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.
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