Next Generation Inertial Measuring Unit from the pioneer of machine control
Novatron® G3 sensor is a masterpiece of engineering that combines 30 years of experience in sensor technology and mobile machinery.
Small in size, yet full on high technology and performance. Novatron® G3 sensors offer accuracy and speed in any conditions.
Novatron® G3 IMU Sensor offers outstanding dynamic tracking that enables speed, performance and accuracy when measuring position of tool during movement, for example.
Suitability
Suitable for any moving machine or part whose position needs to be measured
• Excavators
Dredgers
• Mining machinery, e.g. drills
• Accurate 3D orientation for mobile machinery
For over 30 years, our field proven sensor technology is used worldwide in various mobile machine applications, in harsh enviroments.
Full performance in any circumstances
Temperature compensation enables linear measuring results throughout the whole temperature range (-40 - +85). Thanks to proprietary temperature calibration methods the sensor outputs accurate results regardless of the ambient conditions.
Factory calibration with robotic accuracy
Our Calibration Robot, developed in-house, guarentees uniform sensor orientation ensuring consistent readings across the board. This makes replacements effortless, and eliminates the need for recalibration in the field.
Specifications
Accelerometer
Full Scale Range 2G (16G)
0G Deviation Over Life ±1mg
Noise Density 15 μg/√Hz
Bandwidth 260 Hz
Data Rate 833 Hz
Gyro / IMU
Range ±1000°/s
Sensitivity 32,8 LSB/°/s
Bandwidth 116 Hz
Data Rate 1000Hz
General
Static Accuracy 1mm/m/-40deg (pitch 0.045 deg, roll 0.013deg)
Output Rate 200 Hz
Temperature Range -40…+85deg
Voltage 9-36VDC
Current <350mA (125mA @24V)
IP Classification IPX9, IPX8 Mated
Measurement Latency <5ms (for acquisition)
Coordinate System Default left-handed, Selectable left/right-handed
Interface 2xCAN bus connectors, 125kbit - 1Mbit/s CAN-bus, CANopen, J1939
Outputs E.g. Angle, Orientation, Angular Velocity, Acceleration
Weight 165g
Size 33 x 41 x 99 mm
Hardware Cast aluminium housing, Potted electronics
Accuracy Test
Novatron® G3 sensor maintains high accuracy in rapid movements and sudden stops without any overshoot. Sensor’s latency stays under 10ms even in varying dynamic rest-to-rest trajectories.
Test Made By Tampere University
Novatron® EL3 Laser Receiver
The powerful and precise laser receiver with a quick-fix system
The laser receiver allows you to move the machine on the site while keeping the original elevation. A laser set to a known site elevation can also be used as a reference level.
Our 3rd generation laser receiver Novatron® EL3 has a clear and durable, easy to use design. The new quick fix system makes removing and reattaching of the receiver fast and easy. The LED status indicator and a wide receiving area offers ease-of-use for the operator.
Durable, rugged design of the Novatron® EL3 is protected with an elastomer material to decrease vibration. The device has an IP69K classification to keep everything safe from water and dust.
Specifications
General
Weigth 0,6 Kg
IP Classification 69K
Operating temperature -40 °C...+85 ° C
Fire resistance V-1
Chemical resistance According ISO 16750-5
LED Blue status LED
Power requirements 9-36VDC
Interfaces
Features
Current consumption <300mA (100mA/24V)
2 x CAN bus connectors - 125kbit - 1Mbits/s
Receiving angle 150°
Receiving area 150mm
Precision 5mm (1mm resolution)
Compatible lasers All rotating lasers with visible or infra-red light: wavelength 600-800nm, rotating speed 120-1200 revolutions per minute.
Measuring range (from rotating laser) 2-300m (Depending on the rotating laser type)
Thoroughly tested under different temperatures, vibration and weather conditions.
Technology Center
Novatron’s Technology Center is located in Pirkkala, Finland. We design and manufacture our software, hardware and components – sensors and laser receivers – in-house with advanced engineering. Our Technology Center is the hub and source of latest global machine control know-how.
