Liebherr and Leica Geosystems: Expanded range of semi-automatic machine control systems for crawler excavators
(Kirchdorf an der Iller, Germany,11 July 2023) Liebherr, in cooperation with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, offers various machine control systems for hydraulic excavators ex works. Machine control systems are driver assistance systems that make construction projects and processes more efficient, productive and safer. Liebherr is now extending its range of machine control systems for its Generation 8 crawler excavator models.
The digital transformation in the construction industry continues apace with construction sites becoming increasingly digital and networked. Driver assistance systems such as machine control systems from Leica Geosystems are thus gaining in importance. They support the machine operators in carrying out their activities by means of the latest technologies and real-time information. The quality of the work results, the efficiency of the work processes as well as safety can be significantly increased – and the implementation times in planning and construction reduced at the same time.
Leica Geosystems' machine control systems are already available in different versions for Liebherr mobile and crawler excavators. They include the 2D passive and 3D passive machine control system for Generation 6 and 8, as well as the 2D "3D-ready" semi-automatic and the 3D semi-automatic for Generation 6.
The availability of semi-automatic machine control systems, both 2D "3D-ready" and 3D, has been extended to Generation 8 crawler excavators; they are now available for the R 922, R 924, R 926, R 928, R 930, R 934, R 938 and R 945 models. The 2D "3D-ready" passive machine control system is also offered for these models.
The respective equipment variants are available from Liebherr ex works. All machine control components from Leica Geosystems are optimally installed during the production process and the customer receives a pre-calibrated machine. Downtimes due to subsequent installation can thus be avoided.
Depending on the situation and requirements on the construction site, Liebherr offers the right machine control system for every application. Whereas with a passive system, machine operators have to follow the indications on the display in the cab and operate the machine themselves to complete the job, the semi-automatic machine control system provides active support with a semi-automated removal mode. The machine operator must only control the machine's stick movements and speed via the joystick. The system automatically adjusts the correct movement of all the equipment to create the target profile.
Productivity can be significantly increased by using a semi-automatic machine control system. Work can also be carried out much more precisely over a longer period, reducing time-consuming and cost-intensive reworking. Generation 8 machines with a passive machine control system can be retrofitted with a semi-automatic system by means of a corresponding software package at the customer's request, provided that they are equipped with a Master 5 Premium.
2D or 3D machine control systems from Leica Geosystems provide the machine operator with information about the height and inclination of the machine as well as the corresponding position via the display in the operator's cab.
While a 2D machine control system is designed for working from flat and sloping surfaces, a 3D machine control system uses reference models and GNSS to guide the machine operator. Through 3D GNSS positioning in conjunction with 3D model data, all information on excavation and removal as well as the machine's position on the construction site is visible in real time.
With the 2D "3D-ready" variant, work can be done immediately in 2D, either passively or semi-automatically depending on the purchased option. A 2D control can be subsequently upgraded to a fully-fledged 3D machine control system at any time.
Machine control systems are becoming increasingly important for a wide variety of construction projects. They offer significant added value to machine operators, companies and the environment and enable the operators to use their machines even more productively and precisely. The consistent use of sensors and software provides the operator with real-time information, which in turn enables work processes to be optimised in terms of time and costs thanks to various automation functions. Waiting times for surveyors are shortened and the need for control measurements on the construction site is reduced. In addition, this increases safety on the construction site, as fewer people are needed in the direct vicinity of the machine. In addition, the operator's workload is reduced, which prevents driver fatigue and his or her associated susceptibility to errors.
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality and user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 140 companies across all continents. In 2022, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 12.5 billion euros. Liebherr was founded in Kirchdorf an der Iller in Southern Germany in 1949. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
Contact:
Nadine Willburger
Marketing
Phone: +49 7354 / 80 - 7332
Email: nadine.willburger@liebherr.com
Alban Villaumé
Marketing & Communication
Phone: +33 3 89 21 36 09
Email: alban.villaume@liebherr.com
With more than 200 years of history, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is the trusted supplier of premium sensors, software and services. Delivering value every day to professionals in surveying, construction, infrastructure, mining, mapping and other geospatial content-dependent industries, Leica Geosystems leads the industry with innovative solutions to empower our autonomous future.
Contact:
Leica Geosystems AG
part of Hexagon
Reka Vasszi
Email: reka.vasszi@hexagon.com
leica-geosystems.com
Liebherr and Leica Geosystems: Expanded range of semi-automatic machine control systems for crawler excavators
Hexagon is the global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.
Our technologies are shaping production and people related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.
Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,500 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.
