Topcon Positioning Systems has announced new machine control technologies, functionalities, and safety features for excavators. By connecting people with equipment and work processes, the project phase can be accomplished smoother through one centralized platform. 

Excavator-focused updates with new functionalities for ease of use, safety, and productivity include:

• Slope Control – This function automatically adjusts the excavator bucket’s tilt and rotation angles based on the digital design surface model. The system uses the 3D design to guide the attachment to the correct orientation, reducing operator fatigue from manual control, enabling faster completion of complex work, improving accuracy for better finish quality, maximizing efficiency of the tilt rotator, and increasing uptime while reducing costly mistakes.
• Hybrid Lock – Hybrid Lock automatically switches between local positioning system (LPS) tracking using robotic total stations and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) tracking to maintain continuous, accurate machine guidance. It’s designed to prevent downtime when the robotic total station briefly loses its line of sight to the prism — a common issue on active job sites where vehicles, equipment, or personnel can momentarily block the robot. Instead of halting work until tracking is restored, excavation continues uninterrupted.
• Load weighing – The onboard weighing system is designed to increase safety and reduce wear and tear on trucks and trailers. Weighing material as it is loaded in the truck supports even distribution, prevents overloading resulting in fines, and lowers fuel costs associated with dispatching trucks loaded below full capacity.