Working more efficiently and safely on jobsites
CONSTRUCTION- SMART EQUIPMENT
Brawn and Brains
Working more efficiently and safely on jobsites
Insights from CONEXPO-CON / AGG 2026
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Construction equipment is no longer just about providing crews what they need to get work done. Today’ s equipment also has the smarts to help crews work more efficiently and safely.
And it’ s not just core machines like excavators and wheel loaders that are being equipped with the latest smart sensors and other digital technology. Specialized equipment, including pavers, support equipment, such as generators, and safety systems, including cameras and lighting, are all being designed with smart features.
Driving those capabilities is the need and desire to help make crews’ lives easier and safer, as well as take some of the pressure off inexperienced workers.
Changing Conditions
One challenge that construction crews run into is changing jobsite conditions. Paving contractors using concrete know
Telecom & Utility Construction | Fall 2026 this all too well.
“ In working closely with contractors, we heard a consistent theme,” said Matt Michel, senior vice president of Metal Forms, a provider of concrete paving forms.“ Paving contractors need a machine that will stand up to the rigorous demands of their projects and be capable of meeting strict concrete consolidation specs.”
The problem, according to Michel, is that many projects require different vibrator spacing and output depending on owner specifications. One solution offered by Metal Forms is a roller screed that incorporates hydraulic vibrators.
“ That technology makes it easier to adjust spacing,” Michel said.“ Additionally, the display allows operators to monitor vibrator output and depth as they work, helping to ensure proper consolidation.”
Mobile generators are also impacted
by changing construction jobsite conditions. Power demands vary throughout the day, which results in frequent periods when a generator isn’ t running at optimum capacity.
That can cause issues with the generator’ s diesel engine. Specifically impacted is the emissions equipment, where unburned fuel can increase carbon buildup and lead to higher fuel and oil consumption, and ultimately increased maintenance and downtime.
To combat this problem, Echo Industrial Power Equipment has developed Smart Emissions Technology( S. E. T.) for their line of diesel-powered generators.“ S. E. T. adds a small electrical load to the generator during light and underloaded operating conditions,” explained Ryan Fredrickson, senior product marketing manager at Echo IPE.“ This assures that the generator and emissions control equipment run efficiently at proper operating temperature.”