Category: Machine Control / Agriculture

  • Trimble introduces compact GNSS sensor for system integrators

    Trimble introduces compact GNSS sensor for system integrators

    Trimble-ABX-Two-OEM-GNSS-Sensor-W.jpgTrimble has introduced the ABX-Two OEM GNSS sensor, which delivers precise heading, pitch, roll and 3D positioning information. With two internal MB-Two modules, the ABX-Two offers a third antenna option that provides a drift-free, absolute attitude solution.

    The ABX-Two is designed for a wide variety of applications such as agriculture, automotive, aviation, construction and marine systems.

    The announcement was made at Ocean Business 2017, an international event for ocean technology.

    The ABX-Two is a compact, lightweight and weatherproof enclosure that is built around two MB-Two modules. The sensor allows a wide range of voltage inputs and maintains low-power consumption regardless of the voltage. The ABX-Two speeds the integration process with a web user interface and a variety of interface connections for an easy addition into new and existing solutions.

    “System integrators require high performance, reliability and support for their positioning solutions,” said Chris Wheeler, business area manager of Trimble’s Precision OEM GNSS group. “The ABX-Two is designed for easy integration. And its rugged dependability makes it ideal for harsh environment applications.”

    The ABX-Two has a powerful RTK engine that delivers centimeter-level accuracy from a base station or Real- Time Kinematic (RTK) network. With Trimble RTX correction services, the ABX-Two achieves Precise Point Positioning without a base station.

    The ABX-Two features a wide range of option-upgradable GNSS configurations from single sensor/single frequency/single GNSS to multi sensor/multi frequency/multi GNSS capability. Trimble’s patented Z-Blade technology drives a powerful GNSS agnostic engine, allowing the ABX-Two to use any single GNSS satellite system for positioning without any constellation preference to deliver fast and stable centimeter-accurate positioning and heading information.

    The Trimble ABX-Two is available now through the Trimble GNSS OEM international network of representatives and authorized dealers.

  • UAV manufacturer senseFly joins April 20 webinar panel

    UAV manufacturer senseFly joins April 20 webinar panel

    A speaker from UAV manufacturer senseFly will appear on the free April 20 webinar, “From Flying Drones to Doing Business,” addressing ease of use for the user in business applications. The Switzerland-based company specializes in professional-grade UAVs for survey, mapping, precision agriculture and asset inspection. The company recently became the first drone operator to be granted anytime Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) authorization in Switzerland.

    ebee copy 2
    Photo: senseFly

    The webinar will cover a broad range of issues concerning sensor integration aboard a flying platform, and in particular their use for commercial purposes. Webinar attendees will have the opportunity to ask direct questions of the speakers, both upon registration and during the live event. Register free at env-gpsworld-integration.kinsta.cloud/webinar.

    The senseFly speaker (name to be announced soon) will join a panel that consists of:
    Gustavo Lopez, Product manager GNSS solutions for UAV applications, Septentrio; Jan Leyssens
, Managing Director, Sales & Business Development, Airobot; and Zak Kassas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Riverside.

    Further speaker details:

    Lopez: Septentrio is an leader in bringing high end GNSS technology when accuracy and reliability matters. Gustavo Lopez is Product manager for UAS applications at Septentrio. Since joining the company, he has held a number of R&D and product management roles. Gustavo holds a Bachelor of Computer Science degree from Monterrey’s Technology Institute and an MBA from United Business Institute

    Leyssens: Airobot specializes in meeting safety demands for UAVs by providing intelligent safety components, specifically designed for drones, and in facilitating end-users’ success in completing their missions. Leyssens has Masters’ degrees in avionics, electrical engineering and business administration.

    Kassas will present the research material from his cover story in the April issue of GPS World: “LTE Steers UAV — No GPS? No Problem! Signals of Opportunity Work in Challenged Environments.” Long-term evolution cellular can be exploited for accurate and resilient autonomous vehicle navigation in the absence of clear GNSS signals. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that GPS-like performance can be achieved in the absence of GPS signals when cellular pseudoranges aid an inertial navigation system.

