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IN CONSTRUCTION 2026 A N A LY S I N G T H E L AT E S T T E C H N O L O GY, P R O D U C T S A N D S E R V I C E S
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CONTENTS
DIGITALISATION
IN CONSTRUCTION 2026
CONTENTS The continued development of digital technology is creating new opportunities to improve construction efficiency, accelerate operations and minimise rework and material waste. An expanding range of solutions is giving contractors greater choice, while improved compatibility is making it easier to integrate new technologies into existing operations.
04 WIRTGEN
Wirtgen Group technologies help to deliver greater process reliability in road construction.
08 CIFA
CIFA believes its new digital platform can deliver greater productivity and efficiency in day-to-day fleets.
10 LIEBHERR
Liebherr is combining intelligent assistance systems, teleoperation and connectivity to bring greater efficiency, precision and flexibility to crawler dozers and the modern jobsite.
12 KOMATSU
How smart technology can help modernise operations, improve efficiency and futureproof quarries.
14 LEICA GEOSYSTEMS
16 PROLEC–TRIMBLE
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IN CONSTRUCTION 2026 A N A LY S I N G T H E L AT E S T T E C H N O L O GY, P R O D U C T S A N D S E R V I C E S
A new partnership between Prolec and Trimble will help to boost safety around construction machines.
18 AMMANN
Ammann is using process automation to help asphalt producers streamline plant operations and improve the flow of materials and vehicles.
22 BENTLEY SYSTEMS
Building a smarter future
Major road and bridge projects from around the world are among the finalists in Bentley Systems’ 2026 Year in Infrastructure Awards.
24 JOHN DEERE
John Deere is now offering its sophisticated and proven autonomy machine technology to OEMs.
From manual methods to automated accuracy, the past 30 years have seen huge advances in paving technology.
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GLOBAL OUTLOOK DIGITALISATION IN CONSTRUCTION 2026
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PRECISION CONSTRUCTION Wirtgen Group technologies help deliver greater process reliability in road construction.
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he construction industry faces the challenges of realising projects under the pressures of increasingly demanding framework conditions. Higher standards regarding quality and efficiency go hand-in-hand with increasing costs and a global shortage of skilled workers in the labour-intensive construction sector. Against this background, there is greater focus on the digitalisation of construction processes across the industry. This is because there is growing demand for the realisation of construction projects with a high degree of process reliability and consistent quality. To achieve this balance, technologies that make construction processes more transparent, assist the people on the ground, and enable compliance with the stipulated quality standards are becoming more and more important. The Wirtgen Group already develops and integrates technologies that address these challenges.
Wirtgen Group has combined two key developments from Precision Construction in contemporary road construction: Smart Automation for more precise and efficient machine operations on the construction site; and Jobsite Intelligence for the intelligent utilisation of data from the construction site and machines. The interaction of these two areas makes it possible to improve production processes and thus achieve reproducible results in road construction. The real value emerges when this information is brought together across the entire construction process. Jobsite Intelligence creates the basis for data-driven decision-making at any phase in the realisation of an entire construction project. Real-time information from
machines, construction sites, and work processes is brought together in one place and enables construction managers to make data-driven decisions even when they are not present in person on the construction site. The John Deere Operations Center is the Wirtgen Group’s digital solutions platform for optimising processes, machine utilisation and services. Today, many construction companies already rely on telematics and process solutions for monitoring construction sites as an aid to satisfying growing demands in productivity, efficiency and process documentation. The application for Jobsite and Fleet Management is the collecting point for all relevant information from the various phases
PRECISION CONSTRUCTION FOR BETTER RESULTS Precision Construction describes an approach in which digital technologies are used to make construction processes more predictable, more transparent, and reproducible. The latest sensor technologies and digital platforms enable continuous monitoring of processes and quality control. The goal is a result that can be reproduced on any number of construction sites and different projects. This approach is particularly important in the road construction sector, where the work almost always involves numerous closely interconnected process phases, from planning and milling to asphalt paving and compaction. And given each step on the way to completion affects the final result, even the smallest deviations from target values can have a negative effect on all subsequent steps and influence factors such as material consumption and the eventual service life of a road. To provide support to construction companies in these processes, the
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DIGITALISATION
of an ongoing project. This not only gives users insights into the performance data of individual machines but also allows them to track the progress of entire construction sites in near real-time. At the same time, it allows the definition of project-specific targets and their comparison with actual progress during the realisation of a project. The John Deere Operations Center acts as an interface between operators and machines on the construction site and the offices of site managers and resource planners. It is also where the data collected by the Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker (WPT) solutions are brought together. These applications collect process data during milling, asphalt paving, or compaction. The use of ‘WPT’, plus the corresponding name of the construction process (ie WPT Milling, WPT Paving, WPT Compacting), refers to all solutions or machine options that use specialised sensor technology on a machine to collect performance data related to the tasks being performed. This results in comprehensive digital documentation of the construction site that goes far beyond conventional production reports.
Performance data is stored in the John Deere Operations Center and offers a comprehensive overview of construction projects by providing multifaceted and detailed insights into every phase of the process chain; for example, the distance and volume of material milled, paved and compacted areas, and much more. Intelligently linking the data from the various stages of asphalt paving and compaction makes it possible to generate a comprehensive representation of the road structure – a ‘digital core sample’ – that shows exactly what work has been carried out at each specific location on the construction site and under what conditions. The solutions WPT Paving and WPT Compacting, for instance, enable transparency through layer-by-layer tracking of the entire paving process. The data can include the paving speed, paving temperatures at individual locations, surface temperature values, and how many roller passes there were and in what order. This level of detail gives construction teams a clearer basis for monitoring progress, verifying quality and making informed decisions.