On top of the game
Finland is known from its highly educated technology professionals and software specialists. We provide them an innovative work environment as well as motivating challenges to move machine control capabilities further. We work in close cooperation with technical universities and audited technology partners. Most importantly – we listen to our demanding end-users and customers carefully, in order to meet their needs.
Safe, sustainable & innovative
As a company, we operate through our core values: trust, communality and transparency. This enables the best teamwork, boosts innovation and gives a sense of relevance to our daily tasks. As a business partner we offer quality, high productivity and reliability. It’s our mission is to help our customers to succeed with these standards.
Novatron is a technology provider whose machine control solutions are used worldwide to improve productivity, safety, and real-time data management in infrastructure construction. The core expertise in software and hardware development is built on a strong understanding of heavy machinery and operating conditions, customer requirements, and the use of the latest technology.
Continuous product development and research projects
Novatron specializes in advanced machine control systems, components and software, for demanding environments. We have more than 30 years of experience in the Nordic electronics and information technology industry.
Novatron takes part in various international research and development projects annually.
Expert Services
We also provide our expertise as consulting services beyond infrastructure construction, supporting diverse product development needs through our Expert Services.
Our experts have seen the whole lifecycle of product development. Our products are the best on the market. This has not happened just by a luck. We have listened our customers, analyzed market, done cooperation with universities, collaborated on standardization and brought the best knowledge on the products.
Article: European Innovation and Leadership - Novatron took machine control to the next level
Over the past 30 years, Novatron’s machine control systems have evolved significantly.
A major breakthrough occurred in the early 2000s when the company introduced the first 3D machine control system featuring a graphical user interface.
Novatron’s machine control system, now known as Xsite, was a groundbreaking innovation and a leader in its field, setting an example that many competitors have since followed.
Mikko Vesanen began working at Novatron in the early 2000s. His responsibilities at the time involved developing mechatronic systems—devices that combine robotics, intelligent sensors, and microprocessors. Now serving as the Director of Software Pro ducts, Vesanen recalls: “I can confidently say that in the early 2000s, we had the first 3D machine control system with a graphical user interface, which already operated with the Windows-based 3D-Win modeling tool.” Since no similar systems existed at the time, Novatron, with a team of fewer than 10 people, had to develop everything from scratch, including the components.
“We are a unique company because we create everything from the ground up in-house,” Vesanen adds.
“Our experts’ deep understanding of positioning technology and the kinematic models of machinery has been a key factor in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our sensors
and software
When designing high-quality sensors, many things must be taken into account, such as the vibration of work machines and large temperature fluctuations. Novatron’s new G3 sensors are eight times more efficient than their predecessors, the G2 sensors.
The harsh Nordic climate pushed innovation forward.
Mikko Kipinoinen VP, Research & Development
Many things need to be taken into account when designing high-quality sensors, such as vibrations from machinery and large temperature fluctuations. Novatron’s new G3 sensors are ten times more efficient than their predecessor, the G2 sensors.
Jesse Kettunen Head of Machine Control Hardware Development
Construction conditions in the Nordic countries are significantly more challenging than in other parts of Europe. In Finnish and Nordic construction, factors like rock cuts, the effects of frost, and complex road and tunnel structures demand more from modeling and machine control systems. The components developed by Novatron had to withstand the harsh working conditions and vibrations from machinery, as early trials in Norway demonstrated. Vesanen notes: “Developing the components for machine control systems was not an easy task. Among other things, the product components had to endure machine-induced vibrations and climate variations, while still providing centimeter-level accuracy.” The concept of these types of components and technology might never have been developed in a country where the terrain is mostly sand.
Mikko Kipinoinen, Novatron’s VP of Research and Development, adds: “In product development, we focus particularly on system durability, reliability, and user-friendliness, because the systems are used in environments where errors can lead to serious consequences. Quality is a key factor at every stage, and the systems undergo comprehensive testing in various conditions to ensure they can withstand demanding field environments. The Nordic setting ensures that the system is tested in the most challenging conditions.”
