Product Overview and Manufacturer Interview

In October of last year I published an article announcing the arrival of DigPilot, a wireless excavator machine guidance system, a true innovation within machine control for excavators.

DigPilot has brought to the market:

-A true entry level system with a structured upgrade path thru 1D, 2D and 3D applications – e.g. software upgrade and additional sensors only – no major system changes

-Easy portability from one machine to another – maximise the investment

-User installation and calibration – remove need for specialist installation

At the time DigPilot met all of the above criteria, with exception to the 3D upgrade route.

A summary of its main features:

• Long range rugged wireless technology

• Simple to use graphical touchscreen interface

• Powerful computer allowing for easy upgrades through 1D,2D,3D applications

• Accurate portable sensors

• Multiple machine and bucket utilisation

• Quick User installation and calibration

• Low maintenance

I provided a quote from Jan Floberg, and have republished it below:

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)”

Since then Jan has remained true to his word and Bauma 2010 saw the release of DigPilot 3D.

DigPilot 3D retains all of the features that have made DigPilot so successful with the addition of 3D machine control software.

The system is still a dedicated excavator system and can be scaled to meet the user requirements whether they are 1D, 2D or 3D. What is unique with DigPilot is that none of the system hardware changes. All the elements of the 2D kit remain, and the only addition is that of the GPS receiver and base correction interface. The DigPilot computer stays the same which allows for an existing DigPilot user to enter the world of 3D via a software upgrade and GPS purchase.

This arrangement means that the “portable system” philosophy of DigPilot continues into the 3D world.

So what do you get for your money??

DigPilot 3D

DigPilot 3D integrates the unique benefits of DigPilot wireless technology with 3D survey models (DTM) and GPS/GNSS.

This allows the user to operate within a virtual 3D environment and gives the following added benefits to right first time excavation:

• Stakeless grading

• Documented work

• No referencing

• No need for lasers

As well as the more familiar benefits of:

• Faster job completion

• Lower fuel costs

• Improved safety

• Reduced labour costs

• Reduced checking

• Less material waste

.... and still has the unique operating feature that a single DigPilot can be calibrated to work with up to 20 excavators.

DigPilot 3D allows you to:

Manage complicated construction sites

With DigPilot you get complete control over the site: You can switch between layers in the job design, view your site from multiple angles and distances, and a host of other functions that allow you to get the job done faster, safer and more accurate than ever before.

Data can be imported in a variety of formats including LandXML.

LandXML is becoming the standard for machine guidance on large construction sites. Roads, dams and every other construction project made with civil engineering software can be exported to a LandXML file and imported to your DigPilot via a USB stick. LandXML terrain models and LandXML road models are catered for.

Make your own construction projects

One of the truly unique and innovative features of DigPilot with GPS/GNSS, is the ease with which you can make your own construction projects. Building pits, grades, canals and trenches can be specified to your requirements by following simple on screen instructions. This removes the need for complex survey and DTM for when creating standard 3D profiles you are completely independent of lasers, stakes, benchmarks and other reference points.

By making your own projects you get full value of your system even when you have no project files available.

Document your work

Document your work progress in simple co-ordinate point format.

The coordinate points are stored in a file in which you for instance can add a comment for each coordinate point. The file can then be stored on a USB stick and read by other software.

Operate with True Scalability

DigPilot is unique in its scalability.

DigPilot 1D, 2D and 3D versions all operate from the same PC with the same wireless sensor technology. Scalability is achieved via software upgrade and in the case of 3D the addition of GPS/GNSS hardware - DigPilot supports all major GPS/GNSS types.

When the 3D operation is not required then the system can easily operate in the standard 2D mode.

The ability for a single DigPilot to be calibrated with up to 20 excavators applies whether it is a 1D, 2D or 3D systems giving unparalleled potential to maximise the investment made in 3D technology.

DigPilot can also be used with third party software such as GeoRog and Mesta Anfelt, which provides ultimate flexibility and the ability to do tunnel work.

DigPilot is GPS / GNSS agnostic – you can decide which technology and manufacturer you want to use, DigPilot accepts all major output string formats and will operate with either single or dual antenna systems.

(now that’s cool !!)

For more information, visit  www.digpilot.com 

Other Wireless Excavator Systems:
Ocala Instruments - ExcaVision

Spectra Precision Laser DDS300 Depth Display System from Trimble

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