Leica iCON Excavate: The Future of Excavator Control

Solutions for Excavators

Image: An excavator working on a construction site, with inset images of the Leica iCON IXE3, iCON site excavator, iXE2, and iXE control units.

Semi-Automatic Excavator – Increase Your Availability

The semi-automatic function for Leica iXE2/iXE3 machine control solutions for excavators allows the operator to perform complex fine grading tasks faster and more accurately. This is achieved through automation of boom and bucket movements, as well as tiltrotator functions. The semi-automatic excavator is a flexible solution; the operator can easily switch between manual and automatic modes, ensuring maximum safety.

Functions:

• Automatic tracking of target slopes by operating the excavator stick only.
• Intelligent slope detection of the nearest cross slope.
• Surface protection (bucket tips do not dig into your planum).
• Rotation control for the cross slope.
• Operation without continuously pressing a button on the joystick.
• Easy switching between manual and automatic function with manual intervention when needed.

Benefits:

• Operator relief.
• Fast completion by avoiding costly and time-consuming rework.
• Consistent quality of the finished surface.
• Safe operation of the semi-automatic function.
• Flexible configurations – customization options for every application and machine configuration.

Automation of Excavator Functions

Automatic Tool Recognition

Select the correct tool for your excavator automatically with tool recognition. Corresponding tool recognition modules are mounted on the excavator buckets and tiltrotators. The cabin hub registers and sends signals to the machine control solution when the bucket is removed and a new bucket is selected, and issues a warning message if an uncalibrated bucket is chosen. When changing tools, the operator no longer needs to manually change settings.

This reduces the risk of using the wrong bucket, which could lead to over- or under-excavation and costly rework. In addition to the associated tools, the tool recognition system also supports standard tiltrotators and removable tiltrotators.

iXE CoPilot

With the Leica iXE CoPilot, the excavator operator only needs to concentrate on controlling the digging movement (boom, stick, and bucket), while the tiltrotator's slope and rotation function automatically aligns with the reference model surface under the bucket. The operator has control of the bucket rotation and the ability to handle the material in the bucket appropriately without having to constantly adjust the bucket slope manually. The CoPilot can be activated with the press of a button. This simplifies the use of tiltrotators regardless of training level, and the operator tires less quickly.

Image: An excavator performing fine grading. Inset images show control units. A diagram illustrates the excavator with sensors and the iXE CoPilot system.

Leica MC1 – Intelligent Software

The efficient menu structure is designed for effortless management of all project files. The user-friendly interface provides the operator with quick access to the functions needed for the workflow, displaying utilization.

Seamless Data Transfer

The iXE3 solutions enable the transfer of log points from one machine to another for monitoring and tracking project progress. Model creation data can also be easily transferred and seamlessly transmitted as a file to iCON 3D software and iCON site projects.

Focus on the Essentials

The user interface keeps the machine operator informed, allowing them to concentrate fully on the work. Whether in full-screen mode or split-screen view, each operator can decide which view best supports them in the task at hand.

• Cross-view for desired slope.
• Longitudinal view for planning excavation work.
• Menu bar with quick access options for the most important functions.
• Hidden info bar shows functions used only occasionally.
• Top-down view in 2D or 3D.

Programmable Avoidance Zones

Create exclusion zones with trigger distances to ensure virtual barriers around utility lines, cables, and other areas that need protection during excavation work. As the machine operator approaches a restricted area, the screen turns red, height indicators are hidden, and an audible signal sounds.

Image: An excavator working. Inset images show control units and a diagram illustrating programmable avoidance zones.

Leica iCON iXE3 – For Ultimate Accuracy

The iXE3 machine control solution guides the operator in 3D using reference models and GNSS. Design data and real-time cut/fill information are displayed on the control unit in the operator's cabin, enabling excavation work to be performed quickly according to the reference design. The solution ensures better utilization and increased operator satisfaction, along with enhanced safety and productivity.

The system supports all common data formats including LandXML, DXF, GEO, KOF, L3D, LMD, LIN, MBS, and TRM, offering a variety of applications and workflows. The operator can use the "Create Model" function to create simple and complex models directly on the control unit without leaving the cabin or needing the assistance of a surveyor.

One for Everything

Digitize your construction site with one software and one hardware platform. Swap the control unit from one machine to another and create complex designs with simpler workflows and less downtime.

User-Friendly

Simple, clear, and intuitive user interface with an interactive design tailored to your needs. The technology with corresponding assistants and help functions supports you in operating the excavator, ensuring high quality with less rework.

Robust Construction

With their robust design, the Leica MCP80 control unit and the Leica MDS series docking station are built for the harshest environmental conditions and are particularly suitable for civil engineering thanks to their durability.

3D Solution for Excavators – Gain Full Control Over Your Excavator

The MCP80 control unit handles all 3D applications in civil engineering. The easy-to-use interface can be used with all 3D machine applications. The control unit features a large touchscreen with illuminated buttons. It can be personalized according to the operator's preferences and used on other machines. The MDS series docking station stores the current calibration values and hydraulic parameters, allowing for easy swapping of the control unit. Thanks to the docking station, the control unit is completely wireless and can be easily removed.

