Continued investment made in infrastructure is ushering in some exciting changes to the evacuators we know today. With global projections estimating that the world's population will grow by almost 2 billion people by the year 2040, much of the current infrastructure in place may be rendered inadequate. Over the next twenty years, it is estimated that almost 45% of the rural population around the globe will make the shift to urban communities, thus creating an extreme need for new and improved infrastructure. Countries, such as India and China, have seen rising demand for roads, communications, water, and power sources to support their growing communities and business centers. China alone is estimated to need at least $28 trillion for continuing infrastructure improvements.
The world's top manufacturers of excavation equipment are striving to meet this increasing demand, while balancing the changing preferences of their customers. Excavating machines need to be more than just durable; customers want more efficiency, sustainability, comfort, and value for what they pay.
Using new technologies, such as cameras, sensors, and improved telematics interfaces, an excavator's operational efficiency can be improved. Caterpillar's newly released 330 GC excavators include technology upgrades that allow for greater automation of boom, stick, and bucket movements, as well as the use of touch-screen monitors to help better guide grading. Caterpillar estimates that these technology upgrades to their 330 excavators, as well as other improvements, can increase efficiency by 45%.
Across the globe, corporations are striving to adopt sustainability measures. Excavators sporting new technology and innovative designs are intended to improve fuel efficiency and reduce their overall impact on the environment. The FX2 full electric compact prototype excavator was designed by Volvo to limit emissions, thus reducing the impact of its use on the environment. Hidromek's newly developed electric excavator HMK 70 W, scheduled to be showcased at bauma 2019, is designed to produce zero emissions. With its electric motor and battery, this quiet and efficient machine can be used inside buildings, parks and other outdoor common areas, or out on the construction site with relative ease.
Specialized designs are evolving to address changing demand. Volvo has been exploring ways to create excavators with base components with the ability to add multiple components to tailor the machine to its market. This gives the flexibility to better customize equipment to meet the needs to the market and the customer.
Safety and comfort are also on the forefront. Wider windows, coupled with cameras and sensors, give operators a greater view of the site. Notification systems can alert the operator of hazards around the machine. Equipment manufacturers also have an eye on comfort, creating cabs that are wider and easier to enter. Comfortable seats, climate control, and reinforced cabs that help to limit vibration and noise improve the operator's experience.
High demand for infrastructure will continue to drive improvements to excavation equipment. Excavators that provide quality, efficiency, and value to meet changing needs of their customers will help the industry stay ahead of the trend.