The Wirtgen Group does not offer solutions only for individual machines, but a complete and seamless system for the collection, analysis and documentation of production data from beginning to end of the construction process. This delivers the transparency needed to understand processes, identify opportunities, and make fact-driven decisions. Jobsite Intelligence solutions from the Wirtgen Group create the basis for making data-driven decisions; however, to make the information gathered immediately usable in the field, it must first be integrated directly into the machine processes. This is the task of Smart Automation. AUTOMATION THE KEY TO REPRODUCIBLE RESULTS The analysis of construction site and performance data provides the basis for identifying potential for improvement. The next step is to enable the direct utilisation of this knowledge in the construction process. This is exactly where Smart Automation comes in: the Wirtgen Group enables the automation of machine processes based on digital planning data and thereby ensures that specified target values are accurately maintained throughout the entire construction process. Smart Automation stands for precise removal and paving of asphalt along virtual stringlines defined by digital terrain models. The planning data communicated to the John Deere Operations Center is checked for validity and feasibility and transmitted to selected machines via a cellular communication link, where it is used for automated control of the milling depth or the positioning of a paver and precise geometrical alignment of the paving screed.
With Precision Construction, the Wirtgen Group combines digital solutions for the collection, analysis, and utilisation of construction site data.
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To make it easier for users to work with digital terrain models, the Wirtgen Group makes use of the Work Planner in the John Deere Operations Center. Surveying and planning data are integrated, analysed and evaluated for their practical viability for automation. Key parameters such as the milling area, milling volume, and minimum, maximum and average milling depths are transparently displayed before the work begins. In addition, the system identifies potential problems in the planning data at an early stage and alerts users to them before the machines begin their work on site. This makes it easier to assess the feasibility of a project in advance. After passing the checks, the project data is transmitted to the selected machines via a cellular communication link. Automated process execution starts in the milling process. The Wirtgen solution Smart Level Pro enables automatic control of the milling depth and cross slope on the basis of digital planning data. This makes it possible to maintain nominal values more reliably and create an even foundation for the subsequent process steps. The extremely precise realisation of the planned milling depth means operators can focus more on steering the machine while the milling drum assembly is automatically controlled according to the specified parameters. In asphalt paving, Vögele builds on this approach with Smart Pave, in which the paver’s complete steering functions and the screed width are fully automated on the basis of the digital reference. This enables the realisation of greater paving accuracy and process reliability. Automated steering enables the paving of very straight edges, helps to use resources more efficiently and avoids excess material.
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It also reduces the workload for screed operators, as they are exposed to hazards in immediate danger zones less frequently, especially when working in moving traffic. Automation solutions from Hamm are also used in compaction. Applications such as Track Assist and Smart Compact Pro help to ensure the required compaction quality across the entire paved surface. Relevant process data is continuously collected and provide roller drivers with information about already compacted areas and the number of compacting passes. Smart Compact Pro enables compaction to a pre-defined target value. This avoids over-compaction, as the roller stops the compaction process as soon as the specified value has been reached. The complete integration of the systems is a significant advantage. The control systems are directly integrated in the
Wirtgen Group: www.wirtgen-group.com/en
The ‘digital core sample’ provides a comprehensive representation of the road structure by linking data from the various stages of the asphalt paving process.
Images: Wirtgen Group
All recorded performance data is collected in the John Deere Operations Center and can be accessed in real time.
machines and can be accessed and used via the familiar operating interfaces. No additional hardware or complex retrofit solutions are required, reducing training and making it easier to implement digital workflows in everyday operations on the construction site. Together, these technologies are helping to turn reproducibility from an aspiration into a practical standard for road construction. The necessary technologies are already available today. With solutions like the Performance Trackers, Smart Level Pro, Smart Pave, and other automation systems, the Wirtgen Group offers users a coordinated portfolio. These solutions contribute to making data usable throughout the value chain, enable the use of digital assistance systems and automation technologies in milling, paving and compaction processes, and provide transparent and verifiable documentation of compliance with defined quality requirements at every stage of the road construction process chain. Precision Construction is much more than just another digitalisation trend. It describes a shift toward a road construction process chain in which data, machines and people work more closely together. The Wirtgen Group is already actively shaping this development and helps customers to utilise and exploit the potentials of digital technologies in day-to-day operations on their project sites.
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Koma
Komatsu PC220LCi-12
Introducing the most advanced excavator ever designed – the Komatsu PC220LCi-12. Built on the all-new powerful 129 kW high torque Komatsu engine and paired with the new high efficiency electronically controlled hydraulic system, this machine achieves 18% reduction in average fuel consumption, compared to the previous model. With the new generation intelligent Machine Control (iMC) 3.0 technology, this cuttingedge machine offers unique-in-the-market features such as auto-swing, swing-to-line and travel-along-line.
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Image: CIFA
DIGITALISATION
CIFA’s new cloud-based platform can deliver efficient fleet management.
DELIVERING EFFICIENCY WITH CIFA’S FOCUS ON DIGITALISATION CIFA believes its new digital platform can deliver greater productivity and efficiency in day-to-day fleet.
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n the construction industry, where operational efficiency, service continuity, and cost control are increasingly strategic priorities, the ability to quickly access machine data represents a tangible competitive advantage. To meet these needs, CIFA provides its customers with CIFA Vista, the cloud-based platform developed to remotely monitor and manage entire fleets, offering simple and immediate access to key operational and diagnostic information. Accessible from any connected device, CIFA Vista enables users to view real-time data such as GPS location, operating hours, consumption data, productivity, pumped cubic metres, fuel usage and kilometres travelled, as well as the overall health status of the machines. In addition, the GeoLeash feature means truck movements can be monitored to help prevent theft. The system is designed to help fleet managers, site supervisors and operators
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“One of the platform’s key advantages is the ability to continuously monitor machine performance and receive diagnostic information that helps identify potential issues at an early stage” make faster, more informed decisions and to support maintenance planning based on actual machine usage data. Having this information available in real-time can also help operators stay ahead of maintenance requirements and potential downtime.
