Topcon Machine Control is a technology and system used in the construction and earthmoving industries to enhance the precision and efficiency of heavy machinery and equipment. It is also known as machine guidance or machine automation technology. The primary goal of Topcon Machine Control is to improve the accuracy of grading, excavating, and other construction tasks, ultimately leading to cost savings, reduced rework, and increased productivity.
Topcon Machine Control systems are commonly used in various construction applications, including:
- Excavation: Ensuring precise digging and trenching according to design specifications.
- Grading: Achieving accurate slopes and surface levels for road construction, building foundations, and landscaping.
- Paving: Optimizing the placement of asphalt or concrete to achieve the desired surface smoothness and thickness.
- Mining: Enhancing the efficiency of mining operations by precisely controlling the excavation equipment.
- Landfill and landfill compaction: Managing the placement and compaction of waste materials in landfills.
Machine control can be implemented on a single machine, an entire fleet, or a combination of these. Simple systems may just monitor and enable a single machine, while more sophisticated platforms may allow networking of jobsites around the world — allowing managers to oversee projects dispersed over large territories in real time.
What is 2D machine control?
Options vary based on need. A contractor who only needs to know the height or depth of their bucket, blade, or screed may opt for a 2D system. These relatively inexpensive systems may use sonic sensors or rotating lasers and laser sensors to provide height and depth information.
What is 3D machine control?
Someone who needs height information along with the position of a machine on a jobsite may choose a 3D system. If an operator only needs to be told where to dig, a guidance (or indicate-only) system may be enough. If, however, they prefer a blade or bucket to follow the contour of a design surface by itself, a fully-controlled (or automatic) system may be more appropriate.