Autonomous Site Layout - 4wd Robot

Maybe it should drive the grader. 

There’s going to be a lot of point stakers looking for a job.

It’s better to be the man behind the machine instead of the guy holding the hammer.

@fairbanksls 

No staking, and no more operators; auto construction machinery is the next step.

I don't think it's far off. 

I understand automation has to start somewhere, but I can’t think of many scenarios this device is useful for. You still need someone to follow the device with a data collector, hammer, hubs, lath, paint (refills). Then you need to train that person to operate it and troubleshoot if any issues. It must also rely on GPS for positioning, so the inherent issues that occur from that will need to be addressed. Not saying it’s useless, but very niche at best. Seems like you could use this for rough staking in a flat open site with no vegetation and no one else on site to get in the way. So maybe out in a desert type area with no wind to blow away the paint?

I watched the video.  The point stakers can relax for awhile.  

I watched the video.  The point stakers can relax for awhile.  

Agreed, this thing couldn't do anything on 95% of the sites I've been on because of the nature of the staking. Grades for drainage won't be accurate enough for our tolerance.  If they get it tied to the total station and a laser then it still won't be able to negotiate the ladders and trenches cut throughout the sites.  Neat idea, and just like the robotic total station, there go the engineers making it easier to survey but harder for the survey personnel to stay efficient doing 6 things now instead of 3...

if it can brew coffee too I'll consider it...  

Maybe it should drive the grader. 

Hmm, maybe we could call it "machine control"?

@dmyhill