  • AgJunction signs strategic agreement with Hemisphere GNSS

    AgJunction Inc., a provider of innovative hardware and software solutions for precision agriculture, has signed a new strategic agreement with Hemisphere GNSS, a provider of GNSS technology.

    For an undisclosed, one-time payment and a new long-term supply agreement, AgJunction has agreed to release Hemisphere from a license restriction that prevented them from selling their GNSS products directly into the global agricultural market. Supply and market restriction agreements previously created between AgJunction and Hemisphere ended in 2016 while the market restriction agreements continued indefinitely.

    Both were originally one company. In 2013, Hemisphere GPS split with its precision agriculture division, which then named itself AgJunction, while the GNSS part of the business was purchased by UniStrong Science & Technology Co. and renamed Hemisphere GNSS.

    The agreement is expected to provide customers a more direct relationship with their GNSS supplier, creating better efficiencies for original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers and growers alike. This agreement is also consistent with AgJunction’s desire to provide its steering customers the ability to choose among several possible GNSS options.

    “AgJunction is pleased with the signing of this agreement as it will insure our customers, who have chosen Hemisphere’s GNSS receivers and antenna technology, direct access and an uninterrupted supply,” said Dave Vaughn, CEO of AgJunction. “As a leader in the precision steering machine control business, it is incumbent upon us to provide the GNSS solution our customers prefer, and this agreement does just that.”

    This agreement does not affect AgJunction’s exclusive right to sell certain steering and machine control technology covered by the company’s extensive IP portfolio into the agriculture market.

    “Hemisphere is excited to work more directly with our OEM agriculture partners,” said Hemisphere President and CEO Farlin Halsey. “This new supply agreement will forge a deeper relationship, providing faster response to sales and support requests and increased customer feedback, resulting in stronger innovation and solutions. We would also like to thank AgJunction, and look forward to both companies’ future success.”

    Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

  • Agricultural robots market worth $12.8B by 2022

    The agricultural robots market is expected to grow from $2.75 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate of 20.71 percent between 2017 and 2022, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

    The increasing focus on farm efficiency and productivity and increasing global demand for food are some of the significant drivers for the growth of the agricultural robots market.

    Hardware. The hardware component is expected to hold the largest share of the agricultural robots market between 2017 and 2022. The hardware components include automation and control systems, and sensing and monitoring systems. Automation and control systems such as global positioning system (GPS) receivers, guidance and steering devices, and variable rate technology devices form a major part of the agricultural robots market. These hardware components have the largest share of the overall agricultural robots market owing to their extensive use in field farming technologies.

    Weather forecasting. Weather tracking is one of the important parameters in agriculture as this application facilitates up-to-date information on prevailing climatic conditions, such as temperature, rain, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation. There are various kinds of devices used for this application, which include handheld instruments and on-field weather stations. Weather tracking helps in taking decisions before severe and potentially dangerous climatic conditions occur, thereby protecting a farmer’s family or business.

    North and South America. The Americas held the largest share of the agriculture robot market in 2016. This growth is attributed to the increased industrialization of farming equipment with the need for improved efficiency and productivity to meet the global demand for food. Efficient farming requirements, high production accuracy and increased use of farm management software are some of the factors for the growth of the agricultural robots market in the Americas.

    Major players in the agricultural robots market mentioned in the report include Deere & Company (U.S.), Trimble Inc. (U.S.), AgJunction Inc. (U.S.) and AGCO Corporation (U.S.).

    The report is titled “Agricultural Robots Market by Type (UAVs, Milking Robots, Harvesting Systems, Driverless Tractors), Offering (Hardware-Automation & Control System, Sensor & Monitoring Device; Software; Services), Application, and Geography — Global Forecast to 2022.”

    The report includes 203 pages, including 79 market data tables and 79 figures, with an in-depth table of contents.

    PDF brochure on the report is available.

