D.E. Gemmill says it is the first U.S. company to use the Tyker Robotic Plotter to mark transverse-joint locations on newly paved roads. The robot transfers positions captured before paving onto the finished surface; it does not pave the road or perform the later saw-and-seal work.
How the robotic roadway-layout process works
The workflow preserves the locations of existing concrete joints while a road is milled and repaved. It uses separate tools and stages: LiDAR captures the original positions, data processing carries them through the paving work, and the plotter marks them on the new surface.
- Capture the existing joints. After asphalt is milled to expose the underlying concrete roadway, D.E. Gemmill uses an Auto Layout truck equipped with LiDAR to record the concrete-joint locations.
- Process the positions. The captured locations are converted into positioning data so they can be used after paving.
- Upload the data after paving. The positioning data is transferred to the Tyker Robotic Plotter once the new pavement is in place.
- Mark the new surface. The plotter travels over the pavement and marks where the transverse joints are to be laid out for subsequent saw-and-seal work.
D.E. Gemmill describes the process on its robotic roadway layout service page, and its September 23, 2026 announcement also outlines the deployment.
What the plotter does—and what remains separate
The plotter automates marking joint positions on the new pavement. It does not replace the LiDAR survey: the survey happens before paving and records the existing locations that the robot will later mark. Nor does the plotter carry out the saw-and-seal operation. That work follows the layout as a separate downstream step.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 🎯 Precision Stake-Out Tool – Designed to enhance accuracy with robotic total stations.
- 🔧 RS150M Compatible – Perfectly fits RS150M mini prism models.
- 🚧 Durable Field-Ready Design – Built to endure demanding site conditions.
- 📏 Highly Visible Red Color – Easy to locate in dynamic work zones.
- ⚙️ Ideal for Surveying Professionals – Supports efficient and reliable layout tasks.
This is a targeted use of automation in roadway construction, not an autonomous paving system. The reported application is transferring existing transverse-joint locations across a repaving job.
What D.E. Gemmill says about the U.S. deployment
D.E. Gemmill characterizes its use of the Tyker Robotic Plotter for transverse-joint layout as the first in the United States. For Construction Pros and the Central Penn Business Journal also reported the announcement, but the available coverage does not establish an independently audited nationwide deployment count. The “first” claim should therefore be understood as the company’s claim about this specific application, rather than a verified first use of robotics in road construction generally.
Rank #2
- 🎯 Precision Stake-Out Tool – Designed to enhance accuracy with robotic total stations.
- 🔧 RS150M Compatible – Perfectly fits RS150M mini prism models.
- 🚧 Durable Field-Ready Design – Built to endure demanding site conditions.
- 📏 Highly Visible Red Color – Easy to locate in dynamic work zones.
- ⚙️ Ideal for Surveying Professionals – Supports efficient and reliable layout tasks.
The company says the plotter has been used on its first two roadway projects. Trade coverage identifies them as Pennsylvania highway projects, but the projects are not named in the available reports. D.E. Gemmill also says it is among fewer than 10 U.S. companies implementing autonomous layout technology; that is a company-reported figure, not an independently surveyed industry count.
D.E. Gemmill says it first encountered the technology at the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Convention & Traffic Expo in early 2026. The company provides roadway marking and safety services in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
Rank #3
- 🎯 Precise 25.4 mm Mini Prism – Offers high accuracy and compact design for tight or angled setups.
- 🔄 Swivel & Tilt Functions – Allows full flexibility for alignment and precise positioning.
- 🧲 Magnetic Base – Strong magnet ensures secure placement on metal surfaces during use.
- 💎 Silver-Coated Prism – Delivers enhanced reflectivity and long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
- ⚙️ Compatible with Robotic Total Stations – Ideal for professionals in surveying, construction, and engineering.
Potential benefits—and what has not been measured
D.E. Gemmill presents robotic layout as a way to reduce manual marking, limit the time multiple workers need to spend physically on the roadway, reduce repetitive bending, and improve crew and project-time efficiency. Those are the company’s stated aims and expected benefits. The available announcements do not report measured time savings, accuracy figures, cost comparisons, injury results, or controlled comparisons with manual layout.
Dave Gemmill, the company’s president and owner, said the investment reflects a desire to improve employee safety, reduce crew resources and project time, and expand the company’s capabilities. Alex Coyle, director of geospatial solutions at SOLO GS, described the deployment as a new application of robotic layout in roadway construction. These comments explain the companies’ rationale; they are not independent performance results.
Rank #4
- 🎯 Precision Alignment: RSMP380-S mini prism ensures accurate targeting and reliable results for survey and layout tasks.
- 🧲 Magnetic Mount Included: Comes with RSMF12-S magnetic pot for secure and quick attachment to metal surfaces.
- 🛠️ Robotic Total Station Compatible: Optimized for use with robotic total stations, making it ideal for advanced surveying operations.
- 🎨 Color Options: Available in grey or red to suit your visibility or project preference.
- 🧱 Durable Construction: Built with robust materials to withstand daily field use and harsh conditions.
What is still unknown
The reports do not specify the plotter’s precise model specifications, positional accuracy, operating limits, price, or public purchase channel. They also do not identify the two projects or provide independently measured safety, productivity, cost, or accuracy outcomes. The evidence supports a description of the workflow and the reported deployment, but not a quantitative assessment of how much better it performs than manual layout.
Sources: D.E. Gemmill announcement, September 23, 2026; D.E. Gemmill service page; For Construction Pros; Central Penn Business Journal, September 24, 2026; Traffic Technology Today, September 24, 2026.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✅ Full 360-Degree Reflective Coverage – This prism features multiple reflective surfaces, allowing the total station to lock onto it from any horizontal angle, eliminating dead zones and improving survey efficiency.
- ✅ High-Precision Optics – The high-quality reflective prisms provide accurate angle and distance measurements, making them ideal for high-precision surveying applications.
- ✅ Universal 5/8"-11 Thread – Comes with a yellow extension pole adapter, featuring the standard 5/8"-11 survey thread for direct attachment to all common surveying poles, rovers, and tripods.
- ✅ Durable & Field-Ready Build – The prism housing is made of rugged, impact-resistant plastic, built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Includes a padded red carrying bag for protection during transport.
- ✅ Versatile Compatibility – Compatible with other major brands of total stations, making it a versatile tool for land surveyors and construction engineers.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
