Wirtgen Group's Smart Automation in Roadbuilding digitalizes the entire asphalt reclamation and paving process

Smart Automation in Roadbuilding by the Wirtgen Group is a fully integrated system that allows contractors to perform asphalt reclamation and paving along paths defined by digital terrain models. The data is made available via an open interface and automatically checks for site information and transfers it to the machines; the data is then used for controlling the milling depth and screed position.

The Wirtgen Group's Smart Automation in Roadbuilding solution has been nominated for the bauma Innovation Award 2025 in the Digitalization category. The awards recognize innovations in the industry and forward-thinking developments that digitalize, streamline, and humanize the workplace. 

The Work Planner, Smart LEVEL PRO, and Smart Pave are available on one device 

With Smart Automation in Roadbuilding, the Wirtgen Group provides new digitalization and automation solutions for asphalt rehabilitation that enable the utilization of digital terrain models. The key components are the Work Planner as a digital tool in the John Deere Operations Center, Smart LEVEL PRO for automation of the milling depth and cross slope on Wirtgen F-series large milling machines, and Smart Pave for automatic control of the screed position such as steering and screed width adjustment. 

Using data to improve evenness in the milling process 

Planning data that can be generated by all commonly used surveying and planning software solutions are made available in the Work Planner via an open interface. A model of the existing area and a model of the area to be milled are required for the automatic control of the milling machines. The Work Planner analyzes and checks to see if the data is usable for the automation process. Parameters such as the milling area, milling volume, and minimum, maximum, and average milling depths are displayed directly on the screen. The distribution of the different milling depths in the course of the project is also visualized.

Compliance with tighter tolerances in asphalt paving 

For automated asphalt paving, three lines defining the steering line and the two outer edges of the project area are provided to the Vögele pavers. This automation enables the realization of considerably tighter tolerances in the paving process. The Work Planner shows users a clear overview of the area, length, and orientation of the paving project. 

A map-view option enables personnel without a background in surveying to easily localize and check the project. Site managers, surveyors, and resource planners benefit from the transparency of the data and the expected final result before the paving project begins. 

Connectivity helps operators stay informed 

The data can be shared with other contractors or transmitted to freely-selectable machines from the operator's own connected fleet. The machine control systems are already fully integrated into both road pavers and cold milling machines and require no installation of additional components. Localization of the machines with the necessary accuracy is enabled by a GNSS receiver with an RTK correction signal. 

All the machine operator has to do is choose the desired control mode on the familiar control screen. The Live-View of all relevant project data allows the operator to always know which mode the machine is in and what actions and control commands can be expected. The automated processes reduce the crew's workload and lead to precise final results. 

The Smart Automation in Roadbuilding system consolidates resources

Smart Automation in Roadbuilding, the new digitalization and automation solution from the Wirtgen Group, enables enhanced paving results in compliance with planned targets with the core construction crew and without the need for additional, specialized personnel. Factors such as costing analyses in advance also enable optimization of the material volumes and logistics required to complete the project.