Six Things Topcon Taught Us About the Future of Jobsite Tech

Topcon used Conexpo to roll out a bunch of awesome new tech tools. Here’s a detailed summary. The bigger story (for me at least) was the company’s strategy. The Monday before Conexpo, Topcon held a press briefing, talking about things like clean data, simplicity in operation, and combining different sensors and systems into single workflows. This type of talk connected with me and my fleet manager brain. Jobsite technology only works when crews actually use and understand them. Operators need systems that stay accurate, stay connected, and stay simple. This quote really stuck out. 

“I would say today more than 40 percent of the engineering effort at Topcon goes into simplifying the interface,” said Mark Contino, vice president of North American retail distribution at Topcon Positioning Systems. 

That was a cool nugget of information I gleaned from watching the Topcon team talk about their coolest and newest products last week. I have others. Here are six more takeaways that stood out from that same presentation. 

1. Sensor fusion is more than just a fun thing to say

Topcon repeatedly returned to the idea of “sensor fusion.” Instead of relying on a single positioning or measurement system, the company is increasingly combining multiple types of technologies, whether it be GPS, LiDAR, optical systems, for instance, to provide a solution that makes users more efficient, productive and get more done with less. 

“We started this first back in the ‘90s,” said Contino. “We were the first manufacturer to provide multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems [GNSS]. We were the first to combine a fan beam laser with GNSS to create our Millimeter GPS solution. What you’re going to see and what you’ve been seeing over the last several years in the industry, especially from technology companies like Topcon, is what we call sensor fusion. And that’s bringing multiple types of technology together, whether it’s LiDAR and GPS or different things that are coming together to provide better solutions for our customers. Our goal always is to be able to get more done with less.”

2. Machine control is becoming more economical  

Topcon has been selling its awesome entry-level MC-Mobile machine control system for compact equipment for a while now. At Conexpo, the company introduced another entry-level machine control setup called 3D MC-Edge. The system targets applications such as wheeled scrapers, tow-behind scrapers, and box blades. Topcon’s 3D-MC Edge is a specialized configuration within the 3D-MC machine control software platform. The system prioritizes the precise position of the cutting edge. It also provides real-time, 3D guidance for grading. 

“Our 3D-MC Edge is a cutting-edge 3D machine control solution, but specifically it’s an economical solution,” said Contino. “It’s a single 3D position with a single IMU with the ability to use a dual laser solution. It’s very economical for smaller contractors or municipalities that may not have invested in three-dimensional controls yet. Now we have an easy way for them to step into a simple system without all the expense of a full-on machine control system.”

3. Excavator machine control is getting smarter and more dexterous

Topcon is an expert at excavator machine control systems. Expanding its portfolio, the company just announced Slope Control, which provided machine control grading for tiltrotator couplers. So, think grade accuracy regardless of bucket orientation. 

“Slope Control works with all the leading tiltrotater manufacturers out there,” noted Contino. “We’re giving someone full 3D control any position the bucket is angled or rotated. This is great for complex grading applications such as steep slopes, for drainage, or golf courses.”

4. Hybrid positioning solves some GPS problems

Topcon also highlighted a positioning concept called Hybrid Lock. Hybrid Lock is a feature within 3D-MC that automatically switches between local positioning system (LPS) tracking using robotic total stations and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) tracking to maintain continuous, accurate machine guidance. It is designed to prevent downtime when the robotic total station briefly loses its line of sight to the prism — a common issue on active job sites where vehicles, equipment, or personnel can momentarily block the robot. Instead of halting work until tracking is restored, excavation continues uninterrupted.

5. Cloud platforms are becoming the jobsite control center

Topcon also introduced a cloud-based platform called Topcon Site Manager. This umbrella telematics system connects machines, jobsite data, and office operations through a shared digital interface. A cool thing: Topcon Site Manager design files can be sent directly to the machines. Then, performance data can return to the office automatically. 

“It’s a cloud management system that is really an addition to Topcon’s other solutions for interconnectivity to the jobsite,” said Contino. “It joins our family of products as the top solution to give you cloud-based communication that can be connected to things like our load weighing solutions and machine control. Design data can be sent to machines. We can track sites. You can track volumes in real time.”

6. AI safety systems are here to watch the jobsite

Topcon also demonstrated its safety Awareness System that uses cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor jobsite activity. We’re seeing a lot of this tech pop up in the last couple of years. Topcon’s safety Awareness System utilizes digital cameras mounted to construction vehicles to detect movement or obstructions that could cause an accident or conflict. 

“Up to six cameras can be connected around the machine, and AI is monitoring all those cameras, alerting the operator if a person or another machine comes in the area,” explained Contino. “It also all goes back to the cloud. The data is stored, and the AI can process that data and see if there’s any other potential problems on the site.”