A software platform for all machines with a simple and intuitive user interface. The operator simply turns the key and starts working. The workflow for the task at hand is supported by the interaction possibilities. The clear user interface with icons for quick navigation makes it easier to find the required functions. The technology with corresponding assistants and help functions supports machine operation, ensuring high-quality work with less rework.

Image: An excavator working. A detailed diagram shows the components of the Leica iCON iXE3 3D system, including various sensors (stick, boom, bucket, tiltrotator, angle), control unit (MCP80), docking station, GNSS antennas, compass, and pitch/roll sensor.

Leica iCON iXE3 – For Compact Excavators with Swing Boom

Equip mini excavators with swing booms with machine control and benefit from all the advantages of machine control, such as higher accuracy, digital workflows, and as-built documentation.

Machine Control – For the Mini Excavators in Your Fleet

Extend your machine control to your small experts for trenching and excavation work and benefit from all the advantages of 3D machine control: greater accuracy, avoidance of over-digging and rework. A common software and hardware platform offers similar menus and workflows for all applications. Key hardware components can be used on different machines. You have the possibility of digital logging and reporting as as-built documentation through the use of ConX.

Precise Machine Control for Compact Excavators

Compact excavators and Huddig excavators with swing booms are designed for digging and excavating in areas where larger machines cannot be used. The machine's swing boom moves independently, allowing for digging next to obstacles with better visibility. Leica Geosystems offers a flexible solution with a swing boom sensor or manual calculation of the swing boom's position.

Image: A compact excavator. Diagrams show components for compact excavators and mini excavators, including sensors, control units, and GNSS antennas. Also shows interface examples for swing boom selection and position.

Waterproof Configuration – Underwater Excavation

The MSS420 sensors from the MSS400 series for underwater floating excavator work are based on the proven sensor technology of the MSS400 series. The MSS400 series sensors ensure Speed, Performance, and Productivity (SP). Thanks to the included SP technology, earthmoving work is faster without losing accuracy at higher speeds. This significantly increases machine utilization and productivity.

Cables, Sensor Housing, and Bracket with Reinforcement

The MSS420 sensors are designed for use at depths of up to 40m under pressure conditions of approximately 5 bar. They feature reinforced components such as pressure-tight connectors, a robust sensor housing, durable cables, and stainless steel brackets, ensuring absolute reliability in underwater applications. The Leica MSS420 floating excavator sensors can be programmed for boom 1, boom 2, stick, bucket, and tilt sensors.

Image: An excavator working underwater, with its boom and bucket submerged. A close-up shows the control unit display.

Leica iCON site excavator – The Best Entry into Machine Control

Leica iCON site excavator is a simple and user-friendly machine control solution for optimizing earthmoving operations with compact excavators. This new solution integrates seamlessly with existing iCON site apps, allowing you to benefit from new workflows. Survey an area, create a design, and then perform excavation work directly according to that design with the same field controller in the excavator cabin.

Leica iCON site excavator – Design. Dig. Verify.

Every construction professional appreciates benefiting from flexible solutions in their daily work. This solution introduces a new workflow that offers greater flexibility, efficiency, and independence from surveyors and their scheduling. Concerns about setting up and using the solution are completely unnecessary. You will be impressed by the system's simplicity!

Solution for Compact Excavators

• Supports swing boom, tiltrotator, and bucket functions.
• Map-based selection and navigation.
• Work results with traffic light display.
• Split-screen function for viewing different perspectives.
• Uses the same digital designs as the larger machines in the project fleet.
• Integration into Leica ConX ensures seamless communication of design updates.

Image: A surveyor working with a compact excavator. A display shows the iCON site excavator interface. A diagram illustrates the components of the iCON site excavator system, including sensors, control units, GNSS antennas, and connection boxes.

Leica iCON iXE2 – Simple/Dual Slope and Grade Control

This multifunctional 2D machine control solution is designed for simpler and more productive excavation work. It enables the creation of multiple height and slope profiles, regardless of the machine's orientation, and without needing to reset the machine's or laser's height reference.

Benefits:

• Upgrade to 3D by adding a GNSS receiver and a 3D control unit.
• Display of the current bucket position relative to the desired height and slope.
• High-precision dual-slope and grade control via the rotation sensor.
• Real-time cut or fill information on the graphical display.
• No slope control required.
• No over-excavation.

Image: An excavator cabin interior showing multiple displays. A diagram illustrates the components of the Leica iCON iXE2 system, including various sensors, control units (MCP50/MCP70), GNSS antennas, and compass.