One of the platform’s key advantages is the ability to continuously monitor machine performance and receive diagnostic information that helps identify potential issues at an early stage. This approach makes it possible to intervene before a problem leads to machine downtime, while also reducing idle time, improving service planning and lowering operating costs. Scheduled maintenance also becomes easier to manage thanks to the ability to monitor actual equipment usage and plan interventions based on real-time operational data. The value of this data extends beyond day-to-day monitoring, providing a basis for longer-term performance improvements. Beyond operational monitoring, CIFA Vista provides tools to generate reports, compare parameters, and track machine performance over time. CIFA: www.cifa.com
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DIGITALISATION
Combining GNSS machine control technology, intelligent sensors and real-time data visualisation provides operators with an up-to-date site overview.
DIGITALISATION IS ALLOWING INTELLIGENT CRAWLER DOZERS TO TRANSFORM THE JOBSITE Liebherr is combining intelligent assistance systems, teleoperation and connectivity to bring greater efficiency, precision and flexibility to crawler dozers and the modern jobsite.
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he road construction and infrastructure sectors are evolving rapidly. Projects must be completed faster, more economically and more sustainably; meanwhile, skilled operators are increasingly difficult to find and requirements for precision and quality continue to increase. As a result, digital technologies are becoming more important, driving the development of solutions that intelligently connect machines, people and processes. With Liebherr Connect, advanced assistance systems for crawler dozers and the LiReCon teleoperation system, Liebherr is pursuing a holistic approach to increase jobsite efficiency, safety and productivity. These technologies work hand-in-hand. The digital jobsite of the future will not be delivered by a single innovation, but through the interaction of connected machines, intelligent operator assistance systems and new operating concepts. For operators, the benefits of this digital approach begin with greater precision, efficiency and control. Modern assistance systems are far more than comfort features; they help to optimise
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workflows, improve precision and sustainably increase productivity. These systems offer considerable benefits, particularly in road construction, where accurate grading and precise terrain profiles are essential. With its Definition Grade and Free Grade assistance systems, Liebherr already supports operators in conventional grading operations. Definition Grade automatically controls blade tilt according to a predefined target angle, while Free Grade actively stabilises the blade during fine grading. This allows level surfaces, ramps and embankments to be built faster and with greater accuracy. At the same time, operators are relieved of repetitive tasks and can focus more on their surroundings and overall jobsite conditions. For complex infrastructure and road construction projects, Liebherr dozers offer seamless compatibility with 3D machine control systems from leading manufacturers, assisted by deeply integrated factory-installed preparation kits. Based on digital terrain models, these systems automatically position the blade according to a predefined design profile. This enables demanding road alignments,
slopes and drainage structures to be executed efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy. The digital approach extends beyond machine control, with Liebherr’s Free Modelling assistance system giving operators the ability to create and modify simple 3D jobsite models directly from the crawler dozer cabin. This provides greater flexibility in the field, allowing operators to make adjustments directly within the model as site conditions change. Changes can then be implemented immediately, reducing the need for time-consuming coordination with external surveying teams and helping work continue with minimal disruption. By combining global navigation satellite system (GNSS) machine control technology, intelligent sensors and real-time data visualisation, operators always have an up-todate overview of the project. Models can be adapted and expanded flexibly, accelerating planning and execution processes while reducing potential sources of error. Operators are able to work with the most current information available at all times. These capabilities become particularly valuable as project conditions change.
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MyLiebherr Maintenance provides customers with a digital tool for predictive maintenance planning. Service activities can be scheduled in advance and maintenance windows can be utilised more effectively. In addition, MyLiebherr Performance enables detailed machine data analysis, helping operators reduce idle times, compare fuel consumption and identify opportunities for optimisation. The open architecture of Liebherr Connect also allows integration into existing fleet management systems. Furthermore, older machines can be retrofitted with connectivity solutions and integrated into the digital Liebherr ecosystem. Digitalisation in road construction extends beyond individual functions.
Advanced assistance systems support operators during demanding grading tasks, Free Modelling enables the creation of 3D site models directly on the jobsite, and LiReCon introduces new possibilities for remote machine operation. Through Liebherr Connect, these technologies are combined into a comprehensive digital ecosystem. The result is a generation of connected crawler dozers capable of collecting data, optimising processes and laying a foundation for future automation and autonomous functions. Liebherr demonstrates how digital technologies are already helping road construction becomes more efficient, safer and more economical today. Liebherr: www.liebherr.com
Liebherr’s latest generation dozers put assistance tools in the cab for operators.
Definition Grade automatically controls blade tilt according to a predefined target angle.
