Now it is not often that you come across something that revolutionises an existing concept, but I believe this system does exactly that and it should be a wakeup call to everyone in the machine guidance world.

The system I am referring to is known as DigPilot and is manufactured by Gunderson & Loken who are based in Norway.

A summary of its main features:
-Simple to use graphical touchscreen interface
-Powerful computer allowing for easy upgrades through 1D,2D,3D applications
-Accurate portable sensors
-Long range rugged wireless technology
-Multiple machine and bucket utilisation
-Quick User installation and calibration
-Low maintenance

Perhaps the majority of you have never heard of this system or the manufacturer, so here is some background information.

Jan Floberg is the owner of Gunderson and Loken and the driving force behind the DigPilot product he has a degree in Civil Engineering from the Norwegian Military Academy. He has to date installed and sold several hundred machine control systems in Norway including unique applications such as a subsea excavator.

On speaking with him about his system and the concept behind it Jan says :

“A few years ago I identified a gap in the market for self install and calibration systems that would allow the user to reap the benefits of machine guidance without making the initial huge investment demanded by so many other available products at that time. Installation and calibration is a great expense and this system gives the user the option to do it himself and save some money in the process. Maintenance has always been a concern. I have spent many years in this industry installing and servicing machine control products and one of the main areas of weakness are the cables – at some point they will be damaged and need an expensive service call to repair, hence the utilisation of the latest wireless technology. If a sensor fails, one can be simply popped in the post and the user can change the sensor in seconds. Portability was also a major factor in my development plan. Giving the user the ability to have multiple machines work from one system means that he will gain maximum utilisation from the one system in a small fleet of machines. For the cost of one system (plus additional fixing kits) you can have machine control for 20 machines ! The benefits speak for themselves”

He goes on...

“Digpilot is a fantastic entry level product that has a clearly defined upgrade route giving the user the option to exploit more complex functions as he develops his machine guidance knowledge and needs. I want my products to demystify machine guidance and make it available for everyone.

I launched my system at the Bauma 2007 show. It was met with immense interest and since then I have been able to enhance the original software and hardware to the very well field tested product I now have. I have a small dedicated team of professional engineers who are the driving force behind many of the features now available within  the system. It is their resourcefulness that helps bring the whole product concept together and why I am so proud of our achievement. I find it flattering that since my product launch others have entered the market with similar products, I guess increased competition is the price you pay for innovation. The high uptake  of the product within my market place proves that I was right. I have many more tricks up my sleeve, but they can wait until the next international trade show (Bauma 2010)”

So, let’s see what the all the fuss is about.

Presentation :
This system has been well conceived and is delivered in a robust purpose built case. A simple look inside the case gives an indication of just how much attention to detail has been spent on this concept. So let’s look at it in more detail.

Everything you need is in the case and has been carefully considered and professionally presented and includes :

 Complete system (Computer/Display and sensors), sensor charger, mounting brackets, spirit level, tape measure, drill bits, taps, bolt fixings, manual  -  it’s all here.

All you need to do is supply an electric drill and 1 hour of your time. The beauty of this is that when the system has completed its task and you have finished the job, you can just pack it up in the case and go, or take it to the next machine that requires machine guidance or put it safely into storage until needed again. Another added bonus is that there is no need to worry about theft or vandalism.

Main System Components :

The main interface and engine is provided by the 6” touchscreen graphic display and computer. The computer /display is of a rugged field proven design and its high resolution display is sunlight readable (very important). This communicates to the sensors via the green “co-ordinator” unit fitted to the rear of the housing. The computer / display operates from the machine power supply and a connector to fit into “charger” sockets (used to be called cigarette lighter in the good old days!) is supplied.

The sensors are accelerometer based angle sensors and are in a completely sealed rugged housing giving 0.1 degree accuracy over a full 360 degree operating range. 

The arm sensor has a laser receiving array included ready for use with a range of rotating site laser references – a high quality DigPilot branded laser is available as an option.