     

  • Topcon’s new concrete paving system uses ‘millimeter GPS technology’

    Topcon’s new concrete paving system uses ‘millimeter GPS technology’

    ZPS_Topcon_Field-WTopcon Positioning Group has launched a new system for automated concrete paving — the ZPS system — with the new Z-Robot and Z-Stack sensor.

    Using enhanced Topcon “millimeter GPS technology,” the ZPS system is designed to bring unmatched accuracy to concrete paving with a fraction of the hardware required for a traditional local positioning system.

    The new Z-Robot is an advanced robotic total station with integrated Z-beam laser technology. The Z-Robot is designed to provide a hybrid function of high-precision, optically based vertical accuracy control and the convenience of Z-beam laser positioning to maintain that accuracy across the paver.

    “The ZPS system’s self-leveling Z-Robot cuts setup time in half compared with previous concrete paving methods,” said Murray Lodge, senior vice president and general manager of the Construction Business Unit. “With traditional systems, you need multiple, expensive robotic total stations to control the paver at any given time and at least another complete set of instruments for downrange transition. With the ZPS system, only one Z-Robot controls the paver — increasing productivity and profitability, and dramatically lowering the cost of the solution compared to LPS.”

    ZPS_concretepaving-Topcon-WOn board the paver, the ZPS system uses the new Topcon Z-Stack modular-designed system that seamlessly integrates GPS, optical targeting, and Z-beam reception into one unit by interlocking the required sensing technologies in one rugged “stack.”

    “The Z-Stack sensor is revolutionary,” said Lodge. “It combines time-proven Topcon positioning technologies into one multifunctional, consolidated and complete system that provides better accuracies and more efficient paving than ever before. The system requires no separate base station and only one cable needed for power and connectivity.

    “The system also offers a wider working area, with a range of up to 150 more feet than with traditional methods — minimizing instrument transitions,” Lodge said.

  • Topcon updates 2D indicate system for excavation, Wi-Fi for imaging

    Topcon Positioning Group is providing an update to its X-52 entry-level machine control system for excavation. The 2D system is designed to offer cost-effective indicate grade control.

    MC-X1_Topcon_W“The X-52 system features the all-new MC-X1 controller, which offers compatibility with all brands and models of excavators,” said Kris Maas, director of construction product management. “Operators with limited exposure to machine control systems will find the system intuitive and very easy to use. Its reliable and rugged TS-i3 tilt sensors detect the precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket at all times.”

    The system is designed to provide a forward-thinking investment for contractors who want to enhance its capabilities in the future. “Later this year, the X-52 will be upgradeable to a full 3D system with GNSS, which allows it to expand along with business needs.

    “The X-52 not only allows operators to work faster and with better accuracy, but also promotes a safer work site by keeping grade checkers out of the trenches,” Maas said.

    The system is designed to pair with the GX-55 touchscreen control box to offer sunlight-readable indicate grade reference in any climate condition.

    Wi-Fi for Imaging Station

    DS-200i_Topcon_field-W

    Topcon also added advanced connectivity options to its DS-200i direct aiming imaging station. The DS-200i, now with Wi-Fi access, provides real-time, touchscreen video and photo imaging to capture measured positions.

    “The ultra-wide 5 MP on-board camera provides photo documentation in the field and can now transmit live video using either LongLink or high-speed WLAN as an access point, which allows the FC-5000 or Windows 10 tablets to easily connect,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products.

    “The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenience to the powerful video capabilities of the DS-200i. The system allows for non-prism measurements to be aimed and measured to remote objects — saving time without having to return to the tripod,” Kerwin said. “The live video allows a remote user to know exactly what is being measured.”

    Additional standard features include Hybrid Positioning functionality, Xpointing technology for quick and reliable prism acquisition, TSshield telematics security and maintenance technology, and a rating of IP65 for water-resistant construction.

