< PreviousROAD TO THE FUTURE The use of new technologies such as AI and machine learning by asphalt makers and road equipment providers can help improve efficiency and accelerate project execution COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023 10COVER STORY 11 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023W ith a view to improving connectivity, encouraging job creation, and creating an environment that would promote economic growth, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have pumped signifi cant amount of money over the past 20 years into developing infrastructure such roadways throughout the region. The higher investments from regional authorities, particularly in theresource-rich GCC countries, in building infrastructure to promote economic growth provided an excellent opportunity for road equipment suppliers and asphalt producers to grow their businesses. As the GCC governments are now concentrating on building top-notch highways and expressways and upgrading other surface transportation infrastructure throughout the region, asphalt makers and road equipment providers are set to play a crucial role in future. Moreover, following the advancement of technology, companies are using newer methods and tools to become more effi cient and profi table. The usage of Artifcial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning is still in its nascent stage, but rising rapidly in the region. Industry captains are predicting that these technologies have the potential to completely revolutionise the whole sector in near future. HIGHER DEMAND In the Middle East, a region known for its vast oil reserves and infrastructure development, the demand for high-quality asphalt and road equipment has been steadily increasing over the years. This penchant for quality products is also encouraging homegrown companies such as Galfar Engineering, Al Marwan Heavy Equipment & Machinery Trading Establishment, Saudi Bitumen Industries Ltd, Ali Mousa & Sons Group, and many others to off er high- quality services with the help of new and better machines to improve the overall quality of the roads in the region. These companies off er a comprehensive range of equipment and services, designed to meet the growing demand for effi cient and reliable road construction and maintenance. With their expertise, experience, and commitment to quality, these road equipment providers are well-positioned to play a crucial role in the region’s infrastructure development for years to come. NEW TRENDS IN THE REGION These companies not only provide high- quality equipment for road construction and GCC countries are investing billions of dollars in developing infrastructure Data analytics can inform users about machine performance and can predict maintenance schedule COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023 12 Companies are using newer tools to become more effi cient improve productivity, and enhance decision- making. By leveraging data analytics, these companies can identify potential issues, predict maintenance needs, and implement preventive measures, thereby ensuring smooth operations and maximising the lifespan of their equipment. Additionally, the insights derived from big data analysis aid in identifying industry trends, customer preferences, and market demands, allowing for strategic planning and product innovation. The usage of big data in the asphalt and road equipment industry in the GCC region is increasing due to several factors that contribute to its benefi ts and advantages. PMV Middle East, with the help of industry experts have enlisted a few reasons that are helpful in stemming the growth of the industry, they are: Effi ciency and Optimisation: Big data analytics enables equipment manufacturers and construction companies to optimise their operations and improve effi ciency. By analysing large volumes of data collected from equipment sensors, they can identify patterns, optimise equipment utilisation, reduce downtime, and improve overall productivity. This leads to cost savings, streamlined processes, and faster project completion. Predictive Maintenance: Big data analytics allows for predictive maintenance, which is crucial in the road equipment industry. By monitoring equipment performance data in real-time, potential issues and maintenance needs can be identifi ed in advance. This proactive approach helps prevent costly breakdowns, reduces unplanned downtime, and improves equipment reliability, resulting in signifi cant cost savings for companies. Data-Driven Decision Making: Big data provides valuable insights that enable data- driven decision making. By analysing data related to equipment performance, fuel consumption, material usage, and other factors, companies can make informed decisions to optimise resource allocation, improve operational strategies, and enhance project planning. This leads to better outcomes, reduced risks, and improved project management. Product Innovation: The analysis of big data helps identify industry trends, customer preferences, and market demands. Equipment manufacturers can leverage this information to drive product innovation and develop solutions that cater to specifi c customer needs. By understanding customer requirements and market dynamics, companies can stay competitive and introduce advanced equipment with improved functionalities and features. Big data analytics can also contribute to improved safety and quality in road construction projects. By analysing data related to equipment usage, construction processes, and project performance, potential