Construction

Bobcat Demo Days invite guests to gain insights into the manufacturer’s latest advancements through hands-on interaction with machines and detailed factory tours. (Image source: Bobcat)

More than 700 customers, dealers, suppliers, and journalists from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) are converging at Doosan Bobcat EMEA’s campus in Dobříš, Czechia, for Bobcat Demo Days 2024 

From 21 May to 5 June, attendees will enjoy unprecedented access to the organisation’s comprehensive equipment lineup during ten intensive full-day experiences.

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 provides participants the chance to closely examine several of the manufacturer’s cutting-edge innovations, including the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept, the RogueX2 concept loader, Operator Presence technology, the Pedestrian Detection Camera, and next-generation Digital Access software.

Launched in the EMEA region in 2011, Bobcat Demo Days invite guests to gain insights into the manufacturer’s latest advancements through hands-on interaction with machines and detailed factory tours. This year’s edition showcases over 90 demo models, featuring Bobcat’s newest lineup of material handling units, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, ground maintenance equipment, light compaction models, and more.

Jan Moravec, vice-president of Product at Bobcat EMEA, stated, “Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will allow visitors to gain firsthand experience of our latest innovations, products, attachments, and services, while providing a golden opportunity for our team members to engage with Bobcat’s community from all over the EMEA region. These invitation-only events are among the most anticipated fixtures in our annual calendar, and we can’t wait to give this year’s guests some hands-on time with our full equipment lineup.”

A suite of industry-leading innovations

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 is showcasing several cutting-edge, industry-leading innovations, including the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept. This model, still in development and not yet commercially available, features a rated capacity of 2.5 tonnes and a lifting height of almost 6 m, matching the performance of its diesel-powered equivalent. Equipped with three separate electric motors designed for maximum efficiency, a hydrostatic transmission to enhance performance, a top speed of 25 km/h, and the same compact dimensions as the conventional Bobcat TL25.60, this innovative electric concept offers low noise levels, minimal operating costs, and impressive versatility. This marks the first time Bobcat has allowed customers and partners to interact with the TL25.60e concept.

Attendees will also experience Bobcat’s transparent OLED (T-OLED) screen technology, developed in collaboration with LG and BSI Research. T-OLED enables operators to access various functionalities without diverting their eyes from the worksite, providing unparalleled clarity, responsiveness, and visibility. It also supports advanced applications like real-time virtual reality (VR) simulations for utility line mapping.

Another innovation on display is the RogueX2 concept skid-steer loader, although attendees won’t be able to enter the machine’s cab as it doesn’t have one. This autonomous, all-electric model serves as a proving ground for technologies within Bobcat’s innovation roadmap, offering a glimpse into future loaders designed to facilitate a new work experience for users.

Vijay Nerva, innovation lead at Bobcat EMEA, commented, “The RogueX2 produces zero emissions thanks to its lithium-ion battery, electric drive system, and electric-actuated lift and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. A follow-up to the RogueX introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, the RogueX2 is a skid-steer version with wheels instead of tracks to optimise its electric battery runtime, and its axial flux motors deliver incredible tractive effort.”

Bobcat will also showcase its Operator Presence technology, a concept currently in development for excavator models. Operator Presence uses a 3D time-of-flight (ToF) camera—advanced technology typically found in autonomous vehicles, robotics, gesture recognition, and VR—to enhance safety by monitoring users’ movements and the cabin environment. By actively tracking the operator's presence and interactions within the cabin, the system can prevent unintended machine actions, ensuring a safer work environment, especially in close quarters. It can detect multiple occupants, instantly disable workgroups to avoid accidents, and recognise when a joystick is released, deactivating the associated workgroup while maintaining drive. These proactive safety measures aim to minimize the risk of accidents, improve operator control, and enhance overall worksite efficiency.

Guests at Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will also witness the Pedestrian Detection Camera in action. The device’s software can differentiate between humans and their surroundings using AI-enabled processing capabilities, reducing unnecessary operator alerts. The innovation’s database can identify humans in various postures and positions, including standing, kneeling, crouching, sitting, with their backs turned, and even when they are only partially visible.

