Combining robotics with precision agriculture expertise

The collaboration combines the strengths of Bonsai Robotics’ vision-based, autonomous navigation systems with Topcon Agriculture’s advanced autosteering, telematics and smart implement integration to create end-to-end solutions that address automating labor-intensive tasks, enabling data driving decision making, and providing high-precision harvesting technology in challenging environments.

“At Bonsai Robotics, we are revolutionizing orchard farming by automating some of the industry’s most challenging processes. Joining forces with Topcon Agriculture allows us to integrate our AI-first approach to vision-based autonomy with their suite of precision sensors and smart implement controls, offering farmers seamless solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability.”

said Tyler Niday, CEO of Bonsai Robotics.

“Topcon Agriculture’s advanced autosteering systems, telematics, and implement controls are designed to empower farmers with cutting-edge technology and insights. Teaming with Bonsai Robotics extends this capability to orchard farming, enabling us to globally deliver precision automation solutions that address critical pain points in orchard farming including labor shortages, resource inefficiency, and the need for sustainability.”

said Antonio Marzia, EVP and GM of Topcon Agriculture.

The post Topcon and Bonsai Robotics Partner to Develop Autonomous Solutions and Precision Technology for Permanent Crops appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Accurate positioning is the cornerstone of site-specific management. It is not only required for accurate operations, but expansive data collection, enabling farm professionals to compare different types of information, such as yield, soil type, and fertility, for better decision making. The technology is used for machine operations and all associated tasks where tracking location data is relevant to crop optimization, including soil preparation, seeding, crop care, and harvesting.

To support the range of agricultural applications, the receiver, and steering controller uses the new Topnet Live correction services. Plus, with the option of Skybridge, users can maintain network connection during any RTK interruption.

Brian Sorbe, VP of global product solutions, said,

“Topcon receivers are designed to suit virtually any agricultural machine type, make, and model. Equipped with progressive reception and tracking capabilities, with the option of manual guidance or complete autosteering, the receivers are suitable for any size or type of operation. With access to the full range of correction services through the AGS-2, Topcon provides farmers with the right fit for their operation with accuracy on demand. Each unique farming operation may have different accuracy requirements and this approach will benefit their operation.

“Calibrated to accuracies of within two centimeters, the new correction services provide reliable pass-to-pass precision. Through a constantly improving network and a variety of cost-effective subscription models, the service delivers reliable connection stability across the globe. With these new offerings, Topcon continues to offer powerful solutions to suit the variable demands of agriculture,”

Sorbe said.

The post Topcon Agriculture Announces New Guidance Receivers and Correction Services Tailorable for any Farming Operation appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Komatsu announces the North American launch of its Smart Construction Remote application, which allows users to send new design data to machines in the field, and remotely support operators, without traveling to the job site.

Customers can remotely send files from their office to target machines, easily search all connected assets, and log in to a machine and see what their operator is seeing. They can also easily pinpoint the location of machines by job site and upload or download design files at any time from anywhere.

Using Smart Construction Remote’s capabilities, construction site managers can help operators troubleshoot issues in real-time by viewing the same data they do. They can add new files without the time commitment of traditional methods, and transfer design files to multiple machines on-site with one click.

Scott Christman, Earthwork division manager at Cornerstone One LLC, said:

“In today’s ever-changing construction environment, Smart Construction Remote is an invaluable, must-have tool. It provides troubleshooting and file transfers with the touch of a button from anywhere with internet access, minimizing crew downtime and maximizing production.”

Smart Construction Remote’s software is compatible with select makes of machines with installed Topcon devices and all Komatsu intelligent Machine Control models. Komatsu-certified experts are ready to help users get the most from the application and develop team capabilities.

Smart Construction Remote is one of Komatsu’s new Smart Construction Solutions, an umbrella of smart applications created to help construction customers orchestrate construction planning, better handle management, and scheduling, streamline costs, and optimize processes remotely in near real-time.

The post Komatsu announces Smart Construction Remote application appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Jamie Williamson, Topcon executive VP and GM of the Construction and Retail groups, said:

“I am very excited with the additions of Ontario and Quebec to Brandt operations. With a wealth of experience in service and support, as well as training second to none, Brandt will be perfectly positioned to provide locally-based, regional, national and multinational clients with the complete portfolio of Topcon Construction and GeoPositioning offerings — now, coast to coast.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge GeoShack for the hard work they’ve put in over the last 15 years to provide an excellent market presence and foundation that can be leveraged to build upon into the future.”

Eduardo Falcon, executive VP and GM of the Topcon GeoPositioning group said:

“The territorial expansion of the Brandt operation will scale our presence and penetration in Canada. We are appreciative of GeoShack’s long presence in these markets and expect to continue working with their management team in the expansion of other regions in the U.S.”

