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Komatsu extends 3D Machine Guidance

Komatsu Europe is extending its Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance system beyond excavators with the launch of 3D Machine Guidance Flex, bringing in-cab guidance and automated data collection to bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks and other equipment. The system provides operators with real-time 3D guidance while automatically collecting georeferenced as-built data as machines move around the jobsite. It builds on Komatsu’s existing excavator guidance system, which has sold more than 9,000 units, extending the technology to a wider range of machines and applications. 3D Machine Guidance Flex uses components developed for the original system, including a revised controller. Measuring from the machine’s tracks or wheels, it can be retrofitted without integrating with the machine’s working equipment, making it suitable for older machines and mixed fleets.

Bart Vingerhoets, Senior Commercial Manager, said: “3D Machine Guidance Flex brings two capabilities together: real-time guidance for the operator and automatic as-built data collection. By measuring from the tracks or wheels, the system can be retrofitted without integrating with the machine’s work equipment, making it a practical way to extend digital guidance across mixed fleets.”

Operators can view their position relative to the target design surface, with real-time heat maps showing completed and outstanding work. Simple flat surfaces and slopes can also be created directly from the in-cab display. GNSS corrections can be received from either a local base station or a virtual reference station network, with support for the major satellite constellations. Komatsu says its integrated Intelligent Machine Control technology remains the preferred option for high-precision and automated machine control. 3D Machine Guidance Flex is intended to complement this by providing guidance and data collection on equipment where integrated machine control is unavailable or unsuitable.

Connecting site data

As-built information collected by the system can be shared with Komatsu's Smart Construction Dashboard, combining machine data with project designs and other site information to provide an updated 3D view of the jobsite. This allows project teams to compare actual progress against the design, monitor completed work and calculate volumes, while reducing the need for routine site surveys.

Ian De Dobbelaere, Commercial Project Manager, said: “Every pass changes the jobsite, but when that change is not captured, it remains invisible in the project data. 3D Machine Guidance Flex closes this gap by turning more machines into data collectors. The result is a more complete and up-to-date record of completed work that can be shared with digital-twin platforms such as Smart Construction Dashboard.”

By collecting data from a wider proportion of the fleet, the system can help improve progress tracking, project documentation and operational decision-making. Customers purchasing 3D Machine Guidance Flex also receive eight years of access to Smart Construction Remote. This allows authorised users to transfer design files to machines in the field and provide remote operator support by viewing and controlling the in-cab display, reducing the need for site visits and simplifying file management.

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