Highlighting the importance of the launch, James Venerus, Product Marketing General Manager at Komatsu Europe, said: “At Komatsu, safety is always our number one priority and is non-negotiable. This collaboration with Safety Shield Global marks a clear step forward in delivering integrated solutions that enhance jobsite safety and give customers greater peace of mind.” The company stated that the system has undergone extensive testing in typical European operating environments and has demonstrated industry-leading detection accuracy. Performance testing covered a broad range of site conditions and ensured reliable detection across multiple colours commonly used in high-visibility and protective workwear.

The technology has been developed jointly with Safety Shield Global, whose software is specifically designed for environments where workers operate close to heavy equipment. By combining that software with Komatsu machine architecture, the system provides real-time identification of people located around the machine. Jonathan Guest, CEO of Safety Shield Global, commented: “This partnership with Komatsu marks a major milestone for Safety Shield Global. We are honoured to collaborate with such a respected global manufacturer.” He added: “Our mission has always been to eliminate deaths and serious injuries in environments where people work alongside heavy machinery. Komatsu shares those values, and we’re excited to deepen this partnership and grateful for their trust in our technology.”

The human detection system works alongside the existing KomVision camera system and on-board machine controllers. Operators receive immediate visual and audible notifications through a dedicated in-cab display and alert system whenever a person enters a predefined risk zone surrounding the excavator. Komatsu said factory installation ensures seamless integration, calibration and support while maintaining the quality standards expected from its equipment portfolio. According to Venerus, “Factory-fit is about delivering the same Komatsu standards of quality, assurance and reliability across every part of the machine. By integrating this system at the production stage, we ensure customers receive a solution they can trust – fully aligned with the performance and durability expected from Komatsu equipment.” The option is available on the PC170-11, PC210-11, PC240-11, PC290-11, PC360-11, HB365-3 and PC490-11 excavator models.

Currently under development, the 270,000-square-foot distribution hub is scheduled to become operational by the end of the year. Komatsu said the facility will feature investments in automation, storage systems and operational enhancements designed to improve inventory management and order fulfillment. The center will stock parts for construction, mining, forklift and forestry equipment, with a strong focus on improving support for construction customers through localized inventory and faster deliveries throughout the region.

The company added that the new facility will reduce freight distances and transportation requirements while enabling next-morning delivery to many Western U.S. dealers. Faster access to parts is expected to help construction equipment owners and operators maintain productivity on job sites and minimize disruptions caused by equipment downtime.

“This investment reflects Komatsu’s long-term commitment to strengthening support for our dealers and customers across the Western U.S.,” said Danny Murtagh, a Komatsu vice president.

“With expanded distribution capabilities and greater inventory availability positioned closer to our customers, we can respond faster, improve equipment uptime and deliver a better overall support experience,” added Murtagh.

Komatsu, headquartered in Japan with its American office in Illinois, said the Arizona Parts Center reflects its broader commitment to expanding U.S. operations and strengthening support services for industries that rely on construction and heavy equipment performance. The investment forms part of the company’s efforts to enhance parts availability, rental services and integrated field support across its North American network.

According to TUM, the barriers extend beyond the availability of electric equipment. Construction projects frequently face constraints including limited electrical power supply on-site, lengthy charging requirements, undersized grid connections, and the lack of a coordinated framework linking machinery, energy storage systems and construction workflows. The consortium argues that simply replacing diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives does not provide a workable solution, particularly for large-scale projects and machinery segments that require significant power. As a result, the project is focused on creating a broader system that combines construction operations, charging infrastructure, battery storage and grid integration.

Project leader Prof. Markus Lienkamp from the TUM Chair of Automotive Technology said: “We do not simply want to replace diesel engines in construction equipment. We view the construction site as a complete system, including construction processes, the connection to the power grid, and intermediate battery storage. By leveraging digitalization, we aim to make economically viable electric construction site operations possible in the future.”

The ForBat@Bau consortium aims to support fully electrified construction sites through a software-assisted and economically viable approach that improves planning reliability. Rather than treating individual machines separately, the project will integrate construction processes, charging infrastructure, machinery fleets, energy storage systems and grid connections into a unified operating model. Alongside TUM, academic partners include the University of Applied Sciences Landshut and the Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg. Industry participants comprise the Bavarian Construction Industry Association, the Bavarian Construction Academy, and companies representing machinery manufacturing, construction operations, distribution grid management, measurement and simulation. Participants include Liebherr, Wacker Neuson, Strabag and Zeppelin Rental. The three-year programme has secured approximately €1.9 million in funding from the Bavarian Transformation and Research Foundation and is intended to advance the practical deployment of Electric Construction Machinery across future construction projects.

