VMT Launches TUnIS Navigation Excavator
Conventional tunneling places high demands on both accuracy and occupational safety. Excavation work is often carried out directly at the tunnel face, while machine operators have limited real-time feedback on profiling progress. The result can be rework, increased shotcrete consumption and higher project costs.
With TUnIS Navigation Excavator, VMT introduces a new navigation solution designed to address these challenges. By shifting key excavation tasks from manual judgement at the tunnel face to automated machine guidance, the system contributes to safer working conditions for personnel underground.
It supports precise excavation by visualizing the position of the excavation tool in real-time relative to the design tunnel profile, enabling controlled profiling even under poor visibility conditions. At the core of the solution is a hardware combination consisting of different, state-of-the-art components adapted to the requirements of conventional tunneling. This configuration allows continuous determination of the machine and cutterhead position inside the tunnel, with data transmitted reliably via radio. The system is built for demanding underground conditions, featuring IP65-compliant components with clear, color status indicators directly on the components.
Thanks to retrofitted inclinometers along the boom segments, the system can be adapted to a wide range of tunnel excavators, making it suitable for diverse project setups. When combined with TUnIS Navigation CT Office, excavation data can be analyzed, stored and monitored from the construction office, improving transparency across operations.
By continuously comparing the actual and design profiles in real-time, TUnIS Navigation Excavator supports smoother excavation processes, faster profiling and reduces rework. Automated guidance minimizes manual work at the tunnel face, enhancing safety, while continuous monitoring from both the machine and the office enables quicker response to deviations.
With this new system, VMT expands its portfolio for conventional tunneling, offering a practical navigation solution that supports safer, more efficient and more predictable excavation workflows.
