The seventh edition of the Construction Technology ConFEX (CTF) concluded successfully on 4 June 2024, bringing together over 800 key stakeholders and industry professionals from across the globe. (Image source: ConFEX 2024)

The seventh edition of the Construction Technology ConFEX (CTF) concluded on 4 June, drawing more than 800 key stakeholders and industry professionals from around the globe.

This year's CTF UAE emphasised four main themes in the industry: climate and decarbonisation, wellbeing and social agenda, viability and competitive edge, and productivity and performance.

The event delved into essential steps for the industry to excel across these themes, emphasising the critical role of technology and digitalisation in achieving these goals efficiently and effectively. This aligns with the UAE's commitment to developing world-class infrastructure and promoting a greener, more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration.

“CTF UAE 2024 explored essential steps for industry excellence as it embraces increasingly sophisticated construction technology and digitalisation techniques,” said Katie Briggs, events director at b2b Connect. “Our skylines are becoming icons of progress, sustainability, and human ingenuity, and this would not be possible without the use of advanced technologies and digitalisation.”

A wide array of topics was covered, including sustainability, scaling up adoption, people and skills, PMIS, ERP, digital twins, BIM, cloud, AI, and more. Attendees gained in-depth knowledge and actionable strategies to navigate the industry’s evolving landscape, with insights from over 165 industry experts.

More than 800 participants, including project developers, contractors, consultants, industry experts, technology providers, startups, and key stakeholders from over 20 countries, gathered at CTF UAE to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities. The ConFEX served as a platform to foster meaningful partnerships and drive innovation within the construction technology ecosystem.

WakeCap’s CEO, Dr. Hassan Albalawi, during the 7th edition of CTF. (Image source: WakeCap)

“Collaboration holds the key to unlocking the potential of construction technology,” said WakeCap’s CEO, Dr. Hassan Albalawi, during the 7th edition of Construction Technology ConFex (CTF). “We already know the power of data to improve business operations, whether in safety, productivity, or other areas. But the moment you combine data from multiple sources, it becomes so much more powerful.”

Held at the Ritz-Carlton JBR on June 3-4, more than 1,000 project owners, developers, contractors, consultants and technology companies attended the two-day event that brought together industry leaders, experts and decision-makers to share insights on how the latest approaches to work can be harnessed to improve the industry.

CTF provides a critical platform for industry leaders and innovators to exchange ideas, connect, and learn from each other. Dr. Albalawi spoke at Unlocking the Future of Construction Safety Through Technology, a key panel during the event. Four key themes underpinned the event attended by the region’s leading project owners: Climate and Decarbonisation, Wellbeing and Social Agenda, Viability and Competitive Edge, and Productivity and Performance.

“Technology presents countless opportunities for construction companies to succeed in overcoming challenges, such as delays, safety concerns or budget overruns, exactly what we offer at WakeCap. The future of construction is more exciting than ever and we’re excited to be driving the conversation forwards,” added WakeCap’s Head of Product Management, Salpie Kechichian, a nominee for CTF’s Women in ConTech Award, which recognises the achievements of women leaders in construction.

Dr. Albalawi was one of over 180 industry experts in attendance at CTF, and spoke about specific challenges and opportunities surrounding construction technology and its implications for safety.

“Construction technology is driving swift change in our industry. Data has traditionally been collected for compliance purposes, but technologies such as WakeCap’s smart hard-hat solution demonstrate how safety processes can be improved on large-scale construction projects. It is critical to not only have that technology in place but to leverage it to its full potential,” said Dr. Albalawi.

The panel covered several key topics and trends, from the swift adoption of safety technology in Saudi Arabia, whose construction sector is booming, to the challenges of deploying new technology and how these can be better understood and mitigated.

“At WakeCap, we increasingly see an emerging demand in construction technology for collaboration between solutions providers, with owners wanting one provider to implement, deploy and manage the technology on sites. Integrating multiple solutions and offering site owners and developers a more streamlined solution is key to improving safety, productivity and operational efficiency,” he added.

The L90 Electric wheel loader signals an expansion of Volvo's electric mid-size loaders. (Image sources: Volvo CE)

At Volvo Days 2024, Volvo CE demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and productivity by unveiling pioneering products and a new solutions-based approach designed to foster sustainable change for customers in various markets.

Held in Eskilstuna, Sweden, this event marked the first major showcase since the site was announced as Volvo CE’s new corporate headquarters last August. The flagship event provided customers with an exclusive look at Volvo CE’s latest launches and innovations in both electric and conventional solutions, as well as a range of digital tools, and the opportunity to meet the experts behind these advancements.

Focus on integrated solutions

This year’s Volvo Days marked a shift from isolated products and services to comprehensive solutions tailored to customer needs, supporting their decarbonisation journey. Volvo CE also highlighted construction segments, demonstrating how its solutions can be packaged to deliver optimal performance across specific applications, from building and utilities to quarries and aggregates.

Introducing advanced excavators

Volvo CE introduced a new generation of excavators: the Volvo EC500, EC400, and EC230. This series, including the EC210 and ECR145, features intelligent technology with a new electro-hydraulic system and enhanced human-machine interface (HMI). These excavators are designed to improve fuel efficiency, productivity, safety, and overall cost of ownership.

The event also previewed the forthcoming A40, building on Volvo CE’s history as a leader in articulated haulers, and launched the R60 and R70 rigid haulers, expanding hauling options for customers. Like other Volvo CE machines, the new models can be powered by renewable HVO100 (hydrogenated vegetable oil), significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel.

Expanding electric solutions

Volvo CE continues to lead the shift towards fossil-fuel-free construction with new electric introductions in the mid-size segment. Alongside existing electric solutions like the 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator and the cable-connected EW240 Electric MH, Volvo CE presented new battery electric equipment, including the EWR150 Electric, the first electric wheeled excavator, and the L90 Electric and L120 Electric wheel loaders, set for phased introductions from late 2024 in selected markets.

These electric machines are supported by an expanded range of charging solutions, including the new PU40 mobile power unit for compact equipment, available in select markets, and the existing PU500 mobile power unit. To further enhance the electric ecosystem, Volvo CE introduced the My Equipment digital app, helping customers manage the charging process more efficiently.

Melker Jernberg, head of Volvo CE, said, “The construction industry is changing and we at Volvo CE do not want to just take part in the change, we want to lead it. Volvo Days 2024 is a landmark event where we unveil our most ambitious and biggest product line-up of both conventional and electric products we have ever done.”

Joakim Arndorw, head of sales region international, said, “These new ranges, alongside our electric solutions, prove that Volvo CE is well-equipped to respond to the different needs of our customers in both regulated and less regulated markets, leveraging our strength to implement meaningful innovation across all our offerings as we move closer towards our ambition for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”

Carl Slotte, head of sales region Europe, said, “Volvo Days demonstrates how far we have come on our electromobility journey, from our first commercial launch in 2019 through to the broad line-up of electric machines and charging solutions we present today, amplified by our range of smart digital tools. The steps we are taking into the electrification of medium and heavy segment machines paves the way for more customers to decarbonise their operations and seize new business opportunities as societies worldwide transition to a low-carbon future.”

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.