Images: Liebherr
In road construction projects, changes in terrain, weather influences or modifications to the construction plan can arise quickly. Liebherr’s Free Modelling system provides the flexibility to incorporate these changes directly into the digital model, allowing work to continue with minimal disruption. This helps to maintain smoother workflows while reducing the potential for costly rework. While assistance systems support operators inside the cabin, Liebherr is taking digitalisation one step further with its LiReCon teleoperation system, which enables construction machines to be operated remotely from a dedicated control station. Multiple cameras provide highresolution live images from various perspectives. These are complemented by microphones and additional sensor data, giving the operator a comprehensive view of the working environment. As a result, the dozer can be controlled precisely without the operator being physically present on the jobsite. This offers interesting opportunities for road construction applications. Machines can be deployed in areas that are difficult to access or involve increased safety risks. At the same time, shift changes can be carried out more efficiently, helping to reduce machine downtime. LiReCon also contributes to the evolution of the operator’s role. Instead of working exclusively from within the cabin, operators may in future supervise or control multiple machines from a modern working environment. The technology therefore not only improves safety but also offers new opportunities to address the growing shortage of skilled personnel. Unlocking the potential of assistance systems, teleoperation and digital workflows requires a connected digital infrastructure, which is where Liebherr Connect provides the foundation for the digital jobsite. This connectivity solution links machines, operators and digital services. Machine data is securely collected, transmitted and analysed. Equipment owners can use the MyLiebherr customer portal to gain access to relevant information about their machines and fleets at any time. This offers significant advantages, especially on larger road construction projects. Machine status, operating hours, fuel consumption and maintenance requirements can all be monitored centrally. Downtime can be reduced and resources can be planned more efficiently.
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THE MODERN QUARRY SITE: DRIVING EFFICIENCY AND UNLOCKING OPTIMISATION Komatsu Smart Quarry Site product manager Wouter Boon explains how smart technology can help modernise operations, improve efficiency and future-proof quarries.
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quipment productivity directly impacts revenue, meaning streamlined efficiency to ensure profitability is a critical priority at all quarries. Site managers must do more than just keep machines running; every process must be managed and optimised. The most cost-effective approach? Implementing digital tools that reduce downtime, measure material movement and production, monitor vehicle health, onsite safety and fuel consumption, and flag potential bottlenecks. You cannot manage what you cannot measure, so digital solutions are crucial to
remaining sustainable. Real-time virtual monitoring, predictive maintenance and fleet management systems are transforming how quarry managers operate. By creating live insights into equipment performance and site activity, technology can pinpoint inefficiencies, prevent costly downtime and streamline operations. This can also reduce the time managers need to spend on site, allowing them to focus on business-critical tasks such as efficiency improvement projects. Predictive maintenance through technology and smart solutions is also a critical consideration.
Instead of waiting for a machinery problem to arise, digital solutions can allow teams to detect potential issues before they escalate. Early alerts mean maintenance can be scheduled for during pre-planned downtime, avoiding disruptions to production, keeping operations consistent and avoiding financial losses. Integrated digital platforms can bring these capabilities together, giving quarry managers greater visibility and control over site operations. Komatsu Smart Quarry Site (SQSite) provides real-time monitoring of machine movement, loads, material flow,
Digital technology can allow quarry operations to lower operating costs.
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TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD Quarries are complex, high-output operations where machine usage directly impacts productivity, revenue and operational efficiency. MHI Gruppe, a quarry operator with multiple sites across Germany, recognised some challenges and sought a solution to optimise performance, reduce bottlenecks and improve resource utilisation. Manual tracking of fleet movements and material flow meant that operators had to record journeys on paper. This approach falls short in terms of the provision of in-depth or real-time data, resulting in the potential for
Smart technology is helping quarry operators improve productivity. errors and necessitating further effort from administrative teams to process. To address these issues, MHI Gruppe tested and implemented the SQSite solution, which is designed for a mixed fleet and is integrated with the machines’ Controller Area Network (CAN) to collect data on movement, load, error codes, fuel consumption and idling in real time. The digital solution provides operators with immediate feedback on optimal load levels and machine usage, helping to minimise idle time and improve efficiency. It also provides a real-time overview of the quarry, including material flow, enabling them to make more informed decisions without relying on manual reporting. The results have given MHI Gruppe greater insight into its operations while helping the team identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce resource waste. “The implementation of the digital solution has enabled the team to analyse quarry operations in greater depth,” MHI Gruppe technical assistant to the executive board Marius Landmann said. “Consequently, bottlenecks have been identified, trucks are now consistently
loaded to optimum levels and fuel usage has been reduced. We also anticipate further process enhancements and mitigation of equipment wear. “In my opinion, the system provides a substantial amount of information to support data-driven decision-making by management. Concurrently, functionalities such as the adjustable material mismatching rules offer significant added value to operators by providing active warnings when an incompatible product is about to be dumped on a stockpile.” By eliminating guesswork and improving accuracy, digital solutions are reducing errors and saving time that may have previously been used on completing administrative tasks or updating files. The future of the quarry industry depends on the adoption of digital tools that tackle key operational challenges, assessing jobsite needs, cycle time and fuel usage, which in turn drives stronger performance, smarter resource management and futureproofed operations. Smart Construction: www.smartconstruction.io
Data-driven insights are helping modern quarries operate more efficiently.
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fuel consumption and machine health, giving managers the data they need to reduce idle time, prevent bottlenecks and improve efficiency. With SQSite, operators receive immediate feedback on optimal load levels and machine usage, ensuring trucks are consistently loaded to capacity, further reducing fuel consumption, lowering potential equipment wear and keeping production on schedule. Operators also receive overload and overspread alerts, increasing safety across operations. With greater visibility across the site, managers can also make smarter decisions about how equipment and resources are deployed. Access to real-time data facilitates smarter machine deployment and strict resource and material management. By empowering managers to make proactive, data-driven decisions, technology solutions can help optimise efficiency and onsite productivity. Real-time tracking of assets such as trucks, loaders and dozers allows managers to allocate resources effectively avoiding bottlenecks or waiting periods to load machines. Beyond operational efficiency, digital transformation is shaping sustainability in quarrying by optimising resource use and minimising environmental impact through CO2. SQSite provides a comprehensive, realtime overview of the entire quarry, including material flow, allowing managers to make informed decisions, deploy resources more accurately and allocate equipment where it is needed most. By replacing manual tracking and reporting with automated data collection, SQSite technology can reduce errors, save time and ensure operational decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date information.
