MISSION-CRITICAL MACHINE CONTROL

Machines meet radio technology

Machine control is used to accurately position machinery based on GNSS systems and 3D design models. Several machine control systems use the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) to improve positioning accuracy for streamlining the different construction site workflows. They are available for various machines, for example, pavers, graders, excavators, soil and asphalt compactors, trimmers, forest machines, tractors and milling machines. Machine control systems aid the operator and improve efficiency and safety.

Machine's current position is determined and then compared to the position with a desired design surface. The difference is then displayed to the operator, who can then easily determine what is required to create the needed design. Machine control systems can provide a visual guide to the position of the blade for its operator, for instance, or they can automatically move the blade to grade by instructing the machine’s hydraulics.

While machine control improves the quality of work, it also increases work site safety by ensuring that the machines are in total control and they do not collide. Machine control also increases job satisfaction, because it lessens the need for rework – everything is done correctly the first time. There are, of course, also environmental benefits, such as longer machine lifecycle and lesser fuel consumption and thus, reduced CO2 emissions. Machine control makes the work more accurate, which, for instance, in smart farming means less overlap and waste and optimal use of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.