Construction companies are using 3D machine guidance systems to improve the ability move dirt faster and more efficiently.
Machine control is used to accurately position machines, primarily bulldozers and excavators, based on 3D design models and GPS systems, and thus aid machine operators to control the position the equipment to make accurate digs, cuts, and hauls.
There are five dominant manufacturers of machine control systems: MOBA Mobile Automation AG, Trimble Navigation Limited, Topcon Positioning Systems and Leica Geosystems. Unicontrol recently entered the US market.
Though still an evolving technology, 3D guidance is starting to crop up on more and more worksites. The aim is to cut down on delays assessing terrain to determine how and where to move dirt.
"The construction market is faced with many challenges," says Rich Hilliker, managing director, North America for Unicontrol. "Making a cost-effective, easy-to-use 3D machine guidance system available to construction companies alleviates some of that pressure. Developed in collaboration with machine developers, our system ensures ease-of-use and delivers features most important to users.”
