The modern construction site is rapidly evolving from a landscape of manually controlled machinery into a highly coordinated ecosystem of intelligent, semi-autonomous vehicles. This technological shift is driven by the urgent need to enhance operational safety, boost efficiency, and overcome persistent labor shortages. At the core of this transformation lies the emergence of powerful, ruggedized edge AI computers, which serve as the brains for the next generation of smart construction equipment. These advanced systems are engineered to process vast amounts of sensor data in real time, directly on the vehicle, enabling sophisticated functions like collision avoidance, automated operations, and comprehensive situational awareness. A prime example of this enabling technology is the NEXCOM ATC 3563, a device specifically designed to bring high-performance artificial intelligence to the demanding and unpredictable environments of cranes, excavators, and heavy-duty trucks, fundamentally changing how these machines perceive and interact with their surroundings.
The Fusion of Brawn and Brains
Built for the Battlefield of Construction
The operational reliability of any onboard computer in a construction environment is directly tied to its physical resilience. The ATC 3563 is engineered from the ground up to withstand the relentless punishment of a typical jobsite, which includes constant, severe vibration from engine and ground-level activity, jarring shocks from heavy-duty tasks, and pervasive dust. Its compact, fanless design not only prevents the ingress of harmful particulates that can cause system failure but also eliminates a common point of mechanical failure, ensuring longevity. This ruggedization is validated by its certification to the MIL-STD-810H military standard for shock and vibration resistance, guaranteeing consistent performance during the most demanding operations. Furthermore, its ability to function flawlessly across an extreme temperature spectrum, from a frigid -25°C to a sweltering 60°C, ensures that vehicles equipped with this technology can be deployed in virtually any climate without risk of performance degradation, making it a truly dependable computational core for global fleets.
High-Performance AI at the Core
Complementing its rugged exterior is a formidable AI processing engine powered by NVIDIA’s advanced Jetson Orin platform. The system is offered in scalable configurations to meet diverse computational needs. The top-tier models, featuring the NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ NX System-on-Module, deliver an immense 157 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS) of AI inference performance. This level of power is critical for running multiple complex neural networks simultaneously for tasks like real-time object recognition, personnel detection, and obstacle avoidance. For applications with less intensive requirements, models utilizing the Jetson Orin Nano™ SoM still provide a robust 67 TOPS, more than sufficient for many advanced safety and monitoring functions. This onboard processing capability allows the vehicle to make instantaneous, data-driven decisions locally, without relying on a connection to a remote server. This is crucial for mission-critical safety features where even a millisecond of latency can make a significant difference in preventing an accident or improving operational precision.
Comprehensive Awareness and Seamless Integration
Achieving 360-Degree Network Vision
A major leap forward in construction vehicle safety is the elimination of blind spots, a common cause of serious accidents. The ATC 3563 is designed to create a comprehensive “network vision” system by aggregating data from multiple sensors. It features eight Gigabit Ethernet Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) ports, which dramatically simplify the installation of IP cameras and LiDAR sensors. This technology allows a single cable to provide both a high-speed data connection and electrical power, removing the need for separate, complex power wiring for each sensor. The availability of both standard RJ45 and rugged, vibration-resistant M12 X-coded connectors provides installation flexibility for different vehicle types and operational severities. By connecting and synchronizing up to eight high-definition video streams, the system can stitch together a seamless 360-degree panoramic view around the vehicle. This “surround view” provides the operator with unparalleled situational awareness, effectively removing all blind spots and significantly enhancing safety during complex maneuvers.
Designed for the Mobile Environment
Integrating advanced electronics into the complex electrical systems of heavy machinery presents a unique set of challenges. The ATC 3563 is engineered to integrate seamlessly into this mobile environment. It supports a wide DC power input range of 9V to 36V, making it compatible with the diverse power systems found in everything from small loaders to massive cranes. An intelligent ignition control feature allows the computer to power on and off automatically with the vehicle’s engine, ensuring efficient power usage and preventing battery drain. To protect against the voltage spikes and drops common in heavy-duty vehicles, the system is fortified with built-in Overcurrent Protection (OCP) and Overvoltage Protection (OVP), safeguarding its sensitive internal components and ensuring stable, long-term operation. This thoughtful power design is essential for maintaining system reliability and data integrity while on the move, transforming the computer into a natural extension of the vehicle itself rather than a fragile add-on.
Enabling the Always-Connected Smart Vehicle
The true potential of intelligent vehicles was unlocked through continuous and reliable connectivity. The ATC 3563 was designed with this principle in mind, featuring optional expansion for advanced wireless modules, including 5G NR, LTE, and Wi-Fi 5/6. This persistent link to a central network transformed isolated machines into interconnected data hubs within a smart jobsite. This capability enabled a new class of powerful functionalities, such as the remote monitoring of vehicle health and performance metrics, which allowed for predictive maintenance schedules that minimized costly downtime. It also facilitated the deployment of over-the-air updates to the AI models, allowing their safety algorithms and operational capabilities to be continuously improved based on real-world data. This adaptability, supported by a stable software foundation in NEXCOM Acceleration Linux, established the platform as a cornerstone for applications ranging from crane automation and fleet-wide safety systems to comprehensive intelligent jobsite management, proving its value as a key enabler of a safer and more efficient construction future.
