Electrohydraulics: The Future of GPS

Simplification. The key to successful technology advancements. The more complicated the technology becomes, the harder it becomes to encourage OEMs to use it, and end-users to buy it.

The 2001 joint venture between two worldwide leaders, Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS), a developer and manufacturer of precision positioning equipment, and Sauer-Danfoss, a manufacturer of hydraulic and electronic control systems, form Topcon Sauer-Danfoss Integrated Controls (TSD). TSD has answered the call for easy-to-use, advanced machine automation technology "to make the complicated world in which their customers operate more simple."

Who is Topcon Sauer-Danfoss?

Ivan Di Federico, general manager of TSD, clarifies the role of the joint venture company: "TSD brings together a remarkable synergy of technologies and strengths between Sauer-Danfoss and Topcon. Sauer-Danfoss is a recognized leader by OEMs for hydraulic and electronic control systems and components. Topcon dominates the after-sales market of 3-D machine control and precision GPS positioning. The vast set of products that TSD can access through its parents represents a reliable combination of hydraulics, electronics and positioning technologies."

TSD brings together technologies such as hydraulic and electronic control, satellite-based positioning, inertial sensors and wireless communication into one completely integrated system. OEMs no longer have to spend time and money retrofitting their machines to equip themselves with the positioning equipment their customers demand. TSD has done all the complicated integration engineering work for them, saving precious time and money for the manufacturers. With Sauer-Danfoss as a complete control-system supplier working with Topcon positioning software, all of the parts work together.

Benefits were gained on all sides of the arrangement. TPS received direct relationships with manufacturers. Sauer-Danfoss gained access to all satellites involved with Topcon's advanced positioning system software. "The formation of TSD has allowed us to bring together the positioning technology from TPS (GPS and laser) with the machine control and application software experience from Sauer-Danfoss. Together, with the hydraulic expertise in Sauer-Danfoss, we can now control the machine all the way from the GPS signal to where the wheels meet the road," says Albert Zahalka, vice president of mobile electronics for Sauer-Danfoss.

The OEMs, working with TSD, can integrate specific components into their machines to create a unique piece of equipment that meets the specific demands of individual clients in a way that adds value around, and to, its other controls. "All OEMs like their automobile counterparts, want their machines to be unique, to feel different to drive," adds Zahalka.

Essential automation

Ray O'Connor, president and CEO of TPS, insists the "construction and agriculture industries are the two largest manufacturers in the world, where roads, buildings and bridges are manufactured and food is produced. The industries together make over $7 trillion a year," and machine automation is quickly becoming the best and most profitable tool to own in the industry.

Automation is essential for OEMs to sustain a competitive edge in the industry. With the technology available and already being used in the market, to avoid the technology is to avoid the inevitable progress already in motion. O'Connor warns, "If you don't have the technology, the bottom line is: You can't compete."

As the ability to find and maintain skilled operators decreases, automation becomes vital to making machines easier to operate while eliminating inefficiencies and waste in manufacturing processes. Automation technology allows an average operator to become a highly-skilled, fine-grade machine operator very quickly. The contractor is able to save time and money while increasing productivity, as an automated machine can handle materials efficiently and effectively, often at faster operating speeds. A single person can become a multi-tasking operator without feeling overworked or stressed.