Carlson machine guidance solutions are designed for applications in mining, landfill, quarrying, dredging and solar. Aptella provides the experience and on-site support to implement the technology within industry. What truly makes this partnership special however, is Carlson’s flexibility with its technology and trust in Aptella’s feedback to advance their technology even further, delivering customised solutions for client-specific needs or whole of industry improvements.
“The success of the partnership has been based on shared values and a strong commitment to exceptional customer service,” says Andrew Granger, Executive Manager – Mining at Aptella.
“A key benefit for our customers is Carlson embracing the opportunity to further innovate its technology based on real-world, application-based feedback to ensure its fit for purpose.”
The flexibility of Carlson’s solutions coupled with the expertise in implementation and support from Aptella has delivered a range of standout solutions over the past decade.
One of the first projects delivered as part of the partnership was a retrofit guidance system project on Bucketwheel Excavators at the Hazelwood Mine (Victoria, Australia) aimed to extend operational life of machinery. The updated system utilised GNSS with data integrated into Carlson Command software while delivering in-cab displays using Carlson MC8 and MC10 tablets.
In 2015, Carlson engineers worked alongside Aptella and team members at the Commodore Mine (Queensland, Australia) for two weeks to create a real-time volumetrics reporting system. The outcome of the collaboration was a user-friendly advanced guidance and reporting tool to improve mine productivity.
In today’s fast-moving technology landscape, it’s uncommon for a single supplier to lead across all areas. However, the partnership between Carlson and Aptella (formerly Position Partners) is a notable exception.”, says Brent Speed, Mine Systems Specialist at the Yallourn Mine for EnergyAustralia.
“Carlson consistently delivers the industry’s leading high-precision solutions, while Aptella brings strong local expertise, a forward-thinking approach to emerging technologies, and a deep understanding of evolving mining requirements. This trusted partnership delivers an immediate impact and continues to shape the future of the industry.”
Three years later, the partnership delivered a semi-autonomous pile driving solution for the solar industry integrating Carlson’s GNSS-based Machine Guidance and Vermeers PD10 pile driver supported by Aptella’s positioning expertise and technical support. The system was a significant improvement to traditional methods of rapid pile installation with less than 1% out-of-tolerance.
The partnership has redefined how the waste management industry can optimise and advance operations. The introduction of Carlson’s custom-designed landfill compactor solution, Landfill Grade, has significantly improved compaction efficiency—delivering operational cost savings while enhancing real-time performance monitoring and site safety.
According to Mr Wood from Summerhill Landfill, the initial installation and commissioning of Landfill Grade was simple and straightforward. “Because the site had been checked prior to our investment, the set up was simple, and our machines were working in next to no time,” he said.
“Aptella were on hand to provide my team with all of the training we then needed to be able to get to work with the new software. “By using Carlson, you know that you are fully compacted at the end of each day, which means we are maximising airspace and prolonging the life of the landfill.”, Mr Wood added.
“The strong market share Landfill Grade has achieved across Australia and New Zealand is a testament to Aptella’s industry experience and local support teams.”, says Carlson’s Director of Machine Control, Tim Jones. “The knowledge of the team and dedication to their customers means from installation and training to support and service – end-users have consistency and expertise to maximise the technology.
Aptella and Carlson have new product announcements and projects further advancing machine guidance and software solutions in the next 12 months.
