Topcon Partners with Vemcon on Excavator Grade Control

    May 30, 2025
    Collaboration aims to smooth transition from 2D to 3D.
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    From left: Thomas Hansen, Topcon VP, Global OEM; Jan Rotard, Vemcon CEO; Dr. Holger Quast, Vemcon COO/CFO; and Karsten Dietrich, Topcon senior director, OEM EMEA.
    From left: Thomas Hansen, Topcon VP, Global OEM; Jan Rotard, Vemcon CEO; Dr. Holger Quast, Vemcon COO/CFO; and Karsten Dietrich, Topcon senior director, OEM EMEA.

    Topcon Positioning Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vemcon GmbH, a specialist in smart excavator attachments and 2D assistance systems. The move is intended to expand the availability of advanced excavator technology solutions across the EMEA regions and additional global markets.

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    The collaboration would bring together complementary strengths from both organizations, according to the company: Vemcon’s expertise in 2D assistance systems that work with smart attachments, and Topcon’s advanced 3D machine control technology and global GNSS network. The arrangement lays the foundation to create a fully compatible upgrade path from Vemcon’s 2D solutions to Topcon’s 3D systems, according to the company.

    “Strategic cooperation with Vemcon will allow us to provide contractors with a more comprehensive excavator technology solution,” said Murray Lodge, EVP at Topcon, in a statement. “By integrating our technologies, we will be able to offer customers a clear advancement path from 2D to 3D systems while maintaining their existing investment in smart attachments.”

    Said Jan Rotard, CEO of Vemcon, in a statement:

    “With Vemcon’s 2D system already installed, upgrading to Topcon’s 3D control is fast and cost-effective—the sensors are there, the machine is calibrated. This allows contractors to scale their digital capabilities step by step, project by project, without locking themselves in.”

    “Our platform combines tool recognition, quick coupler control, and assistance features like 2D and scale — and it’s 3D-ready by design,” said Dr. Holger Quast, COO of Vemcon. “Together with Topcon, we offer OEMs a smart, modular control stack that makes integration easy and opens the door to MiC 4.0.”

    The arrangement also presents opportunities for data integration between the two companies’ systems, with potential for future development of cloud-based solutions. This data exchange capability could provide contractors with enhanced insights into machine performance and project progress, further improving operational efficiency.

    “The collaboration between Topcon and Vemcon demonstrates our commitment to providing customers with technology solutions that evolve alongside their business needs,” said Lodge. “As contractors look to improve their bottom line through increased efficiency, this integrated approach offers them a clear path to adopting increasingly sophisticated machine control capabilities.”