The 8th International Construction & Survey Productivity Improvement Expo (CSPI 2026) will be held from June 17 to 20, 2026 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

CSPI is one of Japan’s largest and Asia’s leading exhibitions focused on construction productivity, featuring construction machinery, surveying equipment, ICT construction technologies, drones, 3D measurement, and digital construction solutions.

Leading manufacturers and solution providers from Japan and around the world will gather to showcase next-generation technologies.

Japan is one of the world’s largest construction markets. In response to labor shortages and an aging workforce, the country is accelerating the adoption of construction DX, automation, robotics, AI, and remote operation technologies.

Under the government’s i-Construction initiative, digital transformation in construction is
advancing rapidly, attracting global attention.

CSPI will present these innovations in one place, offering a comprehensive view of the future of construction.

Featured Companies and Exhibits

Komatsu

Exhibits: Smart Construction Platform / Autonomous Construction Equipment

Komatsu will showcase its Smart Construction platform, integrating machinery, data, and site management. ICT-enabled equipment and automation technologies will also be presented.

Hitachi Construction Machinery

Exhibits: ZX Series Hydraulic Excavators / Digital Construction Solutions
Hitachi Construction Machinery will exhibit its globally recognized ZX series excavators along with digital solutions including remote operation and data-driven construction management.

Yanmar

Exhibits: Compact Excavators / Smart Construction Solutions
Yanmar will present compact construction machinery and solutions designed for urban and infrastructure projects, focusing on efficiency and ease of operation.

Topcon

Exhibits: 3D Machine Control Systems / GNSS Positioning Technology
Topcon will showcase GNSS positioning systems, 3D machine control, and surveying technologies that support ICT construction and productivity improvement.

Amuse Oneself

Exhibits: TDOT GREEN LITE / GLOW2
Amuse Oneself designs and manufactures industrial drones in Japan and develops safety and visibility solutions for construction sites, contributing to safer working environments.

Exhibition Overview

Event: The 8th International Construction & Survey Productivity Improvement Expo (CSPI 2026)

Dates: June 17–20, 2026

Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan

Exhibition Space: Approx. 60,000 sqm

Number of Exhibitors: Approx. 606 companies

Number of Visitors: Approx. 55,000 (B2B)

Organizer: CSPI Organizing Committee

Official Website

International media representatives are welcome to attend. Interviews with organizers, seminar speakers, and exhibiting companies can be arranged upon request. You will have the opportunity to directly explore Japan’s latest smart construction technologies and digital transformation initiatives in the construction sector.

The Surface Assist system has been designed to support demanding operations such as overhead drilling, facade coating, painting and other repetitive tasks that expose workers to physical strain. Mounted on several Haulotte MEWP models, the robotic arm is currently being evaluated in conditions where accessibility and operator fatigue are significant operational challenges. The current phase relies on a pilot fleet intended to measure customer interest and determine the operational effectiveness of robotic solutions integrated directly with access equipment.

“A construction robot only makes sense if it operates where work is most demanding and exposed. We are delighted to collaborate with Haulotte to combine working-at-height expertise with robotics innovation, serving real construction use cases,” shared Alban BRISY, co-founder and CEO, Builder Assist.

The partnership follows Haulotte’s earlier collaboration with Autonomous Mobile Blast Paint (AMBP) on robotic cleaning, blasting and painting systems for shipyard environments. According to the company, the latest initiative supports its long-term innovation strategy of expanding MEWP capabilities through automation and digital technologies. Haulotte said it intends to continue developing an ecosystem of partners focused on high-risk and difficult-to-access operations through Construction robotics and embedded automation systems.

“The collaboration between AMBPR and Haulotte since 2020 has led to the development of a unique robotic solution dedicated to cleaning, blasting, and painting large vertical surfaces in the naval and industrial sectors. Thanks to the strong cooperation between AMBPR and Haulotte teams, as well as the reliability of Haulotte equipment, this solution enhances operator safety and reduces the environmental impact of operations carried out in particularly demanding environments,” said Stéphane RENOUARD, founder, AMBPR

“Embedded robotics opens up new perspectives for working-at-height applications. With Builder Assist, we are exploring solutions that can deliver tangible value on job sites, by combining access expertise, automation, and a deep understanding of field operations,” commented Philippe LUMINET, innovation director, Haulotte.

