to training guides and videos inside and outside of the cab. The Earthworks Assistant App makes it easy to learn and troubleshoot using an Android cell phone, even from remote sites.

  • Topcon Announces Haul Truck System, DS-200 Upgrade at CONEXPO

    Topcon Positioning Group has made several product and service announcements at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, being held this week in Las Vegas.

    Haul Truck System. The HT-30 haul truck module for Sitelink3D features a small, portable GPS-enabled control box that mounts into the truck cab. As the truck is loaded, data about the load is input, such as material type, driver, and quantity. The load is then integrated into Sitelink3D and can be tracked for scheduling, rerouted if needed elsewhere, and recorded once delivery is made.

    Whether the material is fill dirt, removal of overburden, select material, base course or even asphalt, HT-30 can be quickly plugged in so management and reporting can be maintained in real-time. For more information on the HT-30 or Sitelink3D, visit topconpositioning.com.

    Topcon DS-200.  Topcon has added the DS-200 with XPointing technology to its DS line of total stations in the North American market. XPointing technology allows the DS-200 to lock on to prisms quickly, even in dim or dark conditions, Topcon said.

    The DS-200 can be configured for interaction with Topcon’s RC5 remote system, which allows users up to 1000 feet (300 meters) away to easily perform a QuickLock with a push of a button, Topcon said.

    As a Hybrid Positioning capable total station, the DS-200 offers the use of both GNSS positioning and optical positioning technology designed to increase field efficiency. The system can become fully robotic with Hybrid Positioning technology, which can allow shots to measured with a GNSS receiver when the line-of-sight is blocked.

    Standard additional features of the DS series include LongLink communications, TSshield security and maintenance technology, MAGNET integrated software onboard, and rugged water-resistant IP65 construction.

    Enterprise Solutions. Topcon Positioning Group also announced a new workflow management system designed to connect all sites, all data, crews and equipment. Topcon Enterprise Solutions offers constant communication, data sharing, scheduling, updating, supporting, and accurate productivity data in real-time, no matter where the job or the office is located.

    Cloud-based Topcon Enterprise Solutions provides seamless connectivity from any office or remote user, to any site, to each enabled machine and field crew, throughout the entire project life cycle, Topcon said.

    Topcon_Enterprise_SolutionsThe system is designed to allow users quicker accessibility and management of increasing volumes of data, thereby exponentially increasing a company’s efficiency. Integrating data in a cloud-based environment from Topcon software services like Sitelink3D or MAGNET allows users to make time-sensitive decisions faster.

    The system can also be deployed to key partners of the company, such as engineers and sub-contractors, enabling instant updating of job files, material volumes and equipment schedules instantly with assured accuracy.

    In addition to site and data management, Enterprise Solutions includes the option to activate a corporate Topcon TotalCare account, providing immediate access to online training and technical support for virtually all Topcon products.