LAS VEGAS, NV, Feb 25, 2026 – Xwatch Safety Solutions and RodRadar, developer of the Live Dig Radar (LDR), have introduced what they describe as the first safety-grade system to prevent underground utility strikes. The platform stops excavator bucket movement in real time when it detects subsurface utilities during excavation. The companies will demonstrate the system at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026.
RodRadar embeds ground-penetrating radar (GPR) inside the excavator bucket, enabling its AI-driven LDR to detect underground utilities during excavation without relying on pre-project utility data. When LDR identifies a buried asset, the RodRadar-Xwatch integration sends a signal to Xwatch’s safety-grade hydraulic control system. The hydraulic control system then stops bucket movement before contact occurs. The approach connects subsurface detection with automatic machine control to reduce the risk of utility strikes.
The integration shifts excavation safety from operator alerts to machine intervention. The change mirrors the automotive industry’s move from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) warnings to autonomous emergency braking that prevents collisions. The platform acts automatically to prevent contact during excavation. RodRadar calls it Stop-Before-Strike (SBS), adding automated protection while retaining override capability.
“RodRadar has solved the detection problem during excavation,” said Dan Leaney, director of sales at Xwatch Safety Solutions. “By integrating their Live Dig Radar technology directly into our safety-grade hydraulic control, we can physically stop the machine before a strike occurs. That’s the difference between warning about a risk and actually preventing it.”
“Xwatch’s proven track record in safety-grade hydraulic control makes them an ideal partner to bring our Zero-Strike vision to reality,” said Yuval Barnea, VP of sales and marketing at RodRadar. “The integration further closes the safety gap, transforming LDR detections into automatic strike prevention and delivering the industry’s first-ever SBS solution. We envision this to be recommended and mandated by leading industry stakeholders, project owners, and contractors.”
Source: Xwatch Safety Solutions
About Xwatch Safety Solutions
Xwatch Safety Solutions develops safety control systems for heavy machinery used in construction and related industries. The company supplies height and slew control systems, rated capacity indicators, and machine movement limitation technology. Its products support excavators and other equipment operating near hazards and overhead or underground assets. Xwatch serves equipment manufacturers, plant hire companies, contractors, and infrastructure operators. The company was founded in 2018. It is headquartered in England, United Kingdom. Xwatch operates internationally through distribution and integration partners. In 2024, Xwatch became part of Hexagon, adding its safety control products to Hexagon’s construction technology portfolio.
About RodRadar
RodRadar develops underground utility detection technology for excavation and construction work. Its main product is Live Dig Radar, which embeds ground-penetrating radar in an excavator bucket to detect buried utilities in real time during digging without relying on pre-project data. The company serves contractors, equipment owners, and infrastructure operators in civil construction and utility sectors. RodRadar was founded in 2013. It is headquartered in Rinatya, Israel. RodRadar designs its technology to help operators identify underground assets during excavation and reduce the risk of utility strikes. The company works with equipment partners and distributors to expand into North America, Europe, and other regions.