Komatsu Europe has introduced 3D Machine Guidance Flex, expanding its Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance portfolio beyond excavators to include bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks and other equipment. The new system combines in-cab 3D guidance for machine operators with automatic collection of high-density, georeferenced as-built data during jobsite operations. By extending these capabilities to a wider selection of equipment, the company aims to provide customers with improved productivity and a more comprehensive record of work completed across mixed fleets. The launch follows the adoption of Komatsu’s original cost-effective 3D Machine Guidance solution for tracked and wheeled excavators, which has recorded more than 9,000 systems sold.
Building on this established platform, the new offering makes digital guidance and automated data collection accessible to additional equipment types and applications. It incorporates field-proven components from the original system, including the latest revised controller, providing an established hardware foundation designed for reliable operation, straightforward installation and cost-effective deployment. 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.”
The system allows operators to monitor their distance from the target design surface while using real-time heat maps to identify completed and outstanding work. Operators can also generate basic flat surfaces and slopes directly through the in-cab display. For positioning and accuracy, the solution accepts GNSS correction data from either a local base station or a virtual reference station network and supports the major GNSS satellite constellations. Komatsu’s integrated Intelligent Machine Control technology continues to serve applications requiring high-precision and automated machine control.
However, 3D Machine Guidance Flex is designed to complement this technology by providing digital guidance and data collection capabilities for older machines, different equipment configurations and applications where integrated machine control is not currently available. Ian De Dobbelaere, Commercial Project Manager, added: “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.”
Smart Construction Dashboard integrates as-built information collected by connected machines with project designs and other site data, providing project teams with an updated three-dimensional representation of jobsite conditions. This enables comparisons between actual progress and planned work while reducing the requirement for routine on-site progress surveys. Extending automated data collection beyond excavators and equipment fitted with Intelligent Machine Control also allows customers to document a larger proportion of site activity. The information generated can be used for progress monitoring, volume calculations, records of completed work and operational decision-making. Customers purchasing a 3D Machine Guidance Flex system will also receive eight years of access to Smart Construction Remote.
The service enables authorised users to transfer design files directly to machines in the field and provide remote operator assistance through access to the in-cab display, including viewing and control capabilities. These functions are intended to reduce unnecessary site visits, simplify file management and improve response times when technical assistance is needed. Through equipment compatibility, scalable hardware and integration with the Smart Construction ecosystem, Komatsu is extending digitalisation and automated data collection capabilities across a broader range of construction machinery.
