Show and go!
Get ready for Plantworx 2023: the biggest showcase of construction equipment and technologies! CPN casts an eye over what’s what.
According to the organisers Plantworx 2023 is about to hit the ground running. This year’s event will be the ultimate one-stop-shop for the latest and greatest construction equipment and technologies. With a plethora of innovations and new zones, visitors will see cutting-edge market offerings and the latest technology pipeline developments.
Many of Plantworx’s 300 plus exhibitors will be making their show debut.
The event will host many industry-leading machinery original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) presenting their electrification strategies for off-road vehicles and equipment. Many stands will feature live demonstrations from the likes of Hitachi Construction Machinery, and the Chinese heavyweights XCMG (who will be at Plantworx for the very first time). Other big names on the list include Caterpillar, Hidromek, Hydrema, Hyundai, SMT (Volvo), Takeuchi, Sany, Sunward Europe, Liugong, Mecalac, Yanmar Compact Equipment, Kubota, Develon (formerly Doosan), Bobcat, AVANT, BOMAG, Brokk UK, RSP Suction Excavators, Merlo, Manitou and many more.
Plantworx is also set to showcase the latest advancements in engine and battery technologies., Xerotech with Hibernium and Lifos have been shortlisted for Plantworx Innovation awards and will be exhibiting for the first time. Atlas Copco is a regular exhibitor at Plantworx, this year showing its ZBC Battery Storage System, which is also shortlisted for an Innovation award.
These new battery technologies are a promising development in the world of renewable energy and are sure to be a highlight of Plantworx.
The digital revolution is in full swing, and a deluge of technology and connectivity companies are hitting the market. These technology solution providers are working tirelessly to achieve an all-encompassing connected site.
It’s not just about the excavator; it’s about the telematics, cameras, and sensors that work together seamlessly to enhance the excavator’s functionality. The data collected by these systems provides contractors and fleet owners with real-time insights into their equipment’s performance and health. Through a single platform, contractors and fleet owners can monitor the location, usage, and health of their equipment, all in one place.
Plantworx 2023 has attracted a number of these businesses, including equipment management platform experts MachineMax, ABAX Telematics and Plant Tracking, as well as connectivity solutions company Plinx and Onwave, who is showcasing Onwave Locator (OWL), which is a SaaS application, developed by Onwave to aid customers with the dissemination and communication of hazard and work site information to remote workers.
Safety is also an essential consideration in the construction industry. With the inherent risks that come with building and infrastructure projects, safety measures must be put in place to protect workers, the public, and the environment. Companies including Spillard Safety Systems, Xwatch Safety Solutions, GKD, SiteZone, Leica, and Prolec are at the forefront of providing innovative safety solutions to the construction industry.
All of these companies will be showcasing their latest safety solutions. Leica and Xwatch will be announcing a world-wide first with a recent collaboration that first debuted in Las Vegas.
Spillard will be showcasing its AI Human Detection System (HDS), which has been shortlisted for a Plantworx Innovation Award. GKD, SiteZone are other companies that are dedicated to improving safety in the construction sector. Their range of products includes proximity detection systems and access control solutions that help to prevent accidents and unauthorized access to construction sites.
The award-winning Official CESAR Scheme is set to emphasize the criticality of security and demonstrate how its multi-layered security marking technologies can thwart criminals who seek to target plant and machinery once again. Additionally, Datatag ID (who operate CESAR for the CEA) will be unveiling KIST, a web-based administration portal.
Sustainable welfare cabins are an innovative solution for providing comfortable and environmentally-friendly temporary accommodation in remote or challenging locations. These cabins are designed to meet the needs of workers who require on-site accommodation and facilities, while also minimizing the environmental impact of their operations. Two award-shortlisted companies in this space are Boss Cabins and Genquip Groundhog who will be showing their latest green innovations at the show.
The versatility of a machine is often determined by its attachments and the show sees a record number of attachment manufacturers exhibiting. Leading brands such as Auger Torque, Digga Attachments, Digbits, Arden Equipment, Worsley Plant and BPH Attachments will showcase their latest products, alongside the top tiltrotator companies like Engcon and Steelwrist.
Machine control and guidance systems have become the norm on most site machinery, whether factory or retrofitted. Nasco Digtec’s iDig 2D and 3D will demonstrate the very latest in dig technology.
Technology zone
The construction industry has come a long way in the past few decades, and technology has played a significant role in that progress. From machine control to telematics, GPS systems, and safety systems, technology has transformed the way construction sites operate. To showcase the latest advancements in construction equipment technology, Plantworx is launching the Get Connected Technology Zone, a dedicated space for technology providers in the construction equipment sector.
It bring together companies that have new and innovative ways of delivering solutions. The focus will be on the people-plant interface, telematics, the connected site, and safety systems. Indoor companies such as Ongrage Machine Control, Unicontrol, Sitech, Sodex, Plinx, MachineMax, GKD, and FTC are amongst exhibitors.
Outside exhibitors include Conquip, Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe, and Thomas Plant. These exhibitors will demonstrate their products in action on “working machinery,” which will have the technology previously installed. Exhibitors will arrive ready “to plug and play,” demonstrating the ease of integrating new technology into existing construction equipment.
Simulation zone
The Simulation Zone is an innovative and interactive area that offers an opportunity for novices and experienced operators alike to upskill and learn machine control systems, advanced technologies, and gain insights into the world of construction.
Plantforce Rentals, a pioneer in simulation training, is once again spearheading the Simulation Zone. It has partnered with leading industry players like Trimble and Leica Geosystems to provide visitors with a comprehensive and immersive experience.
In addition to showcasing the future of the construction site, Plantworx 2023 will also highlight the key challenges facing small and medium-sized construction sector companies in the areas of immersive technologies and data. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn about new technologies and the ways they can benefit their operations.
Rob Oliver, Executive Director of the show organisers has recently shared his insights on Plantworx 2023. He stated, “Plantworx is back and bustling, following the successful Conexpo event and the UK’s Executive Hire Show. We are promising a wide range of new to the market products from an array of leading OEMs. As the industry witnesses a surge in companies embracing electric-powered solutions and making strides in hydrogen technology, Plantworx 2023 is set to be the most impressive edition yet. It is the showcase for groundbreaking machines and cutting-edge innovations that will propel the construction sector into the future.”
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