Top construction machinery tech trends for 2024

As the world digitises, machinery becomes automated and materials go ‘green’, the construction industry is faced with constant pressure to stay ahead of the technology curve.

Civil and structural engineering firm, CaSE International, spoke to constructionsales.com.au about the need for technological progression in the construction industry highlighting the need to pioneer new technologies.

“We are at a point in time where the civil and structural engineering sector in Australia must not only adapt but also lead in innovation,” CaSE managing director, Jonathan Davies said.

“Our focus should not be limited to adopting current technologies; we need to pioneer in areas like AI-driven project management, animated visualisations, sustainable building materials, and smart infrastructure.”

The use of next generation technology solutions within the construction industry will not only solve the problems faced today, but also the problems of tomorrow as environmental requirements tighten.

“These advancements are crucial for addressing our unique challenges, from managing intricate terrains to optimising urban spaces and adhering to environmental standards,” Davies said.

“Embracing these innovations will not only ensure our industry's relevance but also position Australia as a global leader in sustainable and efficient construction practices.”

From electric excavators, telehandlers and wheel loaders from manufacturers like Wacker Neuson, JCB and Volvo already being put to use in Australia, the future of construction equipment is here.

Automation is also sweeping the industry, with examples of clever AI-integration from companies like WesTrac who already use artificial intelligence and robots to manage warehouse operations.

From electric machinery to self-sustaining drone systems, here is a rundown of the top construction machinery tech trends we expect to see in 2024.

Electric construction machinery is not a new concept however with more brands than ever offering zero-emission options in Australia, the technology is set to make its way into more local fleets.

Late last year, Volvo introduced its zero-emission construction range in Australia, after unveiling the machines globally in 2020, consisting of ECR18 and ECR25 excavators and an L25 wheel loader.

Volvo confirmed the machines will be capable of running for four to eight hours before requiring a recharge, while offering comparative power to their diesel counterparts.

JCB has also released electric models in Australia, with its E-TECH range including a 525-60E telehandler, 19C-1E mini excavator and 1TE site dumper.

The JCB E-TECH range also offers significant safety benefits, with features like adaptive load control as standard and enhanced on-site communication due to virtually silent operation.

Not only are these electric machines quiet, they don’t use a drop of diesel, making them suitable in confined spaces and inner-city job sites. For these reasons, we think more zero-emission machines will be utilised within the construction industry across 2024.

While self-driving machinery won’t be replacing operators anytime soon, autonomous technology is finding its way into the cabins of construction equipment offering clear safety benefits.

Manufacturers like Volvo, with its latest-generation EC500 excavator, are introducing increasing levels of in-cabin safety technology and automation.

The EC500 features intelligent obstacle detection using a series of radars and cameras, while an automated grading system was also made available for the first time, keeping operators safe while improving productivity.

Then there are cabin-less machines, like the FIRSTGREEN Industries Elise CBL electric wheeled skid steer loader that is controlled remotely.

It isn’t yet available in Australia, but the Elise CBL is controlled using a digital display making it safe in hazardous conditions such as mines.

Taking it one step further, Bobcat previewed its autonomous RogueX track loader concept which can be controlled remotely or left to drive itself.

The electric RogueX concept is the result of extensive research and development by Bobcat, built to advance the brand’s innovation roadmap and showcase what the future of its machinery could look like.

While leaders like Komatsu have been using autonomous mining trucks for a decade, in controlled environments, the technology looks to be trickling down into smaller machinery.

We expect to see other manufacturers teasing autonomous concepts across 2024, trialling the technology in controlled environments for future use.

Drone technology has progressed at a rate of knots, in recent years, offering a low-cost method of real-time data collection for things like surveying, mapping, modelling and risk management.

Service providers like Sydney-based Sphere Drones, with its HubX self-sustaining mobile drone platform, are making it easier than ever for the construction industry to implement the use of drones.

The HubX is a solar-powered drone system that allows users to survey an area remotely, attached to an all-terrain trailer for easy deployment. The system is solar powered and internet enabled, with redundancies in place in case of a breakdown.

This drone-in-a-box (DIAB) technology offers a semi-permanent surveillance solution in remote mining and utilities applications and we expect to see more compact versions used in construction too.

Lower-cost consumer drones are also being used for a range of site-wide surveying purposes, from asset monitoring to site documentation, and in some cases visualisation software can be used to incorporate detailed measurements for surveying purposes.

As Australia’s construction industry continues to boom, the push for increased sustainability and efficiency will likely lead to the adoption of zero-emission machinery with automation potential.

The skilled labour shortages affecting the industry may also be eased through the use of the latest technology, both through the attraction of talent and autonomous systems aimed at bridging the gap.

While autonomous machinery is not commonplace on job sites yet, zero-emission options are entering the Australian market right now, offering promising safety and sustainability benefits.

In 2024, as we embrace the next generation of construction machinery, everybody looks set to win.