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DIGITALISATION
The use of 3D control technology was trialled almost 30 years ago.
THIRTY YEARS OF PAVING TECHNOLOGY: FROM MANUAL METHODS TO AUTOMATED ACCURACY The past 30 years have seen paving technology evolve from stringlines and manual control to automated workflows, according to AGTEK president Matthew Desmond.
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oad construction has always been a balancing act between delivery speed and cost. Paving 1km of road is said to cost around €923,000, with materials accounting for 97% of the total. Rework can add significantly to that cost, with the Construction Industry Institute estimating that it can account for up to 15% of the total project cost. As critical infrastructure, paving is regulated – for example, by the Standards for Highways in the UK – to ensure consistency and safety. This means precision is also critical. Even small errors in required pavement height can produce significant waste and rework, which, at such high outgoings, is not sustainable. In the face of these challenges, digital solutions have emerged to help improve accuracy and productivity. Technology has advanced rapidly throughout the industry, turning paving from a manual, stringline-guided craft into a connected digital workflow. The impact of paving technologies has meant up to 60% increase in surface accuracy, 50% reduction in project delivery time, and
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cost savings of up to 45%, thanks to less rework and reduced fuel consumption of up to 40%. FROM STRINGLINES TO SENSORS Accurate, consistent paving helps to ensure structural integrity and prevent long-term failures such as sinking, shifting under heavy loads, and tripping hazards. For most of the 20th century, accuracy depended on physical stringlines and the skill of the operator reading them. That changed in 1996 with the Leica Machine Guidance System (LMGS), a new positioning system that later developed into a 3D solution for enhanced visualisation in tunnels and other environments where stringlines were not practical. Three years later, the first truly autonomous machine control system for paving reached the market. Arriving well before GPS was mainstream, this system automated the construction process by guiding the paver to exact elevations, slopes and widths based on a predetermined digital computer-aided design (CAD). As a result, the operator only had to control the speed of the machine.
By 2013, 3D auto-steering and edge control were being applied to asphalt pavers, removing much of the manual adjustment that had previously governed surface quality. A decade later, in 2023, a milestone was achieved with the integration safety awareness technology directly into paving and milling systems, bringing realtime hazard detection onto machines that previously relied on operator vigilance. Advances in hardware performance have also produced set-ups that are cheaper, simpler to configure, and more adaptable. One example of this is the patented 1UP hardware configuration for 3D paving. Rather than relying on a dual-mast total station-only set-up, 1UP uses a single total station for height, paired with dual global navigation satellite system (GNSS) for heading, removing the need for real-time kinematic or correction services altogether. This means that if GNSS signals drop, operators can add a second total positioning system (TPS) to keep production moving. The configuration is currently used for paving, with plans to bring it to grade and dozer applications.
GLOBAL OUTLOOK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY 2026
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DIGITALISATION
Leica Geosystems: www.leica-geosystems.com Hexagon: www.hexagon.com AGTEK: www.agtek.com
The use of stringless technology for concrete paving was groundbreaking in the 1990s.
The use of paving control technology has reduced the time needed to carry out construction work while boosting quality.
Removing the need for stringlines on-site has delivered benefits to accuracy and productivity, while reducing trip hazards.
GLOBAL OUTLOOK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY 2026
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Images: Leica Geosystems
STANDARDISATION MATTERS AS MUCH AS THE SENSORS Ask engineers what has changed the most in the last three decades, and sensor technology is only part of the answer. The standardisation of data itself has been equally significant. Early workflows relied on point files and comma-delimited formats that were difficult to translate into machine-readable models. Transporting the data from the office to the machine was the other big bottleneck. It was common to copy a file onto 10 different floppy disks, in the hope that one of them would not be corrupted by the time you got to the machine. Today, standardised data can move from the engineer’s design directly to the machine via the cloud with minimal reformatting. Faster data transfer with less reformatting means quicker handovers and fewer errors, while standardised data makes it easier for operators to use different machines from different manufacturers. This standardisation has also enabled more flexibility. Sensor solutions that were once tied to a single application can now be used across grading, paving and other functions, giving contractors a more adaptable toolkit rather than separate systems for each task. The next stage is about connecting the data existing tools already generate, rather than adding more to the kit. The infrastructure sector may have been slower to digitise, but users stand to gain considerably from the tools available and the high-quality data they produce. Industry is already starting to see this in action. Each sensor, scheduling tool or vision system is compounded to build an ‘intelligence’ layer. Instead of adding more siloed data into the workflow, artificial intelligence (AI) agents are trained on existing data to feed into an orchestration layer, allowing scheduling, safety and cost to inform one another closer to real time. The direction of progress has been consistent since 1996. Less reliance on manual interpretation, more standardised data, and a gradual shift from isolated tools toward integrated systems. The next phase is less about the quality or application of the individual sensors and more about how the information is joined up.
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DIGITALISATION
PROLEC AND TRIMBLE TEAM UP FOR SITE SAFETY A new partnership between Prolec and Trimble will help boost safety around construction machines.
