Trimble has introduced path planning technology designed to automate machine trajectory and speed in complex industrial and manufacturing environments. The new system has been designed initially for industrial and manufacturing applications, but will also be available within Trimble’s agtech Connected Farm and smart construction platform Construction Cloud. The software can be used to integrate both Trimble automation applications and equipment manufacturers’ existing systems.

With its new path planning technology, Trimble is addressing the productivity gap in conventional path planning options which requires manual set-up. Trimble’s path planning technology is designed for automated, full path, complete project trajectory from entry to exit, including logistics points. The technology allows plans to be created in the office and adjustments made in the field or worksite. It has been optimised for complex fields, site shapes, obstacles and avoidance zones.

“Our new path planning technology is the next step in Trimble’s vision of making fully autonomous solutions available across industries, regardless of brand, type of equipment or use case,” said Finlay Wood, general manager, Off-Road Autonomy, Trimble. “With this easy-to-integrate solution, we’ve taken another significant step towards full autonomy. It enables our customers to reduce waste and simplify complex tasks, whether they are in the cab or not—part of our vision to meet operators where they are on their path toward fully autonomous solutions.” 

This new software capability will enable a broad range of autonomous applications across a variety of industries, including construction and agriculture. Once implemented, it can allow customers to meet their emerging product and operational goals no matter where each one is on the autonomy journey.

Trimble field tested the technology with HORSCH, a manufacturer of agricultural technology, integrating path planning technology into HORSCH’s self-propelled PT and VL sprayer series to provide an autonomous, four-wheel-drive solution. Trimble is also currently field testing this technology with Dynapac, a leading supplier of high-tech soil and asphalt rollers, light equipment and pavers, as part of its autonomous compactor.

“Through our work with Trimble, we were able to test the latest path planning technologies in real-time on farms to understand how the technology performed in real-world environments,” said Theo Leeb, managing director, HORSCH. “We had the opportunity to experience fully automated spraying for the first time ever. This is yet another example of how HORSCH is at the forefront of thought leadership for ag working practices. We’re two high-tech companies changing the future.”