Bomag previews autonomous compaction robot

By Leila Steed14 March 2023

Autonomy and sustainability are the focus of Bomag's offering at the 2023 ConExpo construction exhibition, currently taking place in Las Vegas, US.

Describing its presence at the event as "its largest show effort yet", Bomag's equipment lineup comprises over 40 machines, including a number of new zero-emission compaction machines and its new autonomous single drum roller concept, the ROBOMAG 2.

Based on the company's BW 177 D smooth single drum with a 66.5in (1.690-mm) compaction width, the ROBOMAG 2 features Bomag's building block technologies combined with GPS, Lidar and position sensors.

Together these obtain information on position, situation, and movement using a combination of different technologies for spatial orientation, environmental perception, and environmental safety. This allows the ROBOMAG to be used completely independently in a defined work area, in "safe, fully autonomous operation".

Additionally, remote control operation also means operators can "complete manually entered movement patterns", as well as load and unload the machine from transport vehicles. A comprehensive safety concept with sensory environment recognition is used to prevent collisions.

Another highlight of Bomag's ConExpo exhibit is its zero-emission e-Performance machines, which are designed for sustainability.

Among them is the battery powered BOMAG BT 60 e tamper, which is a plug-and-play machine with batteries that can be charged in less than two hours on a quick charge. The lightweight model is fitted with a maintenance-free electric motor and is designed as an all-rounder.

Similarly, the new BP 18/45 e single direction vibratory plate is suitable for both soil and, with the optional water tank, asphalt compaction. The plate shares the same battery as the BT 60 e tamper and can be used in deep trenches, buildings or tunnels to compact up to 10in (25cm) lifts of gravel/sand, and 8in (20cm) of mixed soil lifts.

The e-Performance machines on display also included the BW 120 AD e-5 and BW 100 AD e-5 tandem rollers for soil compaction and asphalt patching.

Fitted with two long-life rechargeable batteries that provide enough power needed for a typical workday, the rollers feature two electric motors that independently control the drum vibration and travel/steering to save power.

"These battery-electric compactors match their conventional model counterparts for performance, while relying on technology that protects the operator and residents nearby the construction zone as well as the environment," said Bomag. "In the trenches or other enclosed environments, their zero-emissions operation is an added benefit for all site workers."

When it comes to diesel-powered equipment, the manufacturer is displaying its BW 161 ADO-5 tandem, single drum BW 211 DH-5 and BW 219 DH-5 rollers.

These sit alongside the company's newest model, the Bomag BW 120 SLC-5 combination roller and a selection of Bomag's cold milling machines - namely the BM 2200/65 and BM 1200/35-2 models - and its BF 200, CR 820 Series and CR 1030 highway class pavers.