Bobcat will also demonstrate its Digital Access software, an advanced system allowing operators to use smartphones as ‘keys’ to specific machines. This provides an alternative to existing passcode entry functionality and ensures units understand user preferences before work begins. This innovation also enables fleet owners to lock out certain functionalities or attachments according to employees’ skill sets.

These six innovations are the latest in a series of advanced solutions Bobcat has developed to help customers achieve more.

Hands-on time with Bobcat’s latest machines

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will feature several newly introduced machines, including the M-Series S630 and S650 Stage V skid-steer loaders designed for European markets. These models’ D24 engines, with Bosch fuel-injection systems, deliver superior performance while meeting strict emission regulations, showcasing Bobcat’s commitment to sustainable operations.

This year’s event also features Bobcat’s new lineup of rotary telehandlers, offering unmatched visibility with the manufacturer’s patented panoramic cab. The latest range includes nine Stage V models with lifting heights from 18 to 39 m for European markets, and four Stage IIIA machines with lifting heights from 18 to 26 m for the Middle East and Africa.

Bobcat’s PG40 and PG50 generators will be showcased this year in Dobříš. These units represent a leap in portable power solutions, offering advantages like optional running gear for easy transportation and ‘Liquid Heat,’ a low-load management system designed to reduce downtime and provide peace of mind. Powered by Stage V HDI D24 engines, these eco-conscious models combine increased power with lower fuel consumption.

The PA12.7v compressor will also be featured at Bobcat Demo Days 2024. This portable variable pressure compressor uses a FlexAir system, allowing it to operate between 5.5 to 12.1 bar and offering free air deliveries from 5.2 to 7 m3 per minute. This versatility makes the PA12.7v suitable for a wide range of applications.

Additionally, Bobcat is demonstrating how its construction lineup is achieving greater sustainability. The manufacturer’s mini-excavators, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, telehandlers, rotary telehandlers, mini track loaders, and forklifts are approved for use with HVO biofuel and other EN 15940 standard paraffinic fuels.

Bobcat’s entire range in a single location

Bobcat Demo Days 2024 offers attendees an unprecedented opportunity to experience the company’s full equipment lineup in one location.

“We are immensely excited to welcome our guests to Dobříš this year, as they will have an unprecedented opportunity to get hands-on time with Bobcat’s newly expanded range,” Jan Moravec added. “Our team has introduced a diverse selection of models over the past 12 months, and we are looking forward to giving our customers and partners the chance to try out Bobcat’s latest advancements in person.

The pump's HEX@TM controller offers additional savings potential. (Image source: Atlas Copco)

Isola, located in Notodden in southern Norway, provides environmentally friendly products for the construction industry.

The company produces insulation materials, roofing membranes, wind protection, and sealing products. Given that the construction sector accounts for about 40% of global CO2 emissions, reducing harmful emissions with such building materials is crucial. Efficient production processes also play a significant role in combating climate change.

Until recently, two roots vacuum pumps were the core of these rough vacuum applications. "However, the disadvantage of these roots pumps was their high energy consumption: up to 90% of the energy used was lost via the waste heat from the motor," said Ulf Strand, factory manager at Isola in Notodden.

This prompted Isola to overhaul its production process and transition the vacuum supply to two oil-sealed, speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps: the GHS 2002 VSD+ with HEX@TM control from Atlas Copco. One of the key benefits of this system for the aforementioned applications is its energy recovery capability.

Intelligent resource management with advanced controller

"Since the changeover, the manufacturer has been able to recover three quarters of the heat loss via hot water by means of recuperation and utilise it productively in the process," summarises Roy Mikalsen, the responsible account manager at Atlas Copco.

The pump's HEX@TM controller offers additional savings potential: this control system allows precise adjustment of the speed to match the required vacuum level. This is particularly beneficial in applications where the vacuum demand varies significantly depending on the process and time of day. As a result, unnecessary vacuum performance is eliminated, and energy wastage is minimised, greatly enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

Smart functionalities via user interface

Other features are also advantageous for Isola: with the Industry 4.0 capabilities of the GHS VSD+ series, the vacuum system status can be monitored at any time via smartphones or PCs. Additionally, users can start and stop the system or adjust the setpoint as needed through the configurable user interface.

"This allows the vacuum pumps to be configured even more specifically and sustainably for the respective applications," summarised Roy Mikalsen. Other optional functions include intelligent scheduling, pump-down optimisation and leak detection.