  • Hemisphere launches 2 GNSS receivers, software and hardware

    Hemisphere launches 2 GNSS receivers, software and hardware

    Hemisphere GNSS has launched two new GNSS receivers to enable better positioning for machine control applications. The new receivers are in addition to products announced earlier this week, including GradeMetrix application software and an array of compatible GNSS hardware components.

    Designed for harsh construction environments, both the Vector VR1000 and the C321 base and rover (when combined with the new SiteMatrix software) are system components that empower heavy equipment manufacturers to deliver their own machine control and guidance solutions to their customers. Both also feature a powerful new web user interface.

    Hemisphere GNSS made the announcements at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2017, which is taking place March 7-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hemisphere GNSS is exhibiting at booth G71925.

    Vector VR1000 Rugged GNSS Receiver

    Hemisphere-Vector-VR1000-W
    Vector VR1000 rugged GNSS receiver by Hemisphere GNSS. Photo: Hemisphere 

    Designed specifically for harsh machine-control environments, the Vector VR1000 multi-frequency, multi-GNSS receiver offers real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and high-precision heading.

    “The Vector VR1000 is our most robust GNSS receiver yet,” said Lyle Geck, product manager at Hemisphere. “The receiver offers a feature- and performance-packed combination of Athena RTK engine, Atlas L-band corrections, and excellent connectivity. With a baseline separation up to 10 meters, users can achieve heading accuracies of up to 0.01 degrees.”

    The 744-channel VR1000 excels in difficult environments, tracking GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS. Its connectivity features support Ethernet, CAN, internal 400 MHz/900 MHz radio, serial, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It also has 12 multi-color LED indicators.

    Powered by Athena GNSS engine, VR1000 provides centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in environments where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used.

    Integrated L-band adds support for Atlas GNSS global corrections for meter- to sub-decimeter-level accuracy while new Tracer technology helps maintain position during correction signal outages.

    VR1000 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the receiver to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the VR1000 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

    C321 RTK Base and Rover

    C321 RTK base and rover by Hemisphere GNSS.
    C321 RTK base and rover by Hemisphere GNSS. Photo: Hemisphere 

    Hemisphere GNSS also debuted the C321 GNSS Smart Antenna for heavy highway and site construction. When paired with the company’s SiteMetrix Site Management software, the multi-frequency, multi-GNSS C321 antenna can be used as an all-in-one construction base and rover site controller.

    The C321 combines Hemisphere’s Athena GNSS engine and Atlas L-band correction technologies. The ruggedized antenna is designed for the most challenging environments and meets IP67-standard requirements.

    Powered by Athena GNSS engine, the C321 provides best-in-class, centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Tested and proven, Athena performs with long baselines in open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation.

    Atlas GNSS Global Corrections. The C321 ships pre-configured to test-drive corrections from Hemisphere’s Atlas L-band corrections service. The bundled solution provides users worldwide with an easy way to utilize Atlas, including the worldwide H10 service offering 8 cm 95% accuracy (4 cm RMS). C321 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the receiver to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the C321 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

    SiteMetrix Site Management Software

    Hemisphere’s SiteMetrix is a complete 3D/GNSS site management and inspection tool, implementing most grading, mining and landfill applications. SiteMetrix provides cut-and-fill information across the job site in real time, moving easily between a vehicle to a man-rover pole. SiteMetrix supports most GNSS receivers by offering a large GNSS library.

    Using SiteMetrix offers easy-to-use stakeout, collection, volume computations and reporting, and as-built points. Developed as versatile software, SiteMetrix provides an incredible amount of direct import files, including DWG, DXF, TN3, GC3, LN3, TIN and GRD. With a customizable user interface, SiteMetrix can be as easy or advanced as necessary.

  • Hemisphere GNSS launches smart antenna, machine control software

    Hemisphere GNSS launches smart antenna, machine control software

    Hemisphere GNSS has launched three new products:

    • The Vector VR500 rugged all-in-one smart antenna
    • GradeMetrix software for machine control and guidance applications
    • The IronOne rugged display and computer

    Hemisphere GNSS made the announcements at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, being held this week in Las Vegas. Hemisphere GNSS is exhibiting at booth G71925.

