Pennsylvania Pavement Marking Contractor Combines LiDAR Mapping and Robotic Layout Technology to Reduce Roadway Exposure
RED LION, Pa. — Sept. 23, 2026 — D.E. Gemmill, Inc. is bringing robotic automation to roadway construction in a new application, becoming the first U.S. company to deploy robotic plotter technology for transverse-joint layout.
The Central Pennsylvania pavement marking and roadway safety contractor has already put the technology to work on its first two roadway projects, combining LiDAR mapping with automated robotic layout to replace portions of a traditionally manual process.
Instead of requiring workers to physically walk the roadway to locate and mark transverse joints, D.E. Gemmill can capture joint locations using LiDAR technology and later transfer that positioning data to a robotic plotter for automated layout.
WATCH: See D.E. Gemmill’s LiDAR and robotic layout technology in action.
From Roadway Scan to Robotic Layout
The process begins before paving. After the existing asphalt is milled and the underlying concrete roadway is exposed, D.E. Gemmill’s Auto Layout truck uses LiDAR technology to scan and capture the locations of existing concrete joints. That information is then processed into precise positioning data.
After the roadway is paved, the positioning data is uploaded for use by the robotic plotter, which travels the new pavement surface and marks the transverse-joint locations needed for the subsequent saw-and-seal operation.
The result is a more automated approach to a process that traditionally requires considerable time and physical labor on the roadway.
Technology Focused on Safety and Efficiency
For D.E. Gemmill, the investment is about more than introducing new equipment. It is part of the company’s broader effort to use technology to improve how roadway work is performed.
“Over our 40 years in business, we’ve seen our industry change significantly and continue to move toward new technology and automation. We believe it’s important to embrace the technologies that can position us for the future — especially when they can improve safety for our employees, reduce the time and crew resources required on projects, and allow us to move more efficiently from one project to the next. These investments also give us the opportunity to expand our capabilities and provide services that may not currently be widely available throughout our service area.”
— Dave Gemmill, President/Owner, D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
Automating portions of the layout process can reduce repetitive bending and other physical demands associated with manual roadway layout while also reducing the amount of time multiple employees need to spend physically on the roadway.
As D.E. Gemmill expands its use of the technology, operators will also have the ability to control the robot from a vehicle, further reducing personnel exposure to traffic.
Combining LiDAR Data With Robotic Layout
D.E. Gemmill’s implementation connects LiDAR roadway scanning and data processing with automated robotic field layout, creating a streamlined workflow from data collection through final pavement layout.
D.E. Gemmill is the first company in the United States to use the Tyker Robotic Plotter for transverse-joint layout and is among fewer than 10 U.S. companies currently implementing the autonomous layout technology.
“D.E. Gemmill is the first company in the U.S. to utilize this technology for transverse-joint layout, demonstrating a new application for robotic layout in roadway construction.”
— Alex Coyle, Director of Geospatial Solutions, SOLO GS
While transverse-joint layout is D.E. Gemmill’s initial application, the technology creates opportunities for additional precision-layout applications as the company continues to expand its use of LiDAR, automation and robotics across pavement marking and roadway projects.
About D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
Founded in 1986, D.E. Gemmill, Inc. is celebrating 40 years in business in 2026.
The company’s Pavement Marking & Maintenance Division, headquartered in Central Pennsylvania, serves Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, providing pavement marking and maintenance, hydroblasting and marking removal, Auto Layout with LiDAR technology, robotic layout, in-house traffic sign manufacturing, sign installation and roadway safety services.
D.E. Gemmill Signs & Safety, established in 1999, serves contractors, municipalities, public works departments, utilities, schools and universities, facilities, emergency services organizations, businesses and more through its York, Pennsylvania retail store and e-commerce operation, shipping products nationwide. The division provides traffic signs and custom signage, preformed thermoplastic pavement markings, traffic control and roadway safety products, PPE and high-visibility apparel, equipment rentals and training.
Learn more about D.E. Gemmill’s Pavement Marking & Maintenance capabilities at degemmill.com and D.E. Gemmill Signs & Safety at degemmillsignsandsafety.com.
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Media Contact
Denise Kessler
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
717-817-1430
denise@degemmill.com
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