Shaun Semple, Brandt CEO, said:

“We are very excited to add this highly respected team along with these key product lines and support services for our customers in Ontario and Quebec. GeoShack and Inteq have built an impressive reputation over the years and we’re looking forward working with them to build on that strong foundation as we expand our commitment to those markets.”

GeoShack is the longtime supplier for Topcon Positioning Systems equipment in Ontario, providing sales, service, and rentals of GPS, lasers, survey equipment, and more for the construction, survey, engineering, and agricultural industries. The company also delivers comprehensive machine control solutions for all OEM construction and forestry equipment brands.

Inteq Distributors is a complementary business with a Canadian distribution center in Exeter, Ontario that sells and services an extensive selection of construction instruments, optical equipment, survey supplies and accessories.

In combination with Brandt’s pre-existing Topcon footprint in Western and Atlantic Canada, these additions will give Brandt a comprehensive retail footprint to supply premium geopositioning equipment to Canadian construction and forestry contractors, engineering firms, and survey companies and will further establish the firm’s position as a premier privately-held Canadian company.

The agreement is expected to close on June 26, 2020.

Source: Topcon

The post Topcon distribution partner Brandt announces new acquisition appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Topcon Positioning Systems is headquartered in Alameda County (Livermore), California, USA and has offices and resellers globally. Topcon is primarily engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing and distributing construction, geopositioning, survey and precision agriculture equipment and solutions. Further, Topcon is an essential supplier to equipment manufacturers in these critical areas of commerce around the world.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many state and local governments in the United States have issued orders restricting businesses operations; always subject to exemptions for essential businesses.  In defining essential businesses, the state authorities usually rely on a U.S. federal government list of 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks are considered so vital to the U.S. that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, economic security public health or safety (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce). These sectors include Critical Manufacturing, Food and Agriculture, Transportation and Energy.

Topcon and its suppliers and customers operate in these critical infrastructure sectors and thus, are entitled to continue operations under most state and local orders. In some cases, OEM customers are advising that, as a member of the critical infrastructure supply chain, Topcon is expected to continue to supply them.

Of course, Topcon operates with a primary goal of the health and safety of its employees, customers and suppliers and in accordance with applicable state and local orders, including social distancing requirements. To this end, we provide on-going guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) to our employees to support their health in these critical times.

Topcon suppliers and customers should review and comply with applicable governmental orders concerning their ability to continue to operate, with the understanding of Topcon’s role as part of the critical infrastructure supply chain.

We are dedicated to supporting our customers at this critical time and with our exemption in place, Topcon is able to have specific teams working to meet your needs to the best of our ability. Please contact Topcon Operations or your Business Development Representative with any questions or special requests you may have.

Our relationships with our customers and partners are important to us. Topcon strives to work closely together with our partners to protect the industries we serve and accelerate the economic recovery needed in light of the current world crisis. Together we can serve as a beacon of cooperation and commitment to successfully weather these unusual times.

Sincerely,

Jamie Williamson
Executive Vice President & Group General Manager

Source: TopCon

The post Topcon entitle to continue operations under most states appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The mapper records temperature readings behind an asphalt paver as the paving is in progress and provides the visualization to operators in real-time of whether the mix falls within a pre-defined temperature range, and if any segregation is limited within specifications.

Murray Lodge, senior VP of construction said:

“If too much segregation occurs, roads will soon develop major problems. The mapper quickly tells operators if the mix is stable or if moderate or severe temperature variation is occurring. If the readings are unacceptable, operators can adjust for more efficient and accurate project outcomes. The system’s sensors also bring to the market the first thermal mapping system with RTK GPS positioning for more accurate results than conventional methods.”

The system also creates data reporting files to download for applications such as DOT compliance through an interactive Pavelink module, the Topcon cloud-based logistics application for asphalt paving.

“We are excited about where Topcon is taking the paving industry with the different solutions we are bringing to market. From SmoothRide, where we scan the existing road to determine the optimal design for variable depth milling and paving to the newly released Pavelink system, we are focused on improving paving.

“Pavelink allows contractors to monitor the entire paving workflow from the batch plant, mixing plant, trucks, to the paver, to the rollers. By connecting the entire process, it allows the contractor to have full control over their projects in real-time and make adjustments along the way, instead of after the fact as is so often done with conventional methods. Now, bringing in the heat sensor system into that workflow, we are giving contractors more resources to meet the specifications demanded today.

“It is part of our commitment to revolutionize the planning and management of the asphalt paving process with real-time visibility throughout the project lifecycle,”

said Lodge.

Source: TopCon

The post Topcon expands intelligent paving portfolio with Thermal Mapper system appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

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.

Murray Lodge, senior VP of construction, said:

“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. 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. It is also extremely beneficial when navigating around manholes, trenches, and generally tight spaces.”

Lodge said:

“We have had tilt rotation functionality for a number of years, but in previous systems. 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.”