    Vector VR500 Smart Antenna

    The Hemisphere GNSS VR500 smart antenna.
    The Hemisphere GNSS VR500 smart antenna. Photo: Hemisphere

    The Vector VR500 is designed specifically for harsh machine control environments, the multi-frequency, multi-GNSS smart antenna offers precise heading, RTK positioning, and easy installation. VR500 adds another system component and empowers heavy equipment manufacturers to deliver their own machine control and guidance solutions to their customers.

    “The Vector VR500 is our all-in-one smart antenna OEM entry into the machine control market,” said Jennifer Keenan, product manager at Hemisphere. “The receiver is designed from the ground up, specifically for rugged machine control environments and offers a feature- and performance-rich combination of Athena RTK engine, Atlas L-band corrections, heading accuracy up to 0.2 degrees, integrated UHF radio, updates up to 50Hz, and excellent connectivity.”

    VR500 excels in the toughest machine control environments, meeting stringent IP ingress and MIL-STD202G shock and vibration requirements. A fully scalable solution, the VR500 tracks GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, and IRNSS, and is also Atlas L-band and SBAS capable.

    Designed for ease-of-installation, the all-in-one unit connects with just one cable supporting unprecedented integration of CANbus and UHF RTK radio with position and heading messages. The powerful and easy-to-use webUI allows the user to control, manage, and upgrade firmware and activations using Wi-Fi. VR500 offers a robust set of connectivity options allowing corrections to be received via radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Serial.

    Powered by Athena GNSS engine, VR500 provides centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Tested and proven, Athena performs with long baselines, in open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation.

    Integrated L-band adds support for Atlas GNSS global corrections for meter to sub-decimeter level accuracy while new Tracer technology helps maintain position during correction signal outages. VR500 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the receiver to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the VR500 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

    GradeMetrix Software

    GradeMetrix is next-generation, core software (optional Windows 10 and Android) designed to empower heavy equipment manufacturers to deliver their own branded machine control and guidance solutions to their customers.

    Hemisphere GNSS' IronOne tablet running GradeMetrix software.
    Hemisphere GNSS’ IronOne tablet running GradeMetrix software. Photo: Hemisphere

    Heavy equipment manufacturers, in large part, have had to rely on after-market systems to provide their machine control positioning technology. After-market systems also compete with OEMs creating a lack of brand identity, customizable solutions and integration tools, all of which are essential to facilitating superior system performance, the company said.

    “For the first time in our industry, Hemisphere is announcing an OEM toolkit that includes GradeMetrix software for developing and delivering scalable machine control systems,” said Randy Noland, vice president of global sales and marketing with Hemisphere.

    “These new products and design services empower OEM customers with unprecedented flexibility and price points for designing, complementing, and delivering their own scalable solutions,” Noland added. “GradeMetrix is the catalyst for delivering a new generation of positioning systems by removing multiple barriers to higher adoption, especially to smaller machines and markets.”

    IronOne Display and Computer

    The IronOne Rugged Display and Computer is purpose-built for harsh machine control environments, meeting IP67-standard certification and using an 8-inch sunlight-readable LCD display. IronOne adds another system component and empowers heavy equipment manufacturers to deliver their own machine control and guidance solutions to their customers.

    “IronOne is a rugged display that can easily be adapted to any customer’s requirements,” said Matt Steele, product manager at Hemisphere. “With an IP67 rating, high-end processor, and top-of-the-line embedded Windows 10 operating system, IronOne will withstand and exceed expectations in some of the most challenging environments in the machine control landscape.”

    Connectivity features on the IronOne include Ethernet, CANbus, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth and offers optional cellular modem for maximum connectivity in the field. The easy-to-read 8-inch TFT-LCD capacitive touchscreen display is ideal while inside heavy machinery where different viewing angles are required.

