Intelligent Machines and the Future of Smart Construction

These days, the old adage “work smarter, not harder” is truer than ever…at least it is concerning construction equipment.

The construction industry has seen major innovations over the past few years, especially when it comes to smart construction. As intelligent machines and new digital solutions become more available, the industry as a whole is on the cusp of significant changes.

At Gregory Construction, we are committed to excellence, which means using the best possible tools for the job and embracing cutting-edge technologies.

What Is Smart Construction?

“Smart construction” covers a wide variety of new equipment, hardware, and software solutions that work together to make work safer, data-driven, and more efficient. This ranges from fleet logistics and telematics software to diagnostic computers connected to smart sensors through the Internet of Things, to 3D VR programs for design and mapping.

Perhaps the most exciting innovations in the field of smart construction are the advances in intelligent machines. These machines use a combination of 3D control systems, satellite connectivity, onboard sensors, and other innovative devices to perform tasks such as self-leveling, memorizing settings, and simplifying complex controls. Intelligent machines reduce the demand on operators, minimize wasted work, and improve worksite productivity.

The Manufacturer We Trust

When it comes to the best smart construction solutions, Gregory is proud to use Komatsu equipment. Komatsu has been an industry leader in developing heavy machinery for over 100 years, creating innovative technologies across a wide range of industries. Komatsu’s machines are always of unparalleled quality, thanks in no small part to their rigorous standards for durability and reliability.

In addition to their top-quality machines, Komatsu is also a leader in the field of smart construction, developing the latest generation of hardware and software geared towards site optimization. Their latest suite of intelligent Machine Control systems, collectively known as iMC 2.0, allows for their machines to be used more easily, efficiently, and safely than ever before. Additionally, these iMC 2.0 features are built into Komatsu’s machines, eliminating the need for “bolt-on” aftermarket parts.

The Intelligent Machines We Use

Here at Gregory, we have multiple Komatsu iMC 2.0-equipped machines in our fleet.

Some specific examples are:

The mid-size PC290LC-11 excavator is a 32,000-lb workhorse of a machine, with an impressive 196 horsepower engine and an equally powerful suite of iMC 2.0 features. It’s equipped with an onboard 3D guidance system, as-built surface-mapping displays, and semi-automatic controls. Together, these allow the excavator to move material easily, even along slopes and trenches.

For bigger jobs, we step things up to the larger PC490LC-11 heavy excavator. This 110,000-lb machine has a massive 359 horsepower engine, but like its smaller cousin, it has plenty of brains to go with its muscle. It has the same set of iMC features as the PC290LC-11, making it just as easy and efficient to operate.

Lastly, the D51PX1 bulldozer is equipped with both the power and the intelligence to perform everything from heavy dozing to finish grading. Its iMC 2.0 system controls the dozer blade using 3D design data, as well as the industry’s first Proactive Dozing Control logic, and tilt steering control. These let the operator set the desired surface at the push of a button, regardless of the type of terrain ahead.

Smart Solutions for the Future

At Gregory, we answer civil and concrete challenges with expert solutions, and our fleet of intelligent machines makes it easier than ever to meet those challenges. Our worksites are safer and more efficient thanks to using the latest in smart construction solutions, letting us complete projects in less time and with less risk. As the industry changes, we are committed to staying on the leading edge, with intelligent solutions to any challenge the future may hold.

If you’d like to be smart about your next construction project, contact us to get started.