Unlocking the potential of digitalization with networked construction

More efficient, more transparent, more sustainable—digitalization and networking are seen as effective measures that help get a grip on the major challenges facing the construction industry. In view of this significance, bauma 2025 has added “Networked Construction” to its key topics. The World’s Leading Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment will be held from April 7 to 13 at the Munich exhibition center.

Smart attachments with standardized digital language

In networked construction, digital technologies and communication systems are integrated into the construction process, which improves collaboration and efficiency. For example, attachments supply process data and communicate with the respective carrier machines. A standardized digital language is required for this communication to also work regardless of the manufacturer. The foundation for this was laid by the MiC 4.0 BUS protocol, which won the Innovation Award in the field of digitization at the last bauma in 2022. Version 1.0 of this is now freely available with full functional security. Thanks to the common universal protocol, the carrier machine recognizes which attachment is to be used, which parameters it needs to function, and whether it is even suitable for use on this machine. “Accidents caused by incorrectly closed quick hitches, unsuitable hydraulic pressure or incorrectly dimensioned attachments can thus be reliably avoided,” reports Dr. Darius Soßdorf, Managing Director of the MiC 4.0 working group at the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA). The working group includes manufacturers of construction machinery and sensors, software companies, and construction firms.

Bidirectional information flow between construction machine and user

Through the advancing digitalization of construction machinery, users receive increasing amounts of data which not only show them the condition of the machines, but also provide valuable information on their performance and work quality. For example, more efficient fuel routes can be developed on the basis of current consumption data, while machine deployment can be optimized by accurately recording the respective capacity utilization. A new function of the telematics system from the manufacturer Bobcat shows that the information flow does not have to be a one-way street from the machine to the operator. The engine of wheel loaders, mini excavators, etc. can be remotely deactivated—and also reactivated—by the owner with just a few clicks. That prevents unauthorized use and theft, which can result in lower insurance premiums, among other things.

Valuable support for machine operators

On the basis of digital information, and given the shortage of skilled workers, even less experienced machine operators can avoid slight errors and accidents, and achieve very good work results. For example, the construction machinery manufacturer Develon, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment, together with surveying specialist Leica Geosystems, recently started offering 3D machine control as a retrofit option for one of its crawler excavator models. Design information and real-time cut/fill indications are displayed on the control panel in the cab so that the driver can carry out the excavator work exactly according to the reference model.

Sensors connect the physical and virtual world

Sensors are a prerequisite for the digitalization of construction machinery, including developing assistance and autonomy systems. For example, they register the boom and bucket position, are used for fluid management, or help detect structural loads and damage. One of the biggest challenges for using sensor technologies in the construction machinery industry is often the harsh working environment, which is why manufacturers like Baumer are developing extremely robust sensors specifically for use in mobile machines. Special material, design and test concepts ensure that the data required for digitalization flows even under the toughest operating conditions.