Another additional resource in the small excavator and compact track loader machine control offering includes bringing your own device 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,”

he 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 and easy-to-use alternative to fully-featured traditional total stations.

Additionally, along with the Automatic Excavator system introduction within the last year, enhancements were made to the Sitelink3D job site monitoring and management system, including a pay-as-you-go point-based service model and also 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,”

he said.

Source: TopCon

The post New functionality and options in Topcon machine control provide contractors with full portfolio for all earthmoving projects appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Andrew Kahler, product marketing manager WorkSight solutions, John Deere, said:

“We know our customers are managing busy work schedules, and looking for opportunities to streamline jobs and boost productivity. With that in mind, the new Payload Weighing System delivers just that. With this new system, operators can quickly weigh and calculate loads, ensuring they accurately and consistently achieve target payloads. This streamlines the load-out process while allowing operators to focus on getting the job done.”

With the dynamic System, operators can weigh as they work, reducing interruptions during the job and increasing the number of jobs they complete in a day. The System is equipped with an auto-accumulation feature, which enables the machine to automatically add each bucket load to an accumulating total.

The System enables operators to quickly achieve accurate payload targets, reducing the need to correct payloads by unloading material, while also limiting the risk of overload fines. The System’s overload alarm alerts the operator when the wheel loader’s payload has exceeded the user defined limit, helping to reduce excessive tire wear.

Inside the cab, a touchscreen display shows the current payload information, eliminating guesswork, while the live tip-off function provides customers the ability to adjust the final load. The System offers the operator the ability to manage multiple active jobs, and can pause active jobs when needed. This feature provides the flexibility to work between tasks, so the operator can return to unfinished jobs without starting over.

The new System helps to simplify complex jobs, with a tare function allowing the operator to automatically remove the hopper or pallet weight to determine the actual weight of the material without any off-board calculations. A product mix mode enables the System to create special product blends when mixing different materials during unique jobs.

Another benefit of the System is the production data collection, which helps operators make informed decisions. The System is integrated with JDLink telematics, allowing users to track and visualize payload data within the JDLink Portal and JDLink Mobile. Onboard features include an advanced memory job search and report functions to help view and manage productivity from within the cab. The on-board database provides virtually unlimited inputs of products, customers, trucks, haulers and more, ensuring records are accurate. Finally, the user can export data via USB or a printed receipt.

The factory-installed System features protected components, including boom and chassis harnesses and sensors mounted in secure locations, reducing the risk of damage.

Source: John Deere

The post John Deere presents the New Payload Weighing System for L-Series Wheel Loaders appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“Earthmoving customers already utilize SmartGrade technology integrated into Deere dozers, and many have asked when it would be available on the motor grader line,” said Luke Kurth, motor graders product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Today is the day, and we’re excited to be the first manufacturer to offer this integrated solution to the industry. The same machine can now be used throughout the job site, from site clearing to final grade, maximizing operator resources and fleet utilization.”

SmartGrade eliminates external masts and cables from the moldboard, preventing possible theft or damage. This also removes the need to climb on the machine every day and install blade-mounted sensors and components, reducing setup time and complexity. By removing the masts and leveraging position sensing, the operator can now run without limitation, using all of the machine functions, like blade pitch, circle side-shift and circle rotate, without risking damage all while staying on grade. In the cab, the grade system interface is built into the Grade Pro (GP) controls available in the Deere exclusive fingertip or dual joystick design.

An all new Automation Suite is included with SmartGrade and is available as an option on all GP graders, helping operators in daily production by reducing the number of controls needed to perform common tasks. The suite boasts auto-articulation, blade flip and operator-selectable machine presets. Auto-articulation combines front steering and rear articulation while blade flip, a Deere exclusive, enables the operator to automatically rotate the blade to a set position without holding the control at the end of a pass. Machine preset, another Deere exclusive, allows the operator to activate multiple functions by pressing a single button (Return-to-Straight, Auto-Shift, lights, etc.). Up to three positions can be stored in the monitor.

“SmartGrade graders are the latest in a long line of technologies Deere has developed to help customers become more efficient and automate some of the controls for one of the most sophisticated pieces of equipment on the job site,” said Sean Mairet, grade control product marketing manager, John Deere WorkSight. “Whatever machine you have on the job site, Deere’s focus on industry-leading innovations will help operators be more productive and let owners better manage their workloads.”

Fleet managers looking to get the most out of their SmartGrade motor graders can rely on their world-class John Deere dealers to provide unmatched support for both the grader and the SmartGrade system. Owners receive predelivery and follow-up inspections that include five years of JDLink telematics, machine health prognostics, remote diagnostics and programming capabilities.

Source: John Deer News

The post John Deere Reveals Industry’s First Fully Integrated, Mastless Grade Control Motor Graders appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.