Autonomous Construction Equipment Global Market Report 2024

The autonomous construction equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.05 billion in 2023 to $15.41 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth observed during the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including robust economic growth in emerging markets, a surge in infrastructure development, an increased demand for safety measures in construction, and a rise in industrialization.

The autonomous construction equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.31 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rapid urbanization, an increase in construction activities, and growing government support. Major trends expected in the forecast period include a focus on advanced construction equipment, rising investments in the construction sector, an emphasis on autonomous robot construction, IoT (Internet of Things)-based autonomous construction machinery, new product launches, a focus on technology advancement, and strategic partnerships and collaborations.

The global shortage of heavy equipment operators within most construction companies has prompted manufacturers to increasingly focus on technological advancements such as robotics and automation. Primarily aimed at addressing labor shortages, these technologies aim to expedite project completion, minimize wastage, and enhance productivity while maintaining high-quality standards. Experts widely advocate automating construction equipment, especially in regions facing significant labor deficits or remote areas, particularly for repetitive tasks. Consequently, the shortage in skilled labor is a significant driver propelling the growth of the Autonomous construction equipment market.

The burgeoning construction industry serves as a significant catalyst in propelling the expansion of the autonomous construction equipment market. This industry, encompassing diverse activities from planning and design to development, renovation, and infrastructure maintenance, generates heightened demand for heavy machinery and equipment to efficiently execute various projects within stipulated timelines. This escalating demand underpins the adoption of autonomous construction equipment to meet project needs. Notably, as per a report published by the Office for National Statistics in February 2022, the annual construction industry witnessed a record surge of 12.7% in 2021 compared to the previous year. Moreover, in December 2021, monthly construction output volumes soared by 2.0%, primarily fueled by an uptick in new work (3.5%). Additionally, the quarterly production in Q4 2021 climbed by 1.0% compared to Q3, driven by increases in new work (1.1%) and repair and maintenance (0.8%). Thus, the dynamic growth of the construction industry remains a key driver propelling the expansion of the autonomous construction equipment market.

The trend of making existing equipment autonomous is gaining traction within the autonomous construction equipment market. While companies exhibit interest in automation, the high costs associated with deploying this technology pose a challenge. To stay competitive and leverage new technology without facing significant investment barriers, construction firms are considering renting autonomous machines instead of investing in purchasing construction equipment outright. The decision to rent aims to circumvent the expenses linked with equipment ownership. For instance, statistics suggest that owning a commercial truck could accumulate annual costs of approximately $8,500. To mitigate overall expenses, companies are actively exploring solutions to retrofit their existing equipment for autonomy. Companies such as Built Robotics offer manufacturer-agnostic solutions, enabling clients to automate machinery without relinquishing manual operating capabilities. With a growing likelihood of more machines becoming autonomous in the future, promising advancements are on the horizon.

Leading companies operating in the autonomous construction equipment market are innovating to introduce new products such as path planning software, aiming to cater to larger customer bases, drive increased sales, and augment revenue streams. Path planning software, also referred to as motion planning software, represents a computer program or algorithm designed to determine the optimal path or trajectory for mobile robots, autonomous vehicles, or any entity capable of autonomous movement. Notably, in February 2023, Trimble, a US-based technology company, launched advanced path planning technology distinguished by its ability to assist equipment manufacturers and contractors in automating the trajectory, speed, and overall path design of heavy equipment. The technology is poised to expedite task completion, moving the construction sector closer to fully autonomous machinery. This innovation allows global manufacturers to offer clients an automated, easily integrable solution compatible with both Trimble and third-party equipment manufacturer systems. Additionally, to provide a seamless end-to-end experience, the technology will be made available within Trimble Connected Farm and Trimble Construction Cloud, ensuring a comprehensive solution for Trimble end-users.

In February 2022, Bell Trucks America, a U.S.-based manufacturing company specializing in articulated off-road dump trucks, revealed a collaboration with Pronto, a California-based developer focusing on autonomous technology specifically designed for articulated dump trucks. These specialized trucks find application in small construction sites and underground mines due to their maneuverability and functionality. Through this partnership, Pronto commits to providing its cutting-edge autonomous driving and driver safety technologies to all Bell customers across the United States and Mexico. This comprehensive offering extends to both new Bell trucks and existing fleets, ensuring accessibility through BTA's extensive network comprising over 75 dealerships and service centers.

Major companies operating in the autonomous construction equipment market report are Caterpillar Inc., Komatsu Limited, Volvo Group, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Doosan Corporation, CNH Industrial, Deere & Company, Royal Truck & Equipment, Autonomous Solutions Inc., Built Robotics, Inc., Yingchuang Building Technique Co., XMCG, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co. Ltd., Tadano Ltd., Liebherr, Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd., Zoomlion India Pvt. Ltd., China Communications Construction Company, JCB India, Fastbrick Robotics, Fujita Corporation, Toyota Industries, Takeuchi Manufacturing, Lingong Heavy Machinery Co. Ltd., Terex Corporation, Wacker Neuson, Bobcat, SafeAI, Aecon, Case, Cummins, Hitachi.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the autonomous construction equipment market in 2023. North America was the second-largest region in the autonomous construction equipment market share. The regions covered in the autonomous construction equipment market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the autonomous construction equipment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Spain.

The primary product types of autonomous construction equipment include earth-moving equipment, construction vehicles, material handling equipment, and concrete and road construction equipment. Earthmoving equipment comprises large, heavy-duty vehicles designed for tasks related to earthwork construction. The autonomous construction equipment can be categorized as partial/semi-autonomous or fully autonomous. Various applications of this equipment span road construction, building construction, and other related uses.

The autonomous construction equipment market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides autonomous construction equipment market statistics, including autonomous construction equipment industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an autonomous construction equipment market share, detailed autonomous construction equipment market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the autonomous construction equipment industry. This autonomous construction equipment market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The autonomous construction equipment market consists of sales of excavators, backhoe loaders, bulldozers, and skid-steer loaders. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.