safety risks can be identifi ed, and necessary precautions can maintenance but also embrace the use of big data to enhance their operations and effi ciency. Following the new trend in the industry, the companies are off ering a comprehensive range of equipment, including asphalt plants, milling machines, pavers, and compactors which use big data analytics to inform their users about the machine performance, can track maintenance schedules and fuel usages. By analysing the data collected with the help of a number of sensors installed in the equipment, they can identify patterns, predict maintenance needs, and provide recommendations for effi cient operations. According to the industry captains, the use of big data in the asphalt and road equipment industries in the GCC region off ers several advantages. It enables equipment manufacturers and construction companies to optimise equipment usage, reduce operational costs, COVER STORY 13 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023be taken. Additionally, analysing data on material usage and project outcomes helps in maintaining high-quality standards, reducing defects, and ensuring the durability of road infrastructure. Through the utilisation of big data, companies can also identify areas of ineffi ciency, reduce operational costs, and optimise resource allocation. By monitoring fuel consumption, equipment performance, and maintenance needs, companies can identify opportunities to minimise costs associated with fuel usage, equipment repairs, and downtime. This cost reduction enhances profi tability and competitiveness in the industry. These advantages make big data analytics a valuable tool for equipment manufacturers and road construction companies, enabling them to stay ahead in a competitive market and deliver high-quality infrastructure projects effi ciently. CHALLENGES Contractors in the region have been aggressively scouting for new-generation equipment that can mine large amounts of data to improve the effi ciency and economy of their projects, but their eff orts to deploy new solutions have been capped by certain operational challenges. One of the key challenges, faced by them is the lack of authentic data available and the quality of data. Industry captains argue that AI algorithms require large amounts of high-quality data for training and accurate predictions. Obtaining comprehensive and accurate data on road conditions, geospatial information, traffi c patterns, and construction materials can be challenging. Limited or incomplete data can lead to less reliable AI models and potentially inaccurate decision-making. Besides this implementing AI in road building requires compatible infrastructure. This includes having the necessary hardware, sensors, and communication systems in place to collect and transmit data for AI analysis. Retrofi tting existing road infrastructure with AI-enabled technology can be costly and time-consuming. The most significant challenge faced by companies in promoting the usage of AI in building roads is the lack of human expertise. Ideally, AI should complement human expertise rather than replace it. As road construction involves various stakeholders, including civil engineers, urban planners, and construction workers, who possess domain knowledge and experience. Integrating AI into road building processes requires collaboration between AI experts and domain specialists to ensure effective implementation and address specific requirements. Despite these challenges, AI has the potential to bring significant benefits to road building, such as optimised road design, predictive maintenance, enhanced safety measures, and improved traffic management. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach,involving collaboration between AI researchers, infrastructure experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The use of AI can completely change the way roads are built in the region COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023 14IVECO AND AAA LAUNCH THE NEW IVECO S-WAY RANGE TRUCK IN SAUDI ARABIA From left to right: Maan Gharaibeh AAA Genral Manager, Mike Fritz MD of AAA, Alberto Pellegrini IVECO ME Business Manager, Ziad Sudairi President of AAA, Shahram Falati IVECO Africa & ME Business Director A utomotive major IVECO and the Arabian Auto Agency (AAA) have joined hands to present the new Heavy Range to the Saudi market in a dedicated event held on May 17, 2023, at the Intercontinental Golf Riyad Hotel, as a new milestone in IVECO and AAA history. "Thanks to the AAA network, with four main branches and more than 10 regional parts outlets, the Saudi market represents one of the most strategic markets for IVECO in terms of investment, presence, and customer value," IVECO AME Press Offi cer said. IVECO, with the claim ‘DRIVE THE NEW WAY, unveiled the new IVECO S-Way range to its customers during the launch event. The IVECO S-Way vehicles will be locally assembled by Zeemat Manufacturing (ZMT), the authorized assembly factory for IVECO trucks in Riyadh and a wholly owned subsidiary of AAA. "All the equipment produced by ZMT is highly engineered and, in many cases, unique to the end user," IVECO AME Press Offi cer said, while adding that ZMT management works in close harmony with AAA's sales team in the preparation of technical bids and with the end customer's technical personnel to ensure the specifi ed product meets or exceeds the end- users’ requirements. Commenting on the development, Shahram Falati, IVECO Africa & Middle East Business Director, said, "Every detail of the new IVECO S-Way Range has been