Novatron’s components strongly reflect their European origins. Only a small portion of the components come
from elsewhere, such as the United States. Most of the critical innovations, like mechanical parts, are designed at Novatron and manufactured either in-house or by the strategic partners in Europe. This ensures consistent product quality and shorter delivery times, which is crucial when introducing new solutions into production.
Novatron collaborates with various universities on research as part of its product development. Novatron’s product development utilizes Tampere University’s EMC chamber for sensor’s frequency testing. (Photo: Tampere University)
Safe and sustainable pioneering work
Novatron’s IMU sensors have always played a key role in the system’s efficiency. From the beginning, the company has prioritized designing and manufacturing components in-house in Finland. Locally produced components and assembly allow for quick responses and solutions to problems, which is crucial in an already fast-paced customer environment.
Jesse Kettunen, Head of Machine Control Hardware Development, highlights the collaboration between Novatron and universities in the development and testing of sensors. “We have actively worked with institutions like Tampere University of Technology. During the development of the G3 sensor, tests conducted with the university showed that the sensors maintained high accuracy during fast movements and sudden stops, with latency (the round-trip delay of data) remaining under 10 ms, even in varying conditions.”
One significant technological innovation Kettunen highlights is the shift from analog to digital sensors. “In our current sensor, we chose digital over analog sensors, which allows for better development of filters and algorithms and frees up bandwidth for the microcontroller’s performance,” Kettunen explains. This decision enhances the sensor’s performance and helps make the system smarter and more efficient. For the user, this translates to increased system reliability.
“Our experts’ deep understanding of positioning technology and the kinematic models of machinery has been a key factor in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our sensors and software,” adds Kipinoinen.
High-quality service supports high-quality products
Novatron’s strength lies not only in its technology but also in its deep understanding of customer need and it’s effective use of feedback in product development.
“Customer feedback and user experiences have played a central role in the continued development of both software and mechatronics. Product managers and owners are in constant contact with customers,” Kipinoinen explains. As part of Novatron’s quality system, feedback is also regularly collected through remote support customer satisfaction surveys.
In developing its products, Novatron works closely with test operators to quickly gather improvement suggestions and feedback. “From a mechatronics perspective, we’re agile. If an issue arises in the field, we can fix it quickly and implement changes in the next release within a week,” Vesanen adds.
According to Vesanen, customer feedback has significantly decreased over time as the company has accumulated years of knowledge about all possible scenarios and issues. Understanding customer needs has helped shape products to be more user-friendly, and direct connections to worksites remain a vital part of product development.
Future Integrations and Technology Compatibility – European Expertise as a Competitive Advantage
Novatron’s sensors support common data transfer protocols, allowing for easy integration into partner applications and creating a seamless and efficient workflow on construction sites. From the start, Novatron’s values and operating philosophy have emphasized open interfaces, enabling customer-centric solutions and driving industry development. Unlike many competitors, the Finnish Novatron believes in a win-win strategy with its customers and end users.
“Finns are known globally for their integrity and straightforwardness,” Kipinoinen notes.
Novatron is actively involved in defining international ISO/ DTS 1514-4.2 standard. For example, the company plays a key role in promoting the use of data models in construction site processes.
Expert Services
At Novatron, we design, manufacture, test, market and sell our own machine control products as well as provide product support and expert services - all under one roof.
Novatron® machine control components for OEM customers
Plug-and-play Xsite® EASY is an operator guidance system that removes the need for manual grade checking and jumping on and off the work machine.
The easy-to-read UI and the system’s functions are designed with machine operators to ensure ease of use and maximized onsite productivity.
See page 16.
Novatron® G3 IMU sensor is a masterpiece of engineering that combines 30 years of experience in sensor technology and mobile machinery. This sensor offers outstanding dynamic tracking that enables speed, performance and accuracy.
The powerful and precise Novatron® EL3 laser receiver lets operator move the machine on the site while keeping the original elevation.
Durable, rugged design of the Novatron® EL3 is protected with an elastomer material to decrease vibration. The device has an IP69K classification to protect everything from water and dust.
All our components are designed to withstand extreme conditions. Our proven factory calibration ensures precise and uniform sensor orientation, delivering consistent readings in every environment. This eliminates the need for field recalibration, saving time and effort.
