Key Insights and Trends from CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 was a record-breaking exhibition held in Las Vegas, where 2,400 exhibitors showcased their cutting-edge technology and construction machinery to a record-breaking 139,000 attendees. From the event, four significant insights and recurring themes emerged, which are as follows:

Driverless Machines Era is Approaching

In the construction industry, automation has been a topic of discussion for a while. However, now, this technology seems to be spreading into the larger construction sector as multiple businesses showcased their automated machinery. For instance, Develon demonstrated the DD100-CX dozer and DX225-CX crawler excavator, which are part of the driverless Concept-X2 autonomous machines with a cabinless design. Bobcat also exhibited their autonomous loader prototype known as Rogue X, which can function where humans cannot go.

AI and Telematics will help Fuel Sustainability

Telematics systems are not new to the industry, but at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG, they showcased data on the carbon impact of projects in addition to data obtained from various equipment manufacturers. This data can be measured and reviewed across all initiatives to provide contractors with a monetary bonus or a penalty depending on whether they produce more or less carbon than anticipated. Companies that are looking for machinery for sale now also prefer to purchase more sustainable equipment. AI also plays a significant role in improving processes and operations and will help promote sustainability in the construction industry.

Diesel Substitutes are Proliferating

Manufacturers exhibited new models of electrically powered construction equipment and hybrid products. New combustion engines that can use alternate fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, and diesel were also on show. For instance, Gradall showcased an electrified concept model of their multifunctional, fast-moving XL 4100 V wheeled excavator with the help of an electric driveline from Volvo Penta. Cummins also debuted its 15-liter fuel-neutral engine that supports different fuel types such as hydrogen, natural gas, and diesel, and JCB unveiled its hydrogen combustion engine.

Manufacturers’ Supply Chains are Being Reorganized

Supply chain disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic has caused several construction equipment manufacturers to re-evaluate their goods’ creation and distribution. Some companies have started to localize their supply chains, such as Skyjack, which invested $40 million in a plant in China and $85 million in a new unit in Mexico. Similarly, Terex CEO and President John Garrison discussed moving production lines for its access equipment brand Genie to a plant in Monterrey, Mexico. The company will also produce all of its telehandlers at the same site, which is a significant shift from its current practice.

The CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 exhibition showcased cutting-edge technology and machinery that is reshaping the construction industry. The themes discussed during the event indicate that the industry is moving towards automation, sustainability, and cleaner fuel alternatives while also reorganizing its supply chain to meet future demands.