Customer and investor expectations are rapidly reshaping the industry, driving a strong demand for more productive, lower-emission operations. Simultaneously, regulatory and permitting frameworks are applying increased pressure, mandating that projects thoroughly address environmental performance and emissions during the planning and approval stages.

While individual electric machines, automation, and optimized asset planning offer clear avenues to reduce emissions, achieving fully functioning zero-emission construction sites requires a comprehensive approach. This transition depends heavily on a coordinated ecosystem of solutions and highly effective system integration across power infrastructure, energy management systems, and electric construction equipment.

Under the non-exclusive agreement, Volvo CE and Hitachi Energy will jointly evaluate commercial and technical concepts designed to facilitate zero-emission construction and manufacturing operations. The teams will concentrate heavily on site-level operational execution and system integration.

The scope of this collaborative work includes evaluating:

• Go-to-market strategies and business models
• Aftermarket requirements and long-term support considerations
• Practical, plug-and-play solutions for seamless transitions

The initial phase prioritizes go-to-market and commercial activities, aiming to simplify the shift to zero-emission construction sites for clients. Furthermore, the agreement establishes a framework for deeper technical alignment. Future initiatives may involve expanding service solutions, advancing digital integration, and developing connected machine technologies.

Volvo CE continues to lead the industry’s transition toward digitalization and electrification, while Hitachi Energy brings profound expertise in energy management, system integration, and power systems. Together, they provide a vital next step for customers navigating the complexities of decarbonization and accelerating the adoption of electric construction equipment.

The PC220 is described by the manufacturer as its most technologically advanced crawler excavator to date, developed to improve operational performance, operator comfort and workplace safety. To support the rollout, Komatsu UK has introduced additional manufacturing technologies at the Newcastle site, including precision scanning systems in fabrication and laser-guided assembly processes. Employees have also undergone training in digital manufacturing tools as machinery production becomes increasingly software-led. According to the company, producing the machine in the UK is expected to help shorten supply lead times while also reducing transport-related CO₂ emissions linked to long-distance delivery.

Paul Dickinson, Crawler Excavator Product Manager at Komatsu Europe, said: “This milestone demonstrates Komatsu’s ongoing confidence in the North East and the capabilities of our people. Producing our most advanced machine here highlights the quality, expertise and commitment that exists within our UK workforce.

“At Komatsu UK, our customers and distributors value the advantages of local European production. By manufacturing closer to our markets, we not only shorten supply lead times but also significantly reduce product mileage and associated CO₂ emissions. Our UK facility amplifies Komatsu’s unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, while reinforcing our core principle of creating value together with our customers.”

The latest phase of Excavator Production also follows Komatsu’s recent decision to transfer its UK distribution operations from Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd. to McHale Plant Sales Ltd., further reflecting the manufacturer’s ongoing operational changes and long-term investment strategy in the UK market.

It is one of the most dynamic sectors of the Italian economy, characterized by high productivity, a strong export orientation, significant technological intensity, and an increasingly central role in the development of modern infrastructure and construction sites. This is the snapshot of the construction machinery sector emerging from the new study conducted by CER (Centro Europa Ricerche) on behalf of Unacea (the Italian Construction Machinery Association), presented yesterday at Veronafiere during the opening day of the 32nd edition of SaMoTer, the triennial International Construction Machinery Exhibition, running until Saturday, 9 May (www.samoter.it).

The study was presented at the conference titled “Construction machinery and Italian production supply chains: the overall economic dimension” by Stefano Fantacone, Research Director at CER. He emphasized that the sector represents a highly specialized industrial segment, closely linked to the transformation of production processes in construction and to the modernization of the infrastructure system.

In 2025, the Italian construction machinery market reached 26,000 units sold almost double the 13,500 units recorded in 2017 confirming sustained long-term structural growth. After peaking in 2022 (29,700 units), the sector is now entering a phase of normalization. A slight contraction to 25,500 units (-1.9%) is forecast for 2026, against a macroeconomic backdrop of moderate GDP growth (+0.3%), a slowdown in construction investments (-0.3%), and inflationary pressures linked to energy costs exceeding 20%.

