Managing exceptional structures.
Large-scale civil engineering — railway tunnels, major structures, dams, underground infrastructure — deploys machinery and equipment of exceptional complexity and power. Tunnel boring machines (TBM), drilling rigs, large-span overhead cranes, long-distance ventilation systems, spoil handling and treatment installations — these systems require robust automation capable of operating continuously, often in hostile environments (dust, humidity, vibrations, extreme temperatures).
AUTOM Technologies is one of the very few French engineering firms to have developed the complete control system for a large-diameter tunnel boring machine, as part of the TELT-LTF Lyon-Turin project. This unique reference demonstrates our ability to design complex, multi-manufacturer and multi-technology systems for major national and international infrastructure projects.
How we operate
Control systems for civil engineering machinery
We develop control systems for civil engineering machinery: tunnel boring machines, drilling rigs, high-capacity handling equipment, automated formwork systems. These systems integrate movement management (hydraulic and electric servo-systems), pressure and flow regulation loops, safety systems (emergency stops, load monitoring, anti-collision) and operator interfaces. Robustness and maintainability are priority design criteria for this type of machinery.
Study, development, integration and qualification (FAT/SAT)
Our involvement covers the entire project lifecycle: requirements analysis and interface definition, control architecture design, PLC and HMI software development, equipment integration in workshop, FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) on simulation bench, then SAT (Site Acceptance Tests) on the real structure. The FAT phase is particularly critical for civil engineering machinery, allowing system behaviour to be validated in scenarios that are difficult to reproduce in operation.
Multi-manufacturer integration
Major civil engineering projects involve numerous equipment suppliers (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, instrumentation) whose systems must be consistently integrated. We perform the role of system integrator: interface definition between subsystems, selection and deployment of industrial communication networks, synchronisation of operational sequences and documentation management for the entire integration.
Flagship project
TELT-LTF Lyon-Turin — TBM FEDERICA
The Lyon-Turin railway tunnel (TELT-LTF) is one of the largest railway infrastructure projects in Europe. AUTOM Technologies developed the complete control system for the TBM FEDERICA tunnel boring machine, a large-diameter excavation unit (10.4 m diameter) tasked with boring the project’s exploratory galleries. Our scope covered full PLC software development (Siemens TIA Portal), embedded operator HMIs, interfaces with mechanical and hydraulic subsystems, and comprehensive FAT testing on a simulation bench prior to deployment on the French-Italian construction site. This project exemplifies our capacity to deliver complex systems under absolute performance and reliability requirements.
Why choose AUTOM Technologies for your Construction project?
AUTOM Technologies brings a rare combination of civil engineering domain knowledge and industrial automation expertise to construction projects. Our engineers are experienced in the specific constraints of large-scale worksites — harsh environments, tight schedules, multi-contractor coordination and strict safety regulations. Holding ATEX and IRATA qualifications where required, we integrate seamlessly with project management teams and adapt our methodologies to the fast-paced reality of construction. Our references with TELT-LTF (Lyon-Turin tunnel) and major French civil works contractors demonstrate our ability to deliver mission-critical automation systems on time and to specification.
Do you have a Construction or Civil Engineering project?
Whether your project involves an excavation machine, a major structure or a complex site installation, AUTOM Technologies brings the control system expertise and systems integration capability needed for its success. Our Lyon-Turin reference demonstrates our ability to take on technically exceptional challenges.