BOMAG’s smart roller points the way ahead at bauma 2019

First published at bauma - April 10, 2019

BOMAG’s advanced compaction project

BOMAG’s innovative BW 154 compactor is paving the way to an era of full automation.

The machine, developed in partnership with Trimble, is able to operate on its own without the need for an operator. Sensors around the machine detect whether there is anything in its path and will stop the unit or allow it to steer around obstacles as a safety feature.

Jörg Unger, president of Fayat Road Equipment, said that this 7tonne machine is fully autonomous and features geofencing technology to ensure that it operates in a restricted zone. The machine is also equipped with BOMAG’s proven Asphalt Manager 2 control package, which helps to optimise compaction operations.

This futuristic project will not be available for the market just yet, with the lack of necessary regulations being just one of the many factors preventing its deployment. Unger said: “We don’t expect that autonomous compaction will come in tomorrow but BOMAG and Fayat will be ready for this.”

While full automation may still be some time away, some aspects of the technology are now coming to construction sites. BOMAG’s BW 226 soil compactor, for example, now features dual cameras mounted on the cab that form part of its object detection system. This system will alert the operator if an object or obstacle is in the path of the machine, preventing crashes and improving safety.

Stand FS.1008/1