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K specialist Prolec has teamed up with Trimble to launch new site-wide plant safety technology. The partnership has developed a new application for the Trimble Earthworks grade control platform: SiteGuard Pro by Prolec. The new system is fully integrated with the Trimble Earthworks grade control platform. Trimble Earthworks is a digital construction ecosystem that allows planners, surveyors, designers, safety managers and operators a shared site view that connects design data, real-world conditions and machine activity across the jobsite. SiteGuard Pro’s digital role is to halt heavy plant machinery when preprogrammed virtual barriers, providing a protective ‘digital net’ around critical assets on the site, are at risk of being breached. “With this collaboration, Prolec is providing a height and slew limiter with automatic motion-inhibit capabilities – there
is no manual set-up,” Prolec managing director Nigel Shaw said. “These include site-referenced avoidance zones and 3D grade control for excavators in one seamless solution, all operated from the Trimble Earthworks display. “The solution prohibits the machine’s boom, stick, bucket or counterweight from entering restricted areas during typical excavation workflows. 3D avoidance zones are defined in the back office as ceilings, walls, floors or surfaces, providing enhanced onsite safety for large machines working in high-risk environments.” The integration is designed to give contractors greater control over machine movements while helping operators work more safely in complex environments. “Combining a trusted system from Prolec designed for improving safety with Trimble’s reliable machine control technology represents one of the most advanced
solutions for excavator operators,” Trimble senior vice president, civil construction Scott Crozier said. “Restricting machine movement within specified working zones makes it easier for contractors to work more safely and with greater confidence in potentially high-risk situations, including near overhead cables and traffic. “Any time we can provide technology that helps improve safety, while also improving project performance, we consider it a big win.” Prolec: www.prolec.co.uk Trimble: www.trimble.com/en
Image: Prolec
Digital safety zones help keep excavators clear of restricted areas.
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GLOBAL OUTLOOK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY 2026
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INTE
SAVE THE DATE The entire construction industry mobilised to build tomorrow better
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02/04/2026 10:23 23/9/2026 12:52 pm
DIGITALISATION
BETTER FLOW, REDUCED ASPHALT PLANT CONGESTION WITH AMMANN Ammann is using process automation to help asphalt producers streamline plant operations and improve the flow of materials and vehicles.
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an Ammann’s advanced as1 control system improve asphalt plant processes? According to a recent onsite evaluation of the as1 Loadout and as1 Weighing System, the answer is yes. Both modules integrated seamlessly with existing control systems, regardless of manufacturer.
The system is intuitive. Truckers know where to go, operators can easily monitor silo contents and fill levels. Even the printing of the delivery notice is intuitive. That is just a part of what makes the system so effective. The Loadout and Weighing System modules were evaluated on a competitive plant in Switzerland. The facility operates
three truck scales – two for outbound asphalt and one for inbound material (typically recyclables). The system’s benefits become particularly clear in the way it manages truck flow through the plant. The modules provide operators with realtime visibility of silo contents and fill levels,
The STREICHER operation uses Ammann’s as1 PIP to monitor plant performance and production data in real-time.
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GLOBAL OUTLOOK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY 2026
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DIGITALISATION
Plant performance and production data can be accessed via tablet.
which allows loading lots to be created and assigned directly from the control interface. Trucks are called forward using LED displays that show the vehicle’s license plate number and assigned silo. Traffic lights guide drivers into precise positions beneath the silos. Loading is initiated from the control room. Once complete, the system automatically captures a photo of the truck as proof of delivery (POD). Loading quantities and silo data are transmitted back to the plant control system to keep silo inventories synchronised. The process continues digitally once the truck has been weighed. After weighing, drivers proceed to a terminal to review and electronically sign the delivery note. Documents are printed automatically for the driver and simultaneously distributed electronically as PDFs to predefined recipients (such as the client). Relevant invoice data is exported in a standardised file format for processing by the customer’s billing system – in this case, MS2000 – eliminating manual entry that can lead to errors. The same level of automation extends to incoming material deliveries. The as1 Weighing System also manages inbound material flows, including recycling deliveries. Operators create weighing lots for incoming loads, capture gross and tare weights, and record images of delivered material as POD. GLOBAL OUTLOOK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY 2026
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DIGITALISATION
as1 PIP provides real-time plant data on a smartphone. All information is stored within the digital delivery note and is available for reporting, documentation and billing. By integrating the as1 Loadout and Weighing modules with existing systems, the facility achieved a more efficient and controlled loadout operation, showing how digital automation can bring value without disrupting core production processes. The benefits of digitalisation extend beyond the loadout process. Ammann has developed a proprietary digital solution that can help asphalt producers gain real-time insight into plant performance and production data. The Plant Information Point (PIP) module provides users with instant access to critical information – anytime and from anywhere. An enhancement of Ammann’s proprietary as1 Control System, PIP delivers real-time production figures, plant status, performance data and batch protocols. It also enables documentation and further analysis. One company using as1 PIP is MAX STREICHER GmbH & Co. KG.
Headquartered in Deggendorf, Germany, STREICHER was founded as a road construction company in 1909. Today, it operates 11 asphalt-mixing plants across Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia, and the Czech Republic. Hans Knogl, who began his career with the company more than 30 years ago, is now responsible for overseeing STREICHER’s asphalt-mixing plant operations. He recently offered insight regarding the company’s adoption of as1 PIP. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE AMMANN AS1 PIP? It was presented to us at a trade fair by Ammann employees. We liked the technology and decided to give it a try, then we started using it daily. HOW DID YOU INCORPORATE AS1 PIP AT YOUR BUSINESS? It was part of a control system upgrade at a plant. The PIP module was included in the package, and at an attractive price.
WHAT DROVE THE DECISION TO PURCHASE AS1 PIP FOR OTHER PLANTS? Because of the data we can access. We can view the status of the plant and any problems. The fill levels and temperatures are displayed. Even the document archive is available. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU ABOUT THE AS1 PIP? That I can see the plant status; for example, whether the plant is producing without problems or whether there are any issues. It gives the lab a great advantage. They can view all production logs and therefore track what was produced – and how. WHAT SAVINGS RESULT FROM AS1 PIP? It is difficult to estimate how much money we save with it, but it makes our daily work easier and, above all, we can intervene more quickly and are therefore more responsive.
as1 PIP gives operators a detailed view of plant performance on desktop.
