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Data Insights Innovation in construction: adjustable width road pavers

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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.

Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.

80+ innovations will shape the construction industry

According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the construction industry using innovation intensity models built on over 240,000 patents, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.

Within the emerging innovation stage, waterproof floor drains, adjustable width road pavers and construction 3D printing are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Floating breakwaters, self-healing concrete and building panel interlocking are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are pneumatic door closers and embossed floor panels, which are now well established in the industry.

Innovation S-curve for the construction industry

Adjustable width road pavers is a key innovation area in construction

Adjustable-width road pavers stand out as adaptable machines capable of accommodating various road conditions and paving requirements through their adjustable width. They provide several advantages over traditional fixed-width road pavers, including enhanced flexibility, increased efficiency, reduced material waste, improved maneuverability, and cost-effectiveness. These machines are proficient at paving roads with varying widths, navigating curves and corners, operating in confined spaces, repairing road sections, and paving multifunctional areas. In essence, adjustable-width road pavers offer a versatile and efficient solution for paving a wide range of roads and surfaces.

GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 105 companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of adjustable width road pavers.

Key players in adjustable width road pavers – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry

‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.

‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.

Patent volumes related to adjustable width road pavers

Deere is one of the leading patent filers in adjustable width road pavers. Commonly known as John Deere, Deere is a prominent American corporation with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1837. John Deere, the company's founder, revolutionized agriculture by inventing one of the first steel plows, allowing efficient tillage of the American Midwest prairie soil without clogging. Headquartered in Moline, Illinois, John Deere has evolved into a global leader in manufacturing, distribution, and financing of equipment across diverse sectors, including agriculture, construction, forestry, public works, and lawn and turf care. Additionally, the company offers credit and managed healthcare services. John Deere's extensive product line encompasses agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, and drivetrains used in heavy equipment, as well as lawn care equipment. Some other prominent patent filers in the space include Caterpillar and Astec Industries.

In terms of application diversity, Topcon leads the pack, followed by Hexagon and Agusti Y Masoliver. By means of geographjc reach, AWAX held the top position, followed by Volvo and Deere.

Topcon, established in Tokyo in September 1932, is a renowned Japanese multinational specializing in optical equipment for ophthalmology and surveying. Beyond its origins, the company has evolved to become a global leader in manufacturing technology, addressing critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.

In the realm of road paving, Topcon offers innovative solutions geared toward enhancing operational speed, smoothness, and efficiency. The SmoothRide solution, a comprehensive paving workflow, spans the entire asphalt paving process, encompassing highway-speed road scans, variable-depth milling, 3D paving, and intelligent compaction. Notably, their 3D paving systems boast Millimeter GPS technology.

Among Topcon's notable products is the RD-MC system, heralded for its transformative impact on the road resurfacing industry. Leveraging the capabilities of the 3D-MC technology, this system optimizes results throughout the paving and milling process, representing a significant advancement in road resurfacing practices.

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Construction.

GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.