At the last ConExpo, one of the most highly anticipated components was the Tech Experience. From the looks of things, this year’s version will be even better. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the enormous, multi-faceted display will guide visitors through the technology that is being developed for the future to make the industry smarter, faster, more sustainable, and safer.
The AEM website points to three areas of focus:
Modern Mobility
- What it is – The transformation of current systems for moving products and people to meet tomorrow’s demands.
- What it involves – Transportation that is personal, shared, intelligent, and/or autonomous.
- Why it matters – Existing infrastructure cannot sustain the sheer number of vehicles expected with growth in the future. Construction professionals will play an integral role in rebuilding and rethinking transportation.
Sustainability
- What it is – Designing buildings, vehicles, and cities with social, economic, and environmental impacts in mind.
- What it involves – Renewable energy, sustainable or recycled construction materials, and a resilient framework that withstands disturbance.
- Why it matters – Housing, workspace, infrastructure, and utilities all have serious social and environmental consequences. Companies embracing sustainability will earn more contracts.
Smart Cities
- What it is – Urban areas that incorporate electronic data collection sensors to efficiently manage assets and resources.
- What it involves – Collecting and processing data to manage power, transportation, water supply, waste management, law enforcement, schools, hospitals, and other services.
- Why it matters – Contractors need to be aware of new technology advances in this area because it will affect how work is done at construction sites in the future.
One highlight will be a 10-by-22-foot smart city replica that uses sensors and analytics allowing different city grids to use data in response to heat, wind, and storms.
Check out AEM’s video and then be sure to check out the Tech Experience at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020.