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Images: Ammann
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE WITH AS1 PIP? We would like to see additional error messages and, ideally, be notified immediately via smartphone so that we can respond even faster. With the as1 SMM module, all error messages can be received via email. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS1 PIP TO OTHERS? I would definitely recommend it. The advantages are clear in the fast and dynamic provision of data. Ammann: www.ammann.com/en
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Aggregates Business is a go-to source for up-to-date news and views on the American aggregates and building materials sectors. Our wide-ranging features line-up includes in-depth articles on the latest loading, hauling, and crushing and screening machines. Contact: Les Ilyefalvy +61 423 177 966 les.ilyefalvy@primeglobalpublishing.com
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INTERNATIONAL
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 | Vol.13 ISSUE No.5 | www.AggBusiness.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 | Vol.19 ISSUE No.5 | www.AggBusiness.com
Hauled to the top
Hauling all over the world
Rokbak and Volvo CE deliver innovative hauling solutions p34
Manufacturers innovate for smarter hauling operations p34
INTERVIEW Paolo Zambianchi champions aggregate technology p20
MARKET REPORT The latest from Indonesian quarrying and aggregates p8
QUARRY PROFILE How Metso is supporting the Indian quarrying sector p12
INTERVIEW Paolo Zambianchi champions aggregate technology p20
MARKET REPORT The latest from the Eastern European aggregates market p08
QUARRY PROFILE Brookland invests in Liebherr GB machinery p13
AMERICA
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 | Vol.1 ISSUE No.5 | www.AggBusiness.com
Eccentric technology that drives efficiency Haver & Boecker Niagara delivers exceptional results through fascinating engineering p10
NSSGA How NSSGA events are uniting the US aggregates industry p08
INTERVIEW Terra CO2 reach for the cement CO₂-busting stars p12
QUARRY PROFILE Liebherr USA offers Hawaiian concrete certainty p16
www.aggbusiness.com
23/9/2026 12: 9 pm
DIGITALISATION
BENTLEY SYSTEMS IS HOSTING ITS ANNUAL AWARDS FOR PROJECT EXCELLENCE Major road and bridge projects from around the world are among the finalists in Bentley Systems’ 2026 Year in Infrastructure Awards.
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he annual awards from technology provider Bentley Systems recognise projects demonstrating innovation and excellence in the design, construction and delivery of infrastructure. TALMADGE MEMORIAL BRIDGE, GEORGIA, US Bridges and Tunnels finalist Engineering and infrastructure firm Parsons is handling the design work for the Talmadge Memorial Bridge on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation. The project will help to modernise a critical crossing spanning the Savannah River. The upgrade will replace 144 ageing stay cables, raise the bridge deck by 6m, and increase navigation clearance from 56.4–62.8m while maintaining traffic throughout construction. As designer, Parsons had to reprofile the existing cablestayed bridge, extending its service life by 40 years while enabling larger vessels to reach the Port of Savannah. Parsons used Bentley Systems’ OpenBridge Designer to model non-linear structural behaviour, cable replacement, and a complex sequencing process to evaluate cable forces, deck displacements, and temporary support requirements. The workflow helped Parsons identify critical structural risks early and
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automate the design of temporary stay supports. The bridge reprofiling strategy reduces construction risk, and preserves the existing structure rather than replacing it. I-4, FLORIDA, US Project Delivery finalist The Florida Department of Transportation is working to improve 22.4km of I-4 in central Florida. Engineering, architecture and infrastructure consulting company RS&H is supporting the initiative by coordinating multiple concurrent projects, stakeholders and confidential delivery phases. The team needed a digital delivery approach to reduce review friction and keep current design information accessible across a complex, active corridor. Using ProjectWise and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud, RS&H created a connected environment for controlled data access, federated reviews, and field-ready plan and model workflows. The approach reduced average design review time by 30%, saved 14,000 total hours through managed file workflows, and improved coordination with reliable access to current information for office and construction teams. The work supported more efficient delivery and betterinformed decisions across the corridor.
SEMARANG–DEMAK TOLL ROAD, INDONESIA Roads and Highways finalist The Semarang–Demak Toll Road is Indonesia’s first toll road integrated with a sea embankment, designed to reduce flooding and improve transportation along the northern coast of Java. PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA), a stateowned enterprise engaged in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and investment, is leading a 6.7km section that includes embankments, bridges, sand reclamation and toll infrastructure built over open seawater. The project has faced challenges from land subsidence, soft seabed conditions, tidal fluctuations and real-time monitoring of construction in a marine environment. Bentley’s integrated digital delivery environment connected geotechnical analysis, design, construction planning, and real-time monitoring across the project. The company said the approach reduced displacement-event detection time from days to hours, cut unplanned downtime by up to 50%, reduced RFIs by 25%, and improved early identification of field conflicts by 20%. As a result, the project will reportedly protect an estimated 254,546 people from chronic tidal flooding.
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Image: Valentin M Armianu/Dreamstime.com
DIGITALISATION
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge spanning the Savannah River in Georgia is being upgraded, with Parsons heading the design team for the project.