The total production value of the sector is estimated at €4 billion, with 6,000 direct employees rising to 85,000 when the entire supply chain is considered. These figures highlight not only the sector’s economic scale but also its capacity to generate skilled and geographically widespread employment.

Its competitive positioning is further strengthened by a marked international orientation. In 2025, the sector recorded €3.2 billion in exports compared to €2.3 billion in imports, resulting in a positive trade balance of €900 million. Nearly two-thirds of domestic production is destined for foreign markets, confirming the technological strength and global competitiveness of Italian companies.

Within the European context, the research clearly highlights Italy’s strengthened role in the construction machinery market. In 2025, Italy ranked as the third-largest European market by units sold, after Germany and the United Kingdom, overtaking France and securing a European market share of approximately 15%, up significantly from 9.6% in 2019.

This reflects growth dynamics running counter to other major countries. Between 2019 and 2025, the Italian market expanded by +38.8%, compared to an average European contraction of -9.4%, with significant declines in France (-28.3%), Germany (-22.7%), and the UK (-5.8%). Italy is thus the only major European market to have surpassed pre-Covid levels, reinforcing its competitive position and assuming an increasingly central role within the continental sector.

The sector is also distinguished by its strong integration with the construction supply chain, directly supporting worksites, infrastructure, civil engineering projects, and specialized activities. The three connected production branches civil engineering; demolition and site preparation; and installation of electrical, plumbing and other construction systems generate a combined production value of €135 billion and employ approximately 694,000 workers.

Between 2019 and 2023 (latest available Istat data), the production value of these three branches increased by 69%, compared to overall Italian production growth of 32%. The fastest-growing activity was demolition and site preparation (+73%), followed by installation activities (+70%). Civil engineering grew by 65%.

Another distinguishing feature of the sector is its high level of technological innovation. More than 35% of companies make medium-to-high investments in research and development, while between 35% and 44% invest in technology and digitalization to support the ongoing mechanization and transformation of worksites. Construction machinery thus acts as an enabling factor for productivity, workplace safety, and reduced project timelines, contributing significantly to the modernization of the entire supply chain.

Several representatives of leading brands exhibiting at SaMoTer 2026 also spoke during the presentation.

Gianluca Calì, Marketing Director of CGT Spa: “The performance of our market is directly proportional to that of the construction sector. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) has certainly boosted infrastructure projects and, consequently, the market has shown positive trends recently. However, contingent factors continue to influence customers’ purchasing decisions, as do various incentive schemes. Looking ahead, the sector has significant room for improvement in productivity recovery: all operators must invest so that customers understand that new technology translates into greater efficiency and productivity.”

Luca Evangelista, Sales Director of Volvo CE: “The Italian market is showing positive signs compared to other European markets. The encouraging results we see today are the outcome of work started several years ago. Slight declines should not be interpreted as negative signals or crises but rather as a phase of adjustment linked to broader economic trends. In the earthmoving segment, we are placing many machines on the market, while Germany, France and the UK have seen significant declines. This shows that Italy is delivering strong numbers thanks to groundwork done previously. Incentives have certainly played a role, but machines are purchased only when there are real projects. The PNRR has provided strong momentum, encouraging investments in connectivity, digitalization and sustainability areas where returns are consistently positive. The real challenge now is maintaining this level”.

Maurizio Tosi, Territory Manager Plants Italy at Ammann Group: “Despite the economic crisis linked to rising fuel prices, energy costs and raw materials, companies still show strong willingness to improve, invest and grow. The Italian market continues to deliver positive results, while Europe is experiencing significant declines. Incentives such as Industry 4.0 and 5.0 measures have been driving forces, but much also depends on companies’ capacity to continue investing. However, regulatory issues particularly in the road machinery segment remain problematic. Installing an asphalt plant requires numerous authorizations from different authorities that often fail to coordinate. This creates serious difficulties: approvals may take six months or more than three years depending on interpretation. Such uncertainty inevitably discourages investment”.

Filippo Venieri, Sales and Marketing Manager at VF Venieri: “Forecasts for 2026–2027 are difficult to interpret, although I see strong willingness to invest among companies in the sector, which gives hope for the future. One message I would like to convey from SaMoTer is the need to invest in young people to attract top talent and train the operators of tomorrow”.

Marco Ferroni, Business Director at Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe: “Since 2026 did not start particularly well, it may prove challenging for the sector. However, if corrective measures are taken quickly, 2027 could move against the trend seen in other European countries”.

