Measure, design and build with one system

A compact system that allows contractors to easily, quickly and accurately measure, design, dig and build: that's what Topcon recently introduced at bauma in Munich and InfraTech in Rotterdam. The MC-mobile will soon be available in the Netherlands. "People are already enthusiastic about the innovative combination of surveying and machine control," says Marcel ten Westenend of Topcon Positioning Netherlands, which has been supporting companies in purchasing machines and machine control systems for decades.

Especially in the current times, when well-trained professionals are scarce and the demands on projects are ever increasing, MC-mobile offers a solution. "Especially for SME contractors in construction, horticulture and swimming pool construction, for example, who depend on third parties for data or the 3D model. Or companies that still work with traditional equipment (rotating laser, construction boards and measuring tapes) themselves."

In house

With MC-mobile, you have a three-in-one workflow solution on your hands. It is a surveying tool for surveying existing conditions, you can create an appropriate design based on that information, and the information can be seamlessly transferred to the machine, where MC-mobile acts as the machine control system. The entire work process is digitally recorded, making it easy to share with performing colleagues or client. "By working with MC-mobile, you have a grip on planning, measuring, execution and final inspection, which contributes positively to the reduction of errors and additional costs," says Ten Westenend.

What you get

The MC-mobile comes as a complete set: the LN-150 (a mm-accurate 3D laser), a prism with prism pole and an Android tablet equipped with rugged housing. For machine control, the standard preparation consists of four sensors that can be expanded with a tilt bin sensor. Uniquely, -by placing an additional sensor- the horizontal movement of a swing boom can be measured, because the very latest high-speed IMU sensor is equipped with a gyroscope. "This gives the operator a 1-to-1 experience without delay AND allows the movement of the boom to be visualized. It will be the new standard on all types of machines, such as bulldozers, excavators and wheel loaders," says Ten Westenend, emphasizing that both the prism and the screen are interchangeable with other machines, provided those preparations include the rover box with the Bluetooth connection for the LN-150 and/or the Android tablet.

Unlimited, fast and self-accurate measurement

"This system makes it possible to pick up all phases of the workflow without additional personnel or tools and perform a complete job in-house without an external surveyor. Unexpected adjustments can be handled by yourself, quickly and easily, preventing downtime." An additional advantage is that this LPS system does not rely on an RTK-correcting GSM connection. "That means you are not dependent on satellite reception and the system components have higher accuracy. This allows you to work extremely accurately, even in halls, tunnels or inner-city areas full of buildings."

Quick payback

So no limiting factors or external subscriptions. Moreover, more accurate work results in fewer machine movements, which contributes to CO₂-reducing. Ten Westenend: "Entrepreneurs with smaller excavators will make a difference with this tool, and they will notice the difference. The investment will have paid for itself in no time." He not only says this but substantiates it. "With a swimming pool builder we calculated that he saves over 26,000 euros on an annual basis by working with MC-mobile. See Table 1: the figures don't lie." Ten Westenend notes that these figures are obviously for this particular pool builder and adds, "Are you curious about what this system can do for you? Contact Topcon; we'll calculate the payback together with your figures."