SR 35, FLORIDA, US Roads and Highways finalist Engineering and architecture firm Burgess & Niple is helping deliver the SR 35 (US 98) Design-Build project, an approximately 29km corridor improvement program in Florida. As lead roadway design engineer, the Burgess & Niple team had to manage complex corridor conditions, drainage and environmental constraints, utility coordination and maintain traffic during construction while helping stakeholders move from traditional 2D workflows to model-based delivery. Using Bentley’s OpenRoads Designer and a fully integrated digital delivery workflow, Burgess & Niple created one 3D model as the source of truth to improve design coordination, constructability, and construction tracking. This approach was said to support projected completion approximately one year
ahead of schedule, and an estimated 15–20% reduction in design rework hours. It also helped enhance drainage and stormwater systems, resulting in a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient infrastructure system. RIVER TORRENS TO DARLINGTON, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA Roads and Highways finalist The River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project in the South Australian capital of Adelaide consists of the 10.5km section of the North–South Corridor, including twin tunnels, major interchanges, cut-and-cover sections, and 22 bridges. Engineering and infrastructure consultancy Jacobs is part of the alliance delivering the project with Arcadis, John Holland, Bouygues Construction, and Ventia, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. The team had to coordinate across hundreds of users, multiple organisations,
and tens of thousands of deliverables creating significant challenges in information management, design coordination, and stakeholder alignment. To address this challenge, the alliance implemented a connected digital delivery model using Bentley software, establishing a governed digital thread across design, construction planning, and decision-making. Using digital workflows, the team reportedly achieved an estimated 5–8% efficiency gain, equal to approximately 350,000–600,000 hours saved, while standardised design attributes contributed to a 10–20% reduction in material overdesign. The 2026 Bentley Systems Year in Infrastructure (YII) Awards will be held as part of Bentley’s Year in Infrastructure event in Singapore from October 6–7. Bentley Systems: www.bentley.com
Image: Ben Goode/Dreamstime.com
Adelaide, South Australia, will benefit from a major highway project currently under construction.
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DIGITALISATION
JOHN DEERE EXPANDS ACCESS TO PROVEN AUTONOMY TECHNOLOGY John Deere is now offering its sophisticated and proven autonomy machine technology to OEMs.
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Fitting autonomous machine technology to construction equipment can deliver major efficiency gains.
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ohn Deere Electronics is making its advanced Vision Processing Unit (VPU) available to European machine builders and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Companies can now integrate sophisticated, field-tested vision-based autonomy hardware into next-generation mobile machinery for precise, real-time decision-making in the field. Computer vision and machine learning (CVML) needs high-compute solutions to analyse surroundings and respond quickly. The John Deere VPU enables equipment to respond instantly, without relying on cloudbased processing. Developed from John Deere’s work in agricultural applications, the VPU has been tested extensively in real-world conditions. Previously exclusive to John Deere’s See & Spray technology, it is now available for use across a range of on- and off-highway mobile machinery applications The John Deere VPU supports applications such as autonomous navigation, situational awareness, and obstacle avoidance, delivering safety, efficiency and productivity. Its high GPU (graphics processing unit)-capable and high CPU (central processing unit)-capable architecture handles multiple high-resolution camera inputs simultaneously, consolidating large volumes of visual data on the machine. Interfacing through standard protocols including CAN and Ethernet, the system enables advanced algorithms and machine learning models to assess conditions and trigger automated actions as equipment is in operation. John Deere Electronics has also developed its own gigabit Ethernet switch to provide fast and seamless switching between cameras. The VPU’s design also addresses some of the practical challenges associated with deploying vision-based computing in demanding environments.
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DIGITALISATION
Autonomy solutions can be installed inside construction machines.
Image: John Deere
With an IP67-rated enclosure, it is built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration and ingress from dust or moisture. John Deere has also developed an innovative air-cooled design for the unit that eliminates the need for liquid cooling or internal fans to reduce cost, complexity and maintenance. These capabilities are supported by a hardware platform proven in demanding real-world applications. The VPU combines a one-terabyte NVMe solid-state drive and Nvidia core processor to support image and video processing. It is equipped with Linux OS, 12 camera connections with power over coax, four CAN ports, two digital inputs, and three digital outputs. Originally developed for use in See & Spray technology to distinguish between
The electronic control unit offers a rugged solution for machine autonomy.
crops and weeds during spraying, the system is a proven, scalable platform. It operates in conjunction with boom-mounted cameras and machine learning to enable precise, selective spraying, helping to reduce input costs and improve operational efficiency. That proven platform can now be adapted to a range of machines and applications, giving OEMs greater flexibility in how they approach vision-based automation. In making this technology available to European OEMs, John Deere Electronics is providing a hardware platform that can be integrated into a wide range of automated and semi-autonomous machines. The VPU’s flexibility enables OEMs to tailor solutions to specific use cases, such as construction.
The unit is available in multiple configurations, ranging from highperformance systems capable of processing and switching quickly between multiple cameras, to more compact versions suited to simpler applications. “What we usually do at John Deere is look at the marketplace for solutions, and if we don’t find one that works for what we want to do, our electronics unit designs and builds the product we need,” Kerry Koisti, who works in business development at John Deere Electronics, said. “Once it’s in production, we consider offering it to other OEMs as hardware, providing tried-and-tested technology with John Deere quality and robustness, and enabling innovation in new applications. As autonomy continues to evolve, onboard computing for real-time perception, navigation and decision-making is likely to play a much greater role. “The VPU is really rugged and has been developed to solve a real-world challenge. The flexibility of the system is pretty incredible in terms of types of problems it can solve and it builds on decades of knowledge and experience in outdoor mobile machinery. “We believe lots of European companies could benefit from this technology. The VPU enables real-time decision-making in the field and we provide expert guidance to ensure smooth integration with their systems.” Deere & Company: www.deere.com/en/news
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Images: Prime Global Publishing
The advanced VPU can help to deliver major advances for operations.
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