    IronOne is agnostic and can support site-specific management tools or grading-specific software that requires high-processing speeds and fast update rates. The computer contains an Intel Atom dual-core processor designed for heavy processing requirements. With expandable memory and industry standard connectivity, the IronOne provides a customizable solution.

  • Hexagon and Locata offer solution to the mining puzzle

    Hexagon and Locata offer solution to the mining puzzle

    The Leica Geosystems JPS (Jigsaw Positioning System) uses Locata's LocaLites system of positioning.
    The Leica Geosystems JPS (Jigsaw Positioning System) uses Locata’s system of positioning. Photo: Locata

    Locata Corporation and Hexagon Mining have partnered to bring Locata technology to mines.

    The JPS (Jigsaw Positioning System) is a radiolocation technology that replicates a highly accurate positioning network system, augmenting GNSS satellites with a ground-based positioning network.

    Created in partnership with Locata, JPS provides the same positioning accuracy of GNSS, but without the signal drop-out in deep pits and against high walls.

    LocaLites. Using a combination of fixed-position and movable LocataLites, a high-precision positioning network can be created where needed, complimenting or replacing traditional GPS. The LocataLites are solar-powered and contain an RTK GNSS receiver. They also have TimeLoc synchronization technology. Multiple signals are transmitted for redundancy and to mitigate multipath in the pit.

    Module. One JPS receiver module contains two receivers. It has Ethernet and RS232 connections, and support for external GNSS corrections. A co-located antenna receives both GNSS and Locata signals.

    Operations. Once the system is set up, users can monitor network health via an in-built web interface or reporting of the LocataNet status in the Jigsaw fleet management software, Jmineops. A web-based diagnostic tool is provided.
    JPS can be customized and scaled to be any size needed, with LocataLites added or removed from a network as needed. JPS is interoperable with any Wi-Fi network.

    No additional correction network means base stations, atomic clocks, data links, and differential corrections are not needed, reducing errors and infrastructure costs.

  • What is the biggest unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) challenge?

    What is the biggest challenge facing the UAV industry? Go to gpsworld.com/17marpoll to give us your opinion by March 22 and you’ll also be entered in a drawing to receive a $50 gift card.

    Here are the possibilities on offer, plus an “other” category for you to specify something bigger if you think we’ve omitted anything.

    • Better quality images and video
    • Better, smaller, more lightweight sensors (inertial, Lidar, infrared, spectral, etc.)
    • Integration of other sensors with GPS/GNSS
    • Applications and command-control on mobile devices: smartphones and tablets
    • Virtual and augmented reality
    • Competition from satellite and aircraft imagery/mapping/other
    • Air traffic control and the FAA regulatory environment
    • Other (please specify)

    =

    Watch this space for continuing coverage of developments in UAV navigation and related issues, with in-depth reporting from the upcoming AUVSI Xponential conference in May.

  • Udee backpack could answer protection needs for mobile workers

    Udee backpack could answer protection needs for mobile workers

    The Udee backpack was designed to be comfortable as well as utilitarian.
    The Udee backpack was designed to be comfortable as well as utilitarian. Photo: Udee

    A new backpack could be the perfect answer for field workers, remote workers and people who travel with expensive equipment.

    The Udee backpack has 19 features, and was made possible through an IndieGoGo Kickstarter campaign. The versatile and user-friendly design is equipped with 19 features designed specifically for serious travelers and outdoor workers who need to stay connected and protect valuable equipment while belongings remain readily accessible.

    The designers of the Udee backpack integrated functions that make it adaptable to any situation. Functions include a portable cooler, a USB port for charging electronic devices, and an earphone pocket that allows users to keep their earphones in their backpack while listening to audio.

    Udee also has an anti-theft feature, important for anyone with a laptop or GNSS receiver. It has a port for a battery pack as well.

    The backpack, introduced this month, has already received an award from Forbes, and one from PC Advisor, which named it one of the top 14 laptop bags.

