As highlighted in the article “Why Connected Construction Equipment is Hot in 2023 and Beyond” from For Construction Pros, contractors are increasingly turning to connected equipment technologies to enhance their operations. The 2023 State of the Industry Construction Technology Report reveals that 13% of respondents are already using interconnected equipment, with 62% recognizing its importance for the future.
Connected equipment technologies, including machine control systems from OEMs like Trimble, Leica, and Topcon, are becoming essential. The construction machine control sector is projected to grow from $4.4 billion in 2022 to $5 billion in 2023, and further to $7.6 billion by 2027. This growth is fueled by the need to address labor shortages and improve efficiency in construction operations.
Automation and equipment guidance technologies are particularly valuable in addressing staffing challenges. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, contractors need to hire 546,000 additional workers in 2023 to meet demand. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to create 3.2 million new jobs in nonresidential construction, further exacerbating the labor shortage.
Technologies like automated machine guidance (AMG) have demonstrated significant labor and time-saving benefits. A study from the University of Southern Mississippi found that AMG provided 66% time savings for grade checking, 85% reduction in staking, 30-50% time savings in earthmoving, and a 66% reduction in survey staffing. AMG systems use GPS, GNSS, total stations, and laser levels to guide operators, improving accuracy and efficiency.
Equipment guidance technologies also serve as a gateway to more advanced automation solutions. For example, Trimble’s Siteworks Machine Guidance offers visual indicators to operators and can be upgraded to more autonomous systems. This approach lowers the initial investment and makes advanced technology accessible to more contractors, including those with a single machine.
The as-a-service model for equipment guidance is also gaining traction, allowing contractors to adopt these technologies without a significant upfront investment. This model is appealing to risk-averse buyers and those seeking to enhance productivity without fully committing to automation.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of forconstructionpros.com
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