David Bazzi, CEO of Komatsu Italia: “The incentives granted in Italy have certainly provided significant advantages to construction machinery manufacturers. However, in the current context of geopolitical crises, rising component costs and, above all, logistical challenges are creating serious difficulties for the entire sector.”

The agreement follows an initial trial involving 20 trucks, which demonstrated measurable improvements in monitoring and data visibility. Silvi, which operates across ready-mix concrete, aggregates, bulk cement, and construction materials, has been expanding its operational scale and expects production to reach up to 2.5 million cubic yards in 2026. Managing this level of output across multiple plants led the company to prioritise solutions capable of delivering real-time operational insights, actionable analytics, and seamless integration with existing ERP, dispatch, and batching systems.

A detailed evaluation process saw Silvi assess multiple providers before selecting Giatec’s integrated solution. MixPilot’s performance in delivering accurate, real-time slump monitoring and robust delivery analytics proved critical. However, the decision to extend implementation to SmartMix was driven by the ability to connect live truck data with mix design and quality control workflows. This integration created a unified system that consolidates data streams into a single operational view, strengthening Silvi’s overall Concrete Technology framework and improving decision-making across departments.

“From the moment we began the pilot, MixPilot performed beyond what we expected, and that says a lot, given the scale and complexity of what we run here at Silvi,” said Tim Hurtack, VP of Quality Control, Silvi Materials. “The accuracy of the data and the depth of the reporting completely changed how we think about concrete quality control. We went from siloed information across multiple systems to a single source of truth that our QC team, dispatchers, and leadership can all act on in real time. We have high confidence we made the right decision with Giatec, and we are proud to be bringing this technology across our entire fleet.”

Giatec worked alongside Silvi’s internal teams and technology partners to integrate both MixPilot and SmartMix within the company’s existing infrastructure. This ensured compatibility with current operational systems while enabling a broader transition toward unified, real-time data management. “MixPilot is a powerful tool for slump management, but the integration with SmartMix is what makes this a complete solution,” added Hurtack. ” The integration between real-time truck data and SmartMix’s mix design platform is something no competing solution could offer, and that combination carries serious weight in our decision. We’re not just improving one part of our process; we’re building an integrated QC ecosystem.”

“Silvi Materials is exactly the kind of forward-thinking operator that drives this industry forward,” said Pouria Ghods, CEO and Co-Founder of Giatec. “Their scale, their ambition, and the rigor with which they evaluated every available solution made this win especially meaningful. We competed on more than just features; we earned their trust by delivering real performance in the field and standing behind our technology every step of the way. Equipping over 360 trucks with MixPilot and bringing SmartMix into their QC operations is a statement about where the ready-mix industry is heading, and we’re proud to be Silvi’s partner on that journey.”

According to the company, differences in economic development stages, application requirements, and customer segments have led to increasingly varied expectations in the construction machinery sector. Its core portfolio currently includes hydraulic excavators, dump trucks, and wheel loaders, but the introduction of the WIXIM brand is intended to broaden that offering. Through collaborations with partner companies, the group plans to diversify its lineup and provide dealers and customers with more tailored equipment options suited to local market demands.

Products under the WIXIM brand will be backed by Hitachi Construction Machinery, with quality standards aligned to regional and operational requirements. The company confirmed that its existing dealer network will manage end-to-end after-sales support, covering everything from product delivery to parts supply. This integrated structure is expected to ensure faster response times, reduce downtime, and maintain service consistency, mirroring the support provided under its primary brand.

Looking ahead, the company has also confirmed a broader corporate transition. It will adopt the name LANDCROS Corporation and rebrand as LANDCROS from April 1, 2027. The change reflects its stated commitment to “openly co-create new businesses and value with our customers and partners, and develop together.” The WIXIM initiative has been positioned as a step aligned with this direction, with its name signalling a focus on building mutually beneficial relationships across stakeholders.

Tooru Takatani, Executive Officer, President of the Global Marketing Group of Hitachi Construction Machinery: “The diversification of the construction machinery market is accelerating, and rapid business development that is free from conventional constraints is essential to quickly respond to customer needs. The WIXIM brand will expand the product portfolio of the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group through collaboration with partner companies and enable us to enter untapped markets. Through this new brand, we will offer customers a more diverse range of options and achieve sustainable growth together. Together with our customers, dealers, and partner companies, the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group aims to create the construction and mining industries of the future that will support people and society to help build a prosperous society that future generations can be proud of.”