developed in order to optimise the total cost of ownership, especially fuel consumption, maintenance and uptime costs, and productivity. These are giving us great reviews and satisfi ed customers worldwide." He explained that with the introduction of the new IVECO Way range in Saudi Arabia, where some models will be produced locally, IVECO plans to further consolidate and increase the presence in this important market, thanks to our ever-growing collaboration with its partner Arabian Auto Agency. Agreeing with him Maan Gharaibeh, General Manager of Arabian Auto Agency, commented, "With the rapid growth of the Saudi economy on the path to the Kingdom's Vision 2030, AAA is committed to delivering the best service to the Saudi market." IVECO S-WAY THE DRIVER-CENTRIC LONG-HAUL TRUCK IVECO S-Way is the new on-road vehicle of its new IVECO Way range, the ideal business solution for the fl eet owner, and the perfect travel companion for the driver. It further increases its fuel effi ciency, which was already among the best, with a new engine line-up, a next-generation rear axle, and advanced technologies tailored to the customers’ needs. It builds on the success, this range has achieved since its European launch in 2019, and has proved extremely popular with drivers for its high levels of comfort. Customers appreciate the improvements in performance and in total cost of ownership (TCO) that come with the high reliability of a new truck. The new IVECO S-Way perfectly meets this requirement, providing a complete package of features without equal, developed with a focus on driver-centricity. It is more than a product; it off ers a business model that covers the vehicle’s entire life cycle and helps IVECO’s customers meet their own customers’ requirements. PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023 TRUCKS 15K anoo Cranes, a signifi cant division of The Kanoo Group, stands tall as the ultimate one-stop shop for all lifting requirements across the GCC region. With an illustrious history spanning over half a century and a specialisation in engineered crane solutions, Kanoo Cranes is driving the future of lifting in the construction, oil and gas, and industrial sectors. Ahmad Wraikat, the Regional Manager of Kanoo Cranes, speaks with evident enthusiasm about their product innovation in the region. “The unveiling of our latest products, coupled with the potential for additional launches in the imminent future, stems from our strategic focus on product development,” he shares. REDEFINING LIFTING SOLUTIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST Wraikat’s comments underscore Kanoo Cranes’ commitment to continual growth and adaptation, aligning its off erings with evolving market needs to ensure they remain at the forefront of the lifting industry. KANOO’S PARTNERSHIP WITH MAEDA SPIDER CRANES At the heart of Kanoo’s success are Maeda spider cranes, known for their compact and versatile lifting machinery. This alliance integrates spider cranes’ agility and robust lifting capacity with Kanoo’s breadth of services. Maeda spider cranes’ unparalleled access to confi ned spaces and challenging terrains makes them a game- changer in the lifting industry, handling heavy THROUGH STRATEGIC ALLIANCES WITH GLOBAL LEADERS IN CRANE TECHNOLOGY AND AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, KANOO CRANES HAS SOLIDIFIED ITS STATUS AS THE GO-TO PROVIDER FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIFTING SOLUTIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST loads and accomplishing precise positioning tasks such as glass installation and steel erection with ease. INTEGRATION OF SPIERINGS MOBILE CRANES Spierings mobile cranes serve as a testament to the symbiosis of convenience and potency. These cranes, encapsulating the benefi ts of a tower crane within a mobile, fl exible structure, can be fully assembled and operational in as little as 11 minutes. The incorporation of Spierings mobile cranes into Kanoo Cranes’ services enhances the delivery of effi cient, high-quality, and fl exible lifting solutions to its clientele. 16 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH JASO The alliance with Jaso, a global leader in tower crane manufacturing, cements Kanoo Cranes’ dominance in the sector. As the exclusive distributor for Jaso Tower Cranes across the UAE and Oman, Kanoo Cranes provides products with unrivalled service, reduced maintenance, improved effi ciency, and remarkable reliability. This partnership focuses on delivering innovative engineered solutions and exceptional technical support to their clients, ensuring an optimum return on investment. ADOPTING SMIE TELEMATIC SYSTEMS Kanoo Cranes’ integration of SMIE telematic systems underscores its commitment to worksite safety and effi ciency. With thousands of SMIE’s anticollision systems deployed worldwide, Kanoo Cranes ensures safety without compromising output. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as radio/ web communications bolsters maintenance effi ciency and adaptability, addressing future needs and applications. EXTENDED OFFERINGS Kanoo Cranes’ market position fuelled by the philosophy of ‘Many Opportunities. One Address’, is more than a slogan—it embodies the multifaceted business opportunities off ered by The Kanoo Group. Prior to this, Kanoo Cranes’s lifting solutions were centred on tower crane sales (3-36 tonnes) and rental (6-100 tonnes) with Jaso tower cranes, crane safety and job site management with SMIE anticollision systems, and crane planning, erection, disassembly and maintenance services. Kanoo Cranