Every three years in March, ConExpo-Con/Agg brings the construction industry to Las Vegas for North America’s largest construction trade show. Contractors, equipment dealers, manufacturers and others turn out to see the products and technologies that are driving the industry forward.
ConExpo is so large it can be hard to take it all in, but here are some predictions about a few of the key themes this year’s attendees can expect to hear a lot more about.
Automation
There is little question that the construction industry is moving toward more automated equipment and workflows, and this will be a big theme at ConExpo 2020. Machine automation made a big splash at ConExpo 2017, and companies that are driving automation technology forward have made significant progress in the past three years.
Attendees at this year’s show can expect to see a full range of autonomous machine control technology, from autos functionality that is available both aftermarket and from the factory today, to demonstrations of fully autonomous equipment without an operator in the cab. For the first time ever, show attendees will also have an opportunity to try their hand at remotely controlling construction equipment on an out-of-state demonstration site from the show floor.
Extended Reality
This will be the first ConExpo show where attendees can expect to see mixed reality (MR), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) show up in a big way. Even three years ago these technologies were more futuristic than real-world, but that is no longer the case. Today, contractors are using tools like mixed reality hardhats and augmented reality handhelds on jobsites all over the world – indoors, outdoors and remotely – to visualize complicated construction and design concepts easily.
Attendees will have ample opportunity to give these immersive technologies a try to see for themselves how far this technology has come and how easy it is to use.
Robotics
Previously an up-and-coming segment of the industry, robotics in construction is becoming more mainstream every day. Look for product demonstrations and sessions that educate contractors on how robots can help solve some of the industry’s greatest challenges, from jobsite safety to the workforce shortage.
Data and Cloud Solutions
A data transformation is occurring in the construction industry, and software and the importance of using data to make better business decisions will be another dominant theme at ConExpo 2020. Software – and the integration between the field and the office – is another area that continues to show significant gains. The industry has officially reached a point where contractors that connect their office, team and field with integrated software platforms that process data in real time have a leg up over those that don’t because they can make faster and more informed decisions.
ConExpo will present a great opportunity for contractors to learn more about how data is driving modern construction, including taking a closer look at data analytics, business intelligence or BI solutions, and making a move to the cloud.
Workforce
The labor shortage and continued transition of knowledge from one generation to the next continue to challenge the construction industry. Look for a lot of conversation around workforce and labor at this ConExpo. This will likely include technology that makes workers more efficient and construction work easier to do for entry-level workers, as well as an intentional effort across the industry to make construction jobs more appealing to a broader segment of the population. This will include events, sessions and discussions focused on women in construction; attracting a younger workforce; hiring and recruitment; training and retention; and more.