Leica iCON Excavate – Highest Precision and Productivity in Excavator Work with Tiltrotators

Increase your productivity by optimally utilizing your attached tiltrotators with Leica iCON excavate iXE2 and iXE3 systems. When iCON excavate is connected to the attached tiltrotator via an interface, the system can determine the actual position of the bucket at any time.

iXE CoPilot – Simplified Use of Tiltrotators

Easy Use with Tiltrotator: The excavator operator only needs to concentrate on controlling the digging movement (boom, arm, bucket, and swing of the machine), while the tiltrotator's slope and rotation function automatically aligns with the reference model surface under the bucket. The operator also has control of the bucket rotation while digging and can handle the material in the bucket appropriately without having to constantly adjust the bucket slope manually. This reduces operator fatigue while increasing the accuracy of the iXE2/iXE3 excavator solutions, along with time and cost savings.

Benefits of Tiltrotator Support:

• Optimization of your machine control application program and productivity.
• Maneuvering in tight spaces without multiple machine realignments.
• Clear and simple user guidance on the color display.
• Precise shaping of edges, slopes, and contours in any direction.
• The unique PowerSnap system allows for seamless exchange of control units between machines, making the system even more flexible.

Benefits of Tiltrotators with iXE CoPilot:

• Use the tiltrotator in any position – the iXE CoPilot automatically brings the bucket to the desired slope, getting even more out of your slope control system.
• Reduce the complexity of using multiple moving parts on an excavator.
• Use your excavator with a tiltrotator to complete all tasks on the construction site, from earthmoving to surface finishing.
• Use tiltrotator attachments on excavators without special training or long learning curves.
• Focus more on the area where you are digging, making the work environment safer.
• No overwhelming learning curve.

Image: An excavator equipped with a tiltrotator. Inset images show control units. The text describes the simplified operation of tiltrotators with the iXE CoPilot system.

Leica iCON Excavate – More Possibilities with Integrated Drill Support

The 2D machine control solution for excavators opens up more possibilities and flexibility for users – drill attachments can be controlled effortlessly via visual guidance in the cabin. Fully utilize your excavator's capabilities and complete multiple tasks on the construction site with high precision.

Functions:

• Complete visual display of the upper and lower position of the drill.
• The drill tip is displayed as a green filled circle when within the target range (0-5 cm), and the upper end of the drill unit as an orange circle when more than 5 cm from the target.
• The tip turns red when more than 5 cm from the target, and the upper end of the drill unit turns blue when within the target range.
• Display of the upper end and tip of the drill in the correct position. Set the zero position and start drilling. Move the arm or rotate the upper part and read the values for your next desired X and Y work position.

Benefits:

• More machine applications and greater productivity through support for drilling operations.
• Easy user guidance on the color display.
• Fast system installation – assisted and semi-automatic calibration procedures.
• System works on all excavators, including mini excavators.
• One system for many different applications.

Image: An excavator equipped with a drill attachment. Inset images show control units displaying drill guidance information.

Leica iCON iXE1 – Uncomplicated Simple Slope Control Solution

Leica iXE1 is a simple and economical excavator control system. This simple slope control unit handles even difficult tasks such as excavation without visibility or underwater. iXE1 offers the flexibility to work with various references such as existing surfaces, guide wires, or laser references. The user-friendly simple slope control unit is specifically designed for standard excavator applications.

Functions:

• Multi-color 3.5" graphic display.
• Simple menu structure – extremely user-friendly.
• Remote display support.
• 100% waterproof (IP68) – no special sensors or cables required for underwater use.
• Offset capability for your reference surface.
• Visual and audible guidance according to reference height.

Benefits:

• Easy control of slope and depth.
• Increased machine productivity.
• Graphical cut/fill display in the cabin.
• No over-excavation.
• Fewer work passes.
• No battery charging required.

Image: An excavator working on a slope. A diagram illustrates the components of the Leica iCON iXE1 system, including various sensors, the PowerDigger Lite iXE1 control unit, and connection boxes.

Leica Geosystems – When It Has To Be Right

For nearly 200 years, Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon company, has been revolutionizing the world of surveying with its comprehensive solutions for professionals everywhere. The company is known for its premium products and the development of innovative solutions for capturing, analyzing, and presenting spatial information. This is why professionals from many industries trust Leica Geosystems. Precise instruments, modern software, first-class service and support, and extensive services provide Leica Geosystems customers with daily added value in shaping the future of our world.

Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software, and autonomous solutions. We use data to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality in applications for industry, manufacturing, infrastructure, security, and mobility.

Our technologies contribute to the development of urban and production-technical ecosystems, making them increasingly connected and autonomous – thus ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 21,000 employees in 50 countries and a net sales of approximately €3.8 billion. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us at @HexagonAB.

Copyright Leica Geosystems AG, 9435 Heerbrugg, Switzerland. All rights reserved. Printed in Switzerland – 2022. Leica Geosystems AG is part of Hexagon AG. 806404de – 09.22

Related Resources:

• Intelligent Solutions Brochure
• Leica ConX Flyer
• Customer Care Packages Flyer

About Leica ConX:

Leica ConX is a cloud solution and web interface to manage, visualize, aggregate, and share 3D construction and survey data in real-time for heavy construction projects. It harmonizes and simplifies data handling and workflow throughout the construction process, significantly improving productivity and reducing rework and delays. ConX allows users to visualize and validate reference models, project localizations, positioning, survey, and constructed as-built data in real-time.