What's new in machine control?

The transformative nature of machine control is difficult to overstate. When project timelines are tight and labour is simultaneously hard to find, there are limited ways to compensate for the productivity gap. Machine control addresses that shortfall by ensuring that work is done accurately and efficiently the first time.

Small but meaningful advantages, such as eliminating over- or under-digging and manual measurements, can be achieved with an entry-level 2D indicate system. The exceptional accuracy and efficiency of full 3D grade control paired with automation for complex earthworks is innovation that makes good operators great.

Recognizing that the full 3D package is not suitable for every contractor, OEMs have made the entry-level product easier to access and use. In 2026, 2D systems are often included as standard on new equipment, and 3D architecture is built into many machines at the factory, easing the way to a full 3D upgrade without the burden of extended downtime for an upfit. Systems have become easier to learn, and providers are offering solutions tailored to more machines and configurations, including compact equipment. Here's what's new in machine control for dozers, excavators, and motor graders.

Machine control updates are inclusive of more equipment and serve more experience levels

Topcon introduces 3D-MC Edge and adds new 3D-MC capability for excavators

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, Topcon introduced a new machine control option for the cutting edge of rough grading equipment, including wheeled tractor-scrapers, tow-behind scrapers, box blades, and dozers. Topcon's 3D-MC Edge is designed for efficient rough grading and bulk earthmoving, ensuring that the initial grade is on target the first time, easing the way for a quicker finish grading process.

The company says that 3D-MC Edge is a simple entry into machine control, flexible to move between machines, and designed with novice machine control users in mind. Contractors and municipalities that have machines without grade control will find that this economical entry point helps them achieve rough grade without undercutting or overfilling.

Updates to 3D-MC for excavators add new capability to Topcon's platform. Slope Control makes tiltrotator use more efficient by automatically adjusting the excavator bucket's tilt and rotation angles based on the digital design model. Automation of these functions reduces operator inputs, speeds up the process, and improves the finish quality of complex work.

On busy job sites, vehicles, personnel, and equipment can block line-of-sight between robotic total stations and the excavator-mounted prism for 3D systems. To ensure uninterrupted operations, Topcon has added Hybrid Lock to 3D-MC; it works by switching the connection from local positioning system (LPS) tracking from the total station to global navigation satellite system (GNSS) tracking when line-of-sight is lost.

Trimble expands Earthworks and adds swing boom functionality

According to Trimble, contractors using mini excavators with swing booms have been requesting a machine control solution that would give them precise location of the bucket's cutting edge. Trimble has now added that mini excavator swing boom functionality to Earthworks. In addition to expanding to more machine makes and models, Trimble Earthworks support is also now available for select towed and wheeled tractor scrapers to optimize cutting and loading performance and more accurate material placement.

Unicontrol grows in North America

Unicontrol, a Denmark-based machine control provider that was acquired by U.S.-based Spectra Precision in 2024, is a smaller player that has been growing its presence in North America since introducing Unicontrol3D in 2022. Unicontrol's philosophy is to provide straightforward, simple machine control systems, and it has been developing a series of OEM partnerships. In late 2025, it announced Unicontrol Easy Link, which facilitates simple Unicontrol3D installation on new Liebherr Generation 8 dozers, or as retrofit for Generation 8 machines already in the field.

Volvo Construction Equipment recently announced that Unicontrol3D is now fully integrated with Volvo Active Control in North America, and all hardware comes preinstalled from the factory on Volvo excavators ordered with Volvo Co-Pilot with Dig Assist — the Unicontrol3D application just needs to be activated. Volvo calls Unicontrol3D a flexible, open system, and it integrates with any type of excavator, data format, and workflow, which is ideal for contractors operating mixed fleets.

OEMs are making machine control more accessible and easy to upgrade on new equipment  

Komatsu enters a new era of Intelligent Machine Control with IMC 3.0

One of the biggest developments in the last two years is the introduction of Komatsu's first excavator model with IMC 3.0, the PC220LCi-12, and the subsequent preview of the second excavator model and first dozer model that will come with Komatsu's advanced technology package, both expected to be available by late 2026.

New to IMC 3.0 is expanded in-field design capability, an advanced payload meter, auto swing, advanced attachment settings, swing-to-line, travel-along-line, 3D boundary control, and auto stop control. IMC 3.0 is also designed to incorporate more new features via over-the-air updates. When introduced, the tight-tail-swing PC158USLCi-12 will be the smallest Komatsu excavator to come equipped with IMC technology, at roughly 18 tons, underscoring the desire for advanced technology on smaller machines that can operate in tight spaces. Highlights of IMC 3.0 for dozers, starting with the D61PXi-25, include Auto Steering, which holds the machine to a line when grading, and Temporary Blade Hold, which maintains blade position even when the machine loses GPS signal.

