Showcase: Unique Construction Tech That Could Change Your Fleet (Part 2)

We're back with our second look at construction technology that could be solutions for your fleet. This time, the focus is on telematics and machine-to-machine communication, underground technology, AI, and more.

JLG Leader-Follower tech

In a futuristic scenario, multiple JLG machines work together using Leader-Follower technology in a coordinated application scenario. Two scissor lifts transport and position structural materials, while a boom lift equipped with a welding end-effector (photo below) performs precision welds at height.

The demonstration (seen at CES and Conexpo) highlights how connected equipment can detect, communicate, and coordinate tasks, allowing a single operator to oversee multiple machines simultaneously. At the center of this is JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet platform, which provides the real-time machine connectivity, through integrated IoT communications and a patented Bluetooth mesh network, to create the wireless, connected job site ecosystem.

The connected ecosystem also enables predictive maintenance, remote operation, and improved equipment utilization. JLG’s technology journey is evolving from simply enabling work at height to helping execute work on the job site, by bringing together connectivity, automation, and robotics, transforming equipment into intelligent systems that can take on repetitive, physically demanding tasks while supporting skilled workers.

Bobcat Jobsite Companion

Jobsite Companion is an AI-enabled solution for compact construction equipment. Designed to elevate the operator experience and simplify machine operation, Jobsite Companion brings voice-activated control and intelligent automation directly into the cab.

Jobsite Companion allows operators to keep their hands on the controls while automating more than 50 machine functions. With the push of a button and a simple voice request, operators can adjust engine speed, hydraulic control modes, lights, wipers, and attachment settings, while the system optimizes machine performance based on the job and attachment in use. 

The scoop on Bobcat's "Classic" and "Pro" strategy

Built for real-world job site conditions, Jobsite Companion operates without cloud connectivity, delivering fast responses even in remote locations. The system combines voice interaction with visual feedback on the in-cab display, providing clear guidance without added distraction.

Operators can also access answers to machine operation questions, including information related to service needs, fault codes and attachment operation.

Beyond machine control, its built-in job cost dashboard turns hours into insight by tracking operation cost compared to job estimates to improve profit. 

Available as an option in the U.S. on the company's Pro loader available this summer, Jobsite Companion is built as a scalable platform, with over-the-air updates planned to expand features, languages, and compatibility across future equipment.

Fleetio Maintenance Shop Network

Fleetio’s Maintenance Shop Network is a strategic tool built to help fleets control maintenance, reduce costs, and drive ROI. With access to over 100,000 trusted service providers across the U.S. and Canada, fleets can manage both planned and reactive maintenance while maintaining full operational visibility.

Whether you outsource regularly or need support for unexpected repairs, the network provides flexible, reliable coverage without added complexity.

Designed to reduce downtime, this network enables digital approval workflows, automated policies, consolidated billing, and live repair tracking. Fleetio’s AI Service Advisor further enhances this by helping evaluate repairs and flag potential issues, reducing unnecessary work and improving efficiency.

Instead of juggling disconnected vendors and processes, fleets can standardize maintenance and gain greater control over spend and outcomes. For service providers, Fleetio offers a vendor portal to manage transactions, track performance, and connect with fleet customers, creating an ecosystem that benefits fleets and their maintenance partners.

Philippi-Hagenbuch Load Ejector

The system is engineered to virtually eliminate material carryback, effectively increasing load capacity and improving operational efficiency. This solution allows operations to haul the full rated capacity with each load and reduce downtime associated with removing carryback from the truck.

Load Ejectors are professionally engineered to fit the exact make and model of any articulated or rigid frame off-highway haul truck and address the specific areas of the body where sticky material, such as clay, dirt, mud, fly ash, and bottom ash, tends to build up.

The Load Ejector System consists of an overlapping jointed plate lattice design that rests flat against the front slope and floor inside of the truck body. When the body is raised, the Load Ejector separates from the truck bed by gravity, removing material as it hangs vertically away from the body.

This leaves an empty truck with its full capacity for the next load.

VMAC multifunction power

VMAC’s 6-in-1 Multifunction Power System, powered by a Honda gasoline engine, puts equipment the crew needs into one compact unit. Air compressor, generator, welder, booster, charger, and hydraulics all working together and eliminating the need for  hauling extra equipment.

With 40 cfm of rotary screw compressed air, 8kW of electric power, up to 250 amps of welding, boosting/charging capability, and 8 gpm of hydraulic power, this system is built for heavy-duty field work across construction, mining, utilities, and service fleets.

Run multiple tools, switch functions instantly, and keep the truck engine off to save fuel and reduce wear. It is quieter, lighter, and engineered to maximize space and productivity on every job.

Ditch Witch VAM

Ditch Witch continues to advance horizontal directional drilling productivity with Virtually Assisted Make-up (VAM), a technology designed to simplify one of the most critical parts of the drilling process: making up and breaking out drill pipe.

Traditional pipe makeup systems often rely on mechanical sensors and operator judgment to determine when a connection is properly tightened. VAM reduces much of this guesswork with an automated system that monitors the makeup process and applies the correct amount of speed and torque during pipe connections.

Where telematics is headed next: Ditch Witch "Orange Intel"

The result is a more precise and consistent makeup process each time a rod is added or removed during drilling.

For HDD contractors, that level of consistency plays an important role in daily operations. Proper connections help reduce thread wear and limit the risk of pipe damage, which is one of the most common causes of costly downtime in horizontal directional drilling. By helping ensure connections are made correctly, VAM supports longer drill pipe life and more reliable performance in the field.

The system also reduces operator guesswork during pipe handling. By automating key parts of the makeup process, crews can maintain smoother drilling cycles and spend less time managing pipe connections.

The result is a smarter pipe-handling approach that helps contractors protect their tooling investment while maintaining steady, efficient drilling operations. VAM is available on the Ditch Witch JT21 and JT/AT120 drills.

Vermeer Verifier

The Vermeer Verifier locator family ranges from the straightforward Verifier G1 to the advanced Verifier G3+ FLX, which combines standard utility locating with underground cable fault-finding in one device.

Across the lineup, an exclusive waterproof coil clamp does not need to encircle a utility to induce a signal. The G3+ models pair with the G3+ Map mobile app to log GPS data, depth, current index, and operator information on every locate.

"The Verifier locators help crews locate utilities efficiently, helping reduce the risk of service disruptions and excavation damage," said Aaron James, territory sales manager for Vermeer MV Solutions. "They help protect vital infrastructure while keeping projects on track."

JCB single-arm boom

In the mature tech category, JCB’s single-arm boom design is a different approach to skid steer and CTL design. Rather than a traditional twin-arm layout, the boom uses a reinforced, U-shaped structure mounted along the right side of the machine.

The design distributes loads evenly through the arm to help manage torsional forces while maintaining strength and stability during lifting and loading.

Learn the latest on JCB and the rental market

By consolidating the structure into a single arm, the machine provides a clear line of sight to the attachment and work area. For operators working in confined job sites or around ground personnel, the unobstructed visibility supports more precise attachment control and improved situational awareness.

The simplified architecture reduces the number of pivot points and wear components compared with twin-arm machines, contributing to streamlined service access and lower maintenance demands over time. The configuration also enables a side-entry cab, allowing operators to enter and exit without climbing over attachments.

The result is a design focused on structural efficiency, visibility, and serviceability.