    The backpack is made of high-end padding and waterproof fabric, and has sturdy, roomy compartments. This reporter was able to carry inside her DSLR camera and 13-inch Macbook Pro (on which this review was written), as well as plenty of other material.

    The inside of the Udee backpack has padded sections to protect a laptop, camera, smartphone and other electronics.
    The inside of the Udee backpack has padded sections to protect a laptop, camera, smartphone and other electronics.

    Here is the full list of 19 features:

    1. Charging port
    2. Earphone port
    3. Lightweight build
    4. Anti-theft combination lock
    5. Safety LED light
    6. Portable cooler
    7. Photography bag
    8. Waterproof material
    9. Phone pocket
    10. Power bank pocket
    11. Notebook pocket
    12. Pen pocket
    13. Passport/cards holder
    14. Carabiner
    15. Safety reflective stripes
    16. Security pocket
    17. Luggage belt
    18. Large volume, 25-liter capacity
    19. Expandable volume

    To learn more about the backpack or place an order, visit the Udee backpack page.

  • Next-generation of grade control integrates 3D automatics

    Next-generation of grade control integrates 3D automatics

    (Photo: Trimble)

    Trimble is offering Trimble Earthworks for Excavators and Earthworks for Dozers. Trimble Earthworks is transforming machine control with integrated 3D aftermarket excavator automatics capability.

    In addition, a new dozer configuration moves the receivers from the blade to the roof of the cab. Reengineered from the ground up, Trimble’s innovative, next generation grade control platform features intuitive, easy-to-learn software that runs on an Android operating system.

    State-of-the-art software and hardware gives operators of all skill levels the ability to work faster and more productively than ever before, Trimble said.

    “Trimble pioneered machine control,” said Scott Crozier, director of marketing for Trimble Civil Engineering and Construction. “Now, Trimble Earthworks takes machine control to the next level, with a platform that reinvents machine control technology, making it easy to use and learn, and more accessible for many different types of contractors.”

    Live demonstrations of Trimble Earthworks for Excavators and Trimble Earthworks for Dozers will be showcased at ConExpo 2017, March 1-7, one of the world’s largest international exhibitions for the construction industry. Trimble will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall #N-12067.

    Intuitive Software. The Trimble Earthworks grade control application is built on the Android operating system, and runs on the new 10-inch (25.7 centimeter) Trimble TD520 touch-screen display. The Earthworks application was developed based on feedback from construction equipment operators around the world, resulting in an interface optimized for productivity.

    Colorful graphics, natural interactions and gestures, and self-discovery features make the software intuitive and easy to learn. Each operator can personalize the interface to match their workflow and a variety of configurable views make it easier to see the right perspective for maximum productivity.

    In addition, Earthworks allows data files to be transferred to or from the office wirelessly and automatically so that the operator is always using the latest design. Using the Android operating system, users can download other applications that provide the operator with additional useful tools inside the cab. To make the system even more flexible, contractors can use the Trimble TD520 display or a third-party Android device.

    Excavator Automatics. With Trimble Earthworks, contractors can now take advantage of the first integrated 3D aftermarket grade control automatics for excavators, allowing operators to create smooth, flat or sloped surfaces more easily.

    When the excavator is placed in Autos mode, the operator controls the stick, and Trimble Earthworks controls the boom and bucket to stay on grade, reduce overcut and increase production. By automating excavator operation, Trimble Earthworks allows operators to achieve grade consistently, with high accuracy and in less time.

    Mastless Dozer Configuration. Trimble Earthworks for Dozers mounts dual GNSS receivers on top of the cab to eliminate masts and cables traditionally located on the blade. The dual-GNSS receivers are ideal for steep slope work and complex designs with tight tolerances. The new configuration keeps valuable receivers safer and can also save contractors time by reducing the time needed to remove and reinstall them each day.

    Trimble Earthworks for Excavators is expected to be available globally in the second quarter of 2017 from the SITECH dealer channel. Trimble Earthworks for Dozers is expected to be available in the second half of 2017 from the SITECH dealer channel.