Engcon and Volvo in global cooperation - the starting signal for long-term joint development in the industry

This has resulted in the first compatible machines, the updated EC250 E and EC300 E, reaching Volvo and Engcon workshops and future customers in the first quarter of 2021. The project marks the beginning of a global cooperation agreement between Volvo Construction Equipment and Engcon with the aim of offering machines that are prepared for Engcon's pivot arm and safe quick couplings to become an integral part of the machine.

eML (engcon Machine Link) is Engcon's solution that, together with Volvo Smart Connect, ensures that Engcon's pivot attachment can become an almost integral part of the machine. Through an intelligently developed interface, Engcon's control system can communicate with the machine's computer for both control of the turntable and integration with Volvo's in-house developed machine control system Dig Assist.

"With this intelligent solution, Engcon's rotary tilt can essentially become a fully integrated part of the machine. This has many advantages: saving time on installation, maintaining CE marking and direct integration with Volvo Dig Assist to name a few. Customers can benefit from a fully integrated solution where customer benefit and customer experience are key," explains Fredrik Eklind, Product Owner at Engcon Control Systems.

"The common customer is central"

eML is the solution that allows Engcon's own control system DC2 to communicate and share information with an OEM's machine computer and machine control system. By communicating via the Controller Area Network (CANbus), information can be sent and received safely and quickly - all with a simple electrical installation.

"This is the result of close cooperation and the integration of various advanced solutions, rotary, machine and machine control systems provides a better overall experience where the common customer is the focus," says Fredrik Eklind.

In fact, the integration goes so far that from the next Dig Assist update, the customer will be able to clearly see that it is an Engcon connected in Dig Assist because the graphic interface in Dig Assist uses Engcon's corporate color. Other smart value-added customer features linked to the exchange of information between Volvo Dig Assist and Engcon's DC2 control system can be expected when this update becomes current.

"Machine control is an important tool for today's operators, as is the rotary attachment, a combination where both parties exchange information so that the customer can take full advantage of both tools," Fredrik Eklind explains.

The project with Engcon eML and Volvo Smart Connect* has resulted in the first compatible machines reaching workshops and future Volvo and Engcon customers in the first quarter of 2021.

"The project and the close cooperation between Volvo and Engcon will continue. Our ambition is to launch more Volvo machine models with the Volvo Smart Connect option by 2021 and that we will continue to work together to develop intelligent and integrated solutions," concludes Fredrik Eklind.

*Volvo Smart Connect is Volvo's solution for an open interface for collaborative tool manufacturers, making it possible to install and integrate an Engcon rotary attachment with DC2 control system into a compatible and prepared Volvo excavator.