Case
Better roads thanks to autonomous technology.
As demands for efficient and sustainable infrastructure continue to grow, there is an increasing need for smarter construction methods. Together with partners, Knightec Group has developed an autonomous solution for road compaction, using advanced technology to automate a critical part of the process and improve precision, safety, and overall efficiency.
ClientAF Gruppen
IndustryAutomotive
ServicesSoftware & Cloud
Originally delivered by Semcon, now part of Knightec Group.
Background
As part of a Norwegian innovation project relating to future road construction Knightec Group has developed and validated a solution to make a compactor autonomous. The objective is to eliminate difficult work for staff, reduce the time needed to build new roads and enhance quality, resulting in longer lifespan. When building roads, compaction of the surface layers is crucial for ensuring high quality, resulting in safer roads that last a long time.
Challenge
The challenge was to improve a critical and highly manual road construction process that requires high precision, experience, and is performed in confined and demanding environments. At the same time, there was a need to increase efficiency, reduce construction time, and ensure consistent quality, requiring a solution that could automate compaction while maintaining safety and reliability.
From airports to new roads.
Knightec Group is leading the development of an autonomous compactor in a project initiated by Nye Veier and implemented by AF Gruppen in Norway. The solution builds on a proven control system from Yeti Snow Technology AS—previously used for applications such as autonomous snow clearing at airports—now adapted for construction environments.
Following a successful proof of concept demonstrated in real conditions, the next step is autonomous operation under controlled settings. Using GPS-based routing, the compactor performs precise, repeatable passes with optimal overlap, ensuring consistent high-quality results. The system is based on a HAMM H25i compactor equipped with optical safety sensors, with additional safety features under development, and is delivered in collaboration with partners including SINTEF and HAMM.
Delivered Value
The solution delivers value by increasing productivity, improving working conditions, and ensuring more consistent road quality. By reducing manual work and enabling longer operational hours, the process becomes more efficient while resulting in longer-lasting roads with lower maintenance costs over time.
