The construction industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by an increased focus on environmental sustainability and workplace safety, and the growing importance of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. In the last three years alone, there have been over 27,000 patents filed and granted in the construction industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Artificial intelligence in construction: autonomous worksite machines. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 240,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the construction industry, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Autonomous worksite machines is a key innovation area in artificial intelligence
Autonomous vehicles such as haul trucks, dozers, excavators and load-carriers can be used to carry out worksite activities and improve health and safety standards. Smaller autonomous vehicles such as rovers can assist on-site workers by carrying tools and materials, improving the efficiency of site operations. Connectivity of autonomous worksite control machines across the site can allow for centralized control and coordinated activity.
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 60+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of autonomous worksite machines.
Key players in autonomous worksite machines – 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 autonomous worksite machines
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Komatsu is the leading patent filer in autonomous worksite machines, followed by Caterpillar and Deere. Other key patent filers include Hitachi, Kobe Steel, Built Robotics, and Fayat.
Komatsu and Toyota Motor launched a joint project in May 2023 to develop an Autonomous Light Vehicle (ALV) that will run on Komatsu's Autonomous Haulage System. The two companies are testing a concept ALV and plan to have a proof of concept at a customer site by January 2024.
Hitachi is also introducing an Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) for mining dump trucks with the aim of improving productivity and safety at mining sites.
Fayat, a leading producer of roadbuilding equipment, filed a method for operating a self-propelled roadbuilding machine, which limits the health and safety risks to operators, while maintaining the quality of materials used in the process. The method utilizes a transmitting module, through which an operator can control the components of the machine remotely, keeping a safe distance away from the harmful fumes produced during road construction.
In terms of application diversity, Komatsu is the leading company, followed by Caterpillar and Deere.
In terms of geographic reach, EquipmentShare.com, Ackermans & Van Haaren and Kubota are the leading companies.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Construction.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
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.
