Building the Future
The construction industry has long been characterised by its reliance on heavy machinery, manual labour, and traditional practices. However, as the digital age continues to evolve, the construction equipment industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Digitalisation is reshaping how construction equipment is designed, used, maintained, and managed.
Digital technology is drastically changing the way we live, work, eat, shop, consume content, travel, make transactions, and stay connected in our daily lives. Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence (AI), entire industries, from banking to manufacturing, is being upended and disrupted by new-age technology. The same is true for construction. Traditionally reluctant to embrace change, the construction sector is slowly but surely turning to digitisation, robotics, AI and autonomy to address its challenges and unlock a higher level of growth. This embrace of technology is happening on two fronts — on the assembly line and on the construction site.
On the manufacturing front, construction equipment manufacturers are increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 practices to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance overall productivity. They are automating multiple aspects of the manufacturing process such as welding, painting and assembly. They are also using automated guided vehicles (AGV) and mobile robots for material handling and transportation and harnessing the power of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). These technologies enable the fabrication of automated components and 3D models of machinery, cutting the time and expense of generating parts and minimising mistakes.
Shalabh Chaturvedi, Managing Director, CASE Construction Equipment – India & SAARC region, said, “At CASE Construction Equipment, to cite our example, the manufacturing, research and designing process are all aided by automation on various levels. Our Pithampur facility is designed with cutting-edge automation technologies to manufacture superior-quality products. The automation includes robotics welding which gives welding joints superior strength and robustness. This helps in the repeatability of the same welding, minimises human error and maintains consistency in quality.”
Another thing about AI in construction is that it can help predict when machines might break down. This means we can fix them before they stop working, which keeps projects running smoothly and saves money in the long run. AI also helps with planning and managing construction projects by BIM technology. This makes projects more efficient and helps them stay on track. Overall, AI is changing the construction game in India. It’s making things faster, safer, and more efficient. As more companies use AI in construction, we can expect even more exciting changes in the future.
Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, has been at the forefront of digitalisation in the industry. The company’s Cat Connect suite of technologies integrates IoT, telematics, and data analytics to enhance equipment performance and management. For example, Caterpillar’s Equipment Management System provides real-time insights into equipment health, allowing operators to make data-driven decisions and perform timely maintenance.
Incorporating AI and ML into construction equipment is not merely a technological leap; it's a practical move towards optimising performance, reducing downtime, and ensuring safety on construction sites. The feasibility of this integration lies in the tangible benefits it offers, such as improved equipment utilisation, enhanced safety protocols, and significant cost savings through predictive maintenance and fuel efficiency.
Said Dheeraj Panda, Managing Director, Ammann India, “For instance, our plant software, though not fitting into any conventional AI and autonomous operations philosophies entirely, has begun incorporating ML algorithms to a certain extent. These algorithms are used for automatic in-flight corrections by sampling previous drops from bin gates and predicting in-flight values, thus enhancing accuracy and reducing waste. Additionally, our systems utilise algorithms for First In, First Out (FIFO) operations, adjusting speeds and fuel injection to optimise the process flow.”
Komatsu, another major player in the construction equipment market, has embraced digitalisation through its Smart Construction initiative. The company uses drones, IoT sensors, and cloud-based platforms to monitor construction sites and manage equipment. Komatsu’s autonomous hauler trucks, equipped with AI and machine learning algorithms, can transport materials without human intervention, improving efficiency and safety.
Volvo has integrated digital technologies into its construction equipment to enhance productivity and safety. The company’s CareTrack telematics system provides real-time data on equipment performance, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. Volvo also offers the Assist range of technologies, including autonomous and semi-autonomous solutions that improve operational efficiency and safety on construction sites.
Several real-world examples showcase the impact of AI-driven construction equipment and predictive maintenance. For instance, a construction company utilising AI-enabled cranes experienced a significant reduction in operational errors and accidents. The AI algorithms continuously assessed factors such as wind speed, load weight, and equipment condition, adjusting crane operations in real-time to ensure optimal safety and efficiency.
In L&T, about 13,000 critical construction equipment are IoT enabled and AI/ML based data analytics helping in improvement of productivity and reduction in operational errors and accidents. Also, in 3D machine control technology, take levelling for instance — a machine control system enables grading tractors to compare a digital grading map to the position of the blade and cut it to the proper elevation and position on the job site.
“In another example, a fleet of AI-driven autonomous construction vehicles was deployed on a large infrastructure project. These vehicles navigated the construction site with precision, avoiding obstacles and optimising routes. The result was not only improved efficiency but also enhanced safety, as the vehicles seamlessly adapted to the dynamic environment,” said SP Rajan, VP and Head – Plant and Machinery, L&T Construction.
He added, “Looking ahead, the future of AI in construction equipment holds even more promise. As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more sophisticated AI algorithms, capable of autonomous decision-making and seamless adaptation to dynamic construction environments. The integration with other emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced robotics, will further amplify the capabilities of AI-driven construction equipment.”
Shriram Automall India (SAMIL) being India’s largest Phygital marketplace for vehicles and equipment offers a number of advanced SaaS-enabled services like Phygital auctions, online auctions, ThePriceX, self-inspection and valuation to enhance the customer experience and satisfaction in the used construction equipment industry.
To address the challenges associated with cross-border transactions, Shriram Automall has introduced the innovative concept of One India One Click - Phygital auction through MySAMIL App. This pioneering initiative enables customers to seamlessly buy and sell pre-owned construction equipment across state borders with a single click, transcending geographical constraints and simplifying the procurement process. Through this platform, customers gain access to an extensive inventory of pre-owned construction equipment from 120+ automalls across the country, eliminating the need for physical travel and streamlining the transaction process.
Sameer Malhotra, Director and CEO, Shriram Automall, said, “The integration of AI and ML technologies marks a significant milestone in the pre-owned construction equipment industry's journey towards efficiency and sustainability. As we embrace these transformative innovations, we propel the industry towards greater productivity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental stewardship. This is just the beginning of a technological revolution that will shape the future of construction in India and drive us towards unparalleled heights of success. As we strive to become better than yesterday, let us embark on this journey of innovation and progress with unwavering determination and resolve.”
Said Dhanraj Kalbhor, Managing Director, NORD Drivesystems, “We are proactively focusing on energy efficiency and digitalisation. We collaborate with OEMs to understand their requirements and introduce new products. For instance, DuoDrive which is a new product having higher energy efficiency (IE5) & it is designed for automation in smaller sizes airports, and warehouse automation cater to evolving customer needs.”
The NORDAC Pro series boasts robustness and considerable strength, which are standard features. Notably, its energy efficiency sets it apart, achieving higher power transmission efficiency. The product aligns with industry trends toward digitalisation, IoT integration, and sustainability, addressing carbon footprint concerns.
Road ahead
Digitalisation is revolutionising the construction equipment industry, bringing significant benefits in terms of efficiency, productivity, safety, and cost savings. Technologies such as IoT, big data analytics, AI, and automation are transforming how construction equipment is designed, used, and maintained. However, the industry faces challenges, including high initial investments, data security concerns, and resistance to change.
Despite these challenges, the future of digitalisation in construction equipment looks promising. The continued advancement of technology will drive further innovations, leading to even greater improvements in equipment performance and project management. As the industry embraces these changes, it will unlock new opportunities for growth and development, paving the way for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future in construction.
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