CASE develops proprietary 2D and 3D systems

CNH Industrial's acquisition of Hemisphere GNSS in 2023 brought GNSS technology fully in-house for CASE Construction Equipment. This vertical ownership of every part of the machine control supply chain has allowed CASE to fully develop proprietary 2D and 3D systems from the ground up, including hardware, such as sensors, antennas, and receivers. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, CASE announced that its in-house-developed 3D solution will be commercially available for large excavators in Q3 2026, including as aftermarket kits. CASE describes the upgrade from its 2D to 3D system as "plug and play" in the field, easing the process for contractors who want to evolve their machine control setup.

With this in-house solution, CASE says it intends to lower the entry point for contractors who haven't yet engaged with machine control, citing price as a key barrier. CASE excavator owners will be able to choose from the new CASE solution, or from other major providers, including Leica, Trimble, and Topcon, if they prefer.

Liebherr simplifies technology integration on Generation 8 equipment lines 

A hallmark of Liebherr's Generation 8 equipment lines is the simplified integration of technology, including machine control architecture, from the factory. Generation 8 dozers are available with several tiers of machine control, including Free Grade, Definition Grade, and 3D Grade.

Free Grade, standard on the Generation 8 dozers, continuously stabilizes the blade in longitudinal and lateral directions, reducing the need for manual corrections. For greater capability, owners can choose the optional 2D Definition Grade, which adds automatic blade control for 2D grading. The operator can input target slopes and reference surfaces, and this option does not require GNSS or laser transmitters. For precision grading of more complex terrain profiles, contractors can upgrade to the full 3D Grade GNSS-based machine control system.

In 2025, Liebherr introduced Free Modelling for dozers. This assistance system gives operators the ability to create and edit 3D models in the cab. It's an efficient way to react to changing job site conditions in real-time and eliminates the risk of following outdated plans while reducing surveying needs.

Liebherr and Leica announced factory integration of Leica's sensor chain on Liebherr Generation 8 wheeled and crawler excavators in early 2026. Excavators can be ordered as 3D-ready or with full 3D machine control, including semi-automatic functions, from the factory. The Leica sensor chain also serves as the foundation of Liebherr's integrated weighing and bucket fill assist features, and most Liebherr Generation 8 excavators come with Leica 2D grade control as standard.

Advanced 2D is now standard on Cat excavators

Caterpillar first offered the Cat Grade with 2D indicate system as standard on its next-generation excavators in 2018, and, as of 2025, Advanced 2D, including in-field design, is part of the standard Cat Grade with 2D package. The operator can easily adjust target depth and slope using the joysticks, touchscreen, or jog dial, and target grade with visual guidance plus height and depth are displayed. A Cat Grade 3D Ready option is available, and Cat Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements, further simplifying inputs to hit grade.

John Deere's latest lines come with standard starter systems

John Deere Construction & Forestry's latest P-Tier and X-Tier dozers with EH controls include the entry-level EZ Grade as standard; EZ Grade aids operators in manual grading by making small blade corrections. Dozers ordered with the SmartGrade Ready option come prepped from the factory with 2D grade control. Full John Deere SmartGrade for dozers is available with Topcon or Leica packages and includes capability for total-station control on job sites with limited GNSS coverage.

John Deere introduced its new generation of excavators just ahead of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. All new mid-size P-Tier excavators now come with 2D grade control as standard and can be upgraded to full 3D SmartGrade, also with either Topcon or Leica. Eight new SmartGrade motor graders with factory-integrated-and-calibrated mastless grade control were also introduced in 2026.

2D comes standard on DEVELON's -9 excavators

With the debut of the -9 Series excavators in North America earlier this year, DEVELON made Smart Control 2D and Machine Guidance 2D standard features from the factory, with 3D available as an upgrade. Smart Control 2D automates front swing and movements, and Machine Guidance 2D allows the operator to set reference points and input target depth and slope angle.

Hyundai collaborates with Trimble for easy upgrades

HD Construction Equipment Hyundai North America's new-generation HX excavators can be ordered 2D-ready with optional bucket assist, and Trimble and Hyundai announced a collaboration for Hyundai excavator owners to easily upgrade from the optional Hyundai 2D grade control to Trimble Earthworks 3D on select excavators. Trimble Earthworks 3D includes Trimble's automation capability. When in autos mode, the operator controls the stick and Trimble Earthworks controls the boom and bucket to achieve grade. The companies have also introduced a Trimble Ready option for the Hyundai HD130A dozer.

Machine control levels the playing field

While there is no doubt that machine control drives productivity in earthmoving operations, obstacles to adoption remain. Cost, complexity, and resistance from experienced operators are all cited as reasons not to get started.

As a response, OEMs and service providers are making machine control easier to implement at every level, from basic to more sophisticated systems. Full integration eliminates risk of damage to external components, such as masts, and the transition of new equipment lines from pilot to EH controls is further easing the integration of machine control and automation. Encouraging experienced operators to try the technology is essential, as even the most talented operator can achieve incredible productivity gains. Their less experienced colleagues will appreciate that technology when they get in the cab.

The pressures faced by contractors aren't going away, but machine control can level the playing field — accurately and on schedule.

This article originally appeared in the September 2026 issue of Heavy Equipment Guide.