The collaboration focuses on integrating green technologies. (Image source: SGC International)

SCG International has signed an MoU with BUNA to introduce sustainable construction tech in Saudi Arabia.

This partnership will establish showrooms in key regions for the sale and distribution of SCG's building materials and supports SCG International's strategic expansion in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The collaboration focuses on integrating green technologies in the construction sector, like Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), Ready Mix Concrete, and 3D Printing to reduce environmental impact.

Potential for growth

Through their collaborative efforts, SCG International and BUNA are establishing new benchmarks in the industry, showcasing how strategic alliances can play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability objectives. This initiative not only demonstrates the potential for industrial innovation to foster eco-friendly building practices but also emphasises the significance of international cooperation in tackling environmental issues.

Abhijit Datta, head of International Business and managing director of SCG International, said, "We hope that this cooperation leverages SCG's capabilities in innovation and construction technologies, partnering together with BUNA, a key major player in the Saudi Arabian construction space. Together we hope to lay the foundation for a future where technologies and partnerships will help transform the way buildings are constructed. Moreover, we aim to leverage BUNA's capabilities to collaborate with us in Thailand and ASEAN countries. This MoU is a testament to our joint commitment to innovation and sustainable technology, and I hope that we will have a very strong collaboration moving forward."

"I am delighted that Buna Al Mamlaka has joined forces with SCG International. While the results may not be immediately visible, we are confident that utilising SCG's technology will enhance our competitive capabilities in the Saudi Arabian market. This collaboration will not only improve our projects but also showcase green construction technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with KSA's 2030 vision." said Eslam M. Radwan, CEO of Buna Al Mamlaka.

Emissions from the use phase of an electric machine are reduced by up to 95%. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo CE is committed to leading the industry's decarbonisation efforts and is publishing its Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reports.

These reports provide essential data that help customers understand their total emissions and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, Volvo CE is sharing its PCF methodology on its website, demonstrating how data can drive significant change. By doing so, Volvo CE offers a proven framework to collectively advance towards global and national climate goals.

The detailed methodology, created by Volvo CE's experts, examines the carbon footprint of every stage of a product’s life cycle, including both traditional and electric machines. It covers all steps from raw material extraction, component manufacturing, and machine assembly to recycling and end-of-life. This methodology is grounded in two global standards: the ISO standard for Life Cycle Assessment and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Net-zero practices

The data is compiled into a report for each product, providing a clear baseline for decarbonisation efforts. This information is crucial for customers when selecting equipment for their projects and for Volvo CE's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. Achieving this goal requires consistent, long-term actions from all stakeholders in the value chain. This tool helps measure progress and guide decisions that drive meaningful action.

Rickard Alm, head of the life cycle assessment (LCA) programme at Volvo CE, said, “Customers are now rightly looking with absolute scrutiny at carbon performance – on a par with other considerations like cost and quality. With our Product Carbon Footprint reports, we are making it easier to have quick access to the information needed and enabling them to act on their decarbonisation ambitions.

“We are proud to be at the forefront with the most extensive PCF analysis available today in the construction industry to ensure the right choices are made now to deliver on our sustainable transformation.”

New catalogue

The Volvo CE LCA programme is continuously evolving, with an expanding number of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reports prioritised based on sales volume. Customers can visit the Volvo CE website to download PCF reports on conventional articulated haulers, wheel loaders, and excavators, as well as selected electric models like the ECR25 Electric and EC230 Electric excavators.

The reports indicate that electric machines are more sustainable over their entire life cycle compared to diesel counterparts.

“Depending on the energy mix used to charge the batteries, the emissions from the use phase of an electric machine are reduced by up to 95%,” says Rickard. “While battery manufacturing results in a higher carbon footprint for electric machines during the production phase, when compared to diesel, overall carbon emissions for an electric machine are still reduced 80-90% over the entire life cycle.”

The LCA programme is part of Volvo CE's broader sustainability strategy, which includes using low-carbon materials and transitioning to fossil fuel-free drivelines, such as those in its range of electric machines and charging solutions.

The methodology behind these reports is brand-agnostic and available for other OEMs to explore and implement. As new regulations come into effect, the calculations within the methodology will be reviewed to ensure accuracy.