100% Employee Owned, Founded 1954

Autonomous Machines

Autonomous Machine Optimization

At Cross Company’s Mobile Systems Integration group, we can help our customers take the next step towards industrial vehicle automation by integrating advanced sensor technologies and optimizing overall autonomous machine performance. Whether you’re looking to implement semi-automated processes, operator-assisted functions, or fully autonomous systems, our team has the expertise and resources to make it happen.

From Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to specialized equipment like mobile railcar movers, we can provide the tools and knowledge needed to enhance your machine’s capabilities. Through combining cutting-edge sensor technology with our deep experience in hydraulic, electric, and hybrid systems, we can help you create smarter, more efficient machines that deliver real results.

We work with a wide range of autonomous machines and we can work with yours to ensure it’s working the way you need it to every time. Contact Cross Company today to learn more or to start the process.

Vehicle Automation at the Function Level

When we look at machine automation, we break it down into manageable, functional steps. In practice, that means applying vehicle automation at the functional level, enabling machines to perform specific tasks automatically while still allowing for operator monitoring or assistance when needed. This allows for a balance of efficiency and control, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, such as

Semi-Automation of Process – Automating repetitive, difficult, or time-consuming tasks, such as aligning a coupler or positioning a load. This improves efficiency while reducing operator fatigue.

Operator-Assisted Functions – Enhancing operator control through automated functions assisting in complex or precise tasks, such as automated steering and automated braking

Operator-Monitored Functions – Allowing operators to oversee automated processes. This ensures safety and accuracy while reducing the need for direct manual input.

Through automation of specific functions, Cross can help customers improve productivity, reduce errors, and optimize the overall performance of their machines.

hydraulic system control panel

Advanced Sensors for Industrial Autonomous Machines

At their core, autonomous machines need the ability to sense and respond to their environment and surroundings. At Cross, we offer a wide range of advanced sensors that can enable machines to more efficiently recognize their surroundings, position themselves with precision, and perform automated functions accurately.

These sensors are the foundation of autonomous machines, allowing them to operate safely and effectively in changing or challenging environments. By integrating these sensors into your machines, we can enable advanced automation features such as object recognition, positioning, and alignment. For example, our systems can use optical positioning sensors to automatically align a coupler, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing efficiency.

Some sensors for autonomous machines include

Radar Sensors

Radar sensors are able to provide reliable detection and positioning, even in conditions like low visibility or harsh weather. These are ideal for applications needing long-range detection or obstacle avoidance

Lidar Sensors

Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors enable AGVs to navigate, detect obstacles, and map environments with precision by using laser beams to measure distances and create real-time 3D maps.

Optical Time-of-Flight (TOF) Sensors

TOF sensors are able to use light to measure distances with a high degree of accuracy. This enables precise positioning and alignment. Ideal for applications such as coupler alignment, where positioning is critical

Optimizing Machines for Automation

While they’re a big part, automation isn’t just about adding sensors to a mobile machine. It’s about ensuring that the entire machine is about to work seamlessly with the automated systems or components.

At Cross, we’re able to leverage our extensive experience with electric, hydraulic, and hybrid systems to ensure your mobile machine is fully optimized and ready for automation. From system design to integration, we provide end-to-end solutions that maximize the performance of your autonomous machines.

Hydraulic System Optimization

We can ensure your hydraulic systems are designed for precision control and smooth operation. This enables smooth integration with automated machine functions.

Electric and Hybrid System Expertise

We can design and optimize electric and hybrid systems able to provide the power and efficiency needed for advanced industrial automation applications.

Custom System Design

We can also create custom solutions tailored to your machine’s specific requirements. This ensures optimal performance and reliability in operation.

The Value Cross Can Provide to Autonomous Machine Manufacturers

As the world of autonomous machines evolves, staying ahead requires more than just technology. It demands a comprehensive approach to system optimization. Autonomous machine OEMs and other manufacturers face unique challenges, from ensuring precise control to integrating systems that can adapt to dynamic environments.

By focusing on seamless integration and performance optimization, you can unlock the full potential of these machines, enabling them to operate with greater precision, efficiency, and reliability.

Whether it’s through semi-automated processes, operator-assisted functions, or fully autonomous systems, the ability to adapt to specific operational needs is a game-changer. By leveraging advanced technologies and system expertise, Cross can help manufacturers to create machines that not only meet but exceed industry expectations.

Construction

Marine Equipment

Recycling

Utility Vehicles and Work Trucks

Frequently Asked Questions

Cross Company’s solutions are designed to enhance a wide range of autonomous machines, including Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobile railcar movers, and other industrial vehicles. Our expertise ensures that your machine is optimized for automation, regardless of its specific application.

Advanced sensors, such as radar, lidar, and optical time-of-flight (TOF) sensors, enable autonomous machines to sense and respond to their environment with precision. These sensors allow for accurate positioning, obstacle detection, and automated functions, ensuring safe and efficient operation in dynamic environments.

Cross Company combines decades of experience in hydraulic, electric, and hybrid systems with cutting-edge sensor technology to deliver fully integrated solutions. Our custom system designs ensure that every component of your machine works seamlessly, maximizing performance, reliability, and efficiency.

mobile technology center (MTC) for cross mobile systems integration group

Take the Next Step Towards Autonomous Machines

Ready to bring automation to your machines? Cross Company’s Mobile Systems Integration group has the expertise, technology, and resources to help you create smarter, more efficient machines. Whether you’re looking to implement semi-automated processes, operator-assisted functions, or fully autonomous systems, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our autonomous machine solutions and how we can help you achieve your vehicle automation goals.

See How Our Mobile Systems Integration Team Can Help Improve Quality, Increase Efficiency, And Reduce Risk

Contact our Team

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In the meantime, enjoy these fun facts…

Did you know… Cross Company is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Our ESOP started in 1979 and as of 2006, we are 100% employee-owned! Learn more about our ESOP and how that benefits both team members and our customers.
Did you know... the precision measurement group at Cross was founded in 1939 by our current CEO's grandfather, Jim King. That's a whole lot of calibration!
Did you know... A fingerprint weighs about 50 micrograms. We know, we weighed it! The residue left from a finger can actually make a difference in weight results which is why we wear gloves when we calibrate weights. For reference, a sheet of paper is about 4.5 grams, that’s 4.5 million micrograms.
Did you know… Cross Company has grown significantly since our start in 1954. Over the years we've acquired 26 companies! Today, our five groups have expertise in everything from industrial automation to precision measurement, and industry knowledge going all the way back to 1939.