Bauma 2022 to focus on development of autonomous construction machines
Industry expert says full autonomy unlikely in the short term due to technical and safety challenges
The route to greater autonomy in construction machinery will be highlighted at Bauma 2022, which is billed as the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment.
Machines that drive and work autonomously are among the big visions for the future of the construction industry but “true autonomy in construction machines is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future, because there are complex technical and safety-related challenges,” says Tim-Oliver Müller, Director of the Hauptverband der Deutschen Bauindustrie e.V.
He believes that it is far more realistic and achievable for the construction industry to develop and use ‘intelligent’ construction machines with semi-automated, automated or supporting functions and to do so for selected construction processes, such as in earthworks, road construction or special heavy construction.
“Such solutions have the potential for noticeable increases in efficiency and productivity,” according to Müller. The industry expert points out that intelligent machines could relieve machine operators of repetitive and tiring activities while remaining independent of their individual tasks – an advantage that could be crucial in times when there is a shortage of skilled workers.
The global machinery event will take place from 24-30 October in Munich where further insights into the industry can be expected.