Just look at the design of these sensors, it’s very impressive, no off-the-shelf enclosure for this product. There are no shortcuts here and this has clearly been very well engineered.

As with all systems the number of sensors dictates the application :

1D: Boom, Arm, Bucket
2D: Boom, Arm, Bucket, Dual axis (pitch and roll) with magnetic compass for slew sensing
3D: As 2D with the addition of GPS / GNSS option

Note:  Each of these applications can have an optional artic sensor and tilting bucket sensor if required.

The wireless interface has been carefully designed to operate in licence free bands and is not susceptible to interference. The wireless signal has a long range, and is carefully encrypted so multiple systems can work near each other.

The sensors are charged using the supplied charger – no need for changing of batteries. The sensors retain their charge for over two weeks - a feat only possible due to the advancements made in battery technologies over the past few years. The charging contacts are protected against short circuits, water ingress and corrosion so they are not the weak point that might be initially thought. The charger itself works from a standard mains ac supply with LEDs indicating the charge status and can charge up to 4 sensors at once.

Installation :

The sensors are located inside simple lightweight brackets which are fixed to the machine equipment hence the inclusion of drills, taps and bolts. Fitting the bracket is a simple procedure – determine the position of the sensor, mark the fixing holes and then drill a shallow hole for each into the equipment, these are then tapped and the sensor fixed using the countersink bolts provided.  The drill and tap are of high quality and will see the job through without damage.

The sensors are designed such that they can only be fitted one way into the bracket and a firm spring clip holds the sensor in place, the spring clip also allows for quick release when removing the sensor.

If the 2D option is required then the dual axis / compass sensor is installed via a mast fitted on the machine counterweight away from the moving equipment. I have previously expressed reservations as to the efficacy of magnetic slew sensing, however DigPilot does seem to perform its slew monitoring task as required.

Obviously 3D operation requires the addition of GPS / GNSS. The display is mounted to the window via a vacuum suction cup (industrial strength, so it won’t fall off !)
And that’s it, there is nothing else to do.

Calibration :
A huge amount of thought has gone into this process and it has clearly been aimed at the end user calibration market. The system itself guides you through the process giving clear instructions and takes full advantage of the graphic display to demonstrate what to do. The provision of measuring tape, spirit level, plumb bob and even the twine for the plumb bob (such attention to detail !) means you have all the tools necessary for the measurement and calibration procedure. The system has some built in intelligence such that if you enter an incorrect value it tells you, explains why it is incorrect and asks you to try again.

The sensor calibration is performed at the standard boom horizontal, stick vertical, bucket horizontal positions that are used by most other systems as these are easy reference points to measure.

Operation :
The operation is simple. Switch the system on and follow the menu. Provided options include:

In 1D and 2D modes DigPilot enables you to do a widely varying range of excavation work without GPS:

Level, single or dual slopes, ditches and profiles each being explained to the operator in its use e.g. if you choose to cut a ditch, you will be guided as you set the width, depth, the slope of the ditch etc., and the ditch will be shown on the monitor in front of you.

You can reference heights by positioning the tip of the bucket on a benchmark, or use the arm sensor to register the height from a rotating laser.

Approach to target is monitored numerically or using the novel “ball target” on the left of the display.

Different screen views, zoom etc are available as standard.

The available functions do not differ from those available from other similar products, however the secret of DigPilot is in its simplicity of operation and the way in which the system guides you through the process of setting up the digging function.

Summary :
DigPilot is what the market has been waiting for by delivering an entry level scaleable land application product that addresses the needs of the user in a way that has not been done before and sets a new market niche. It introduces those who may have never considered machine guidance to its obvious benefits and can only help develop greater interest in machine guidance which will assist all those involved in the industry. Whilst it may seem that I have gone overboard with the superlatives, it is difficult to not be caught up in the passion and enthusiasm that Jan Floberg exudes and isn’t that what we need in this day and age of “me too” engineering ?

For more information visit  www.DigPilot.com

Nigel Adams is Engineering Director at Prolec, Ltd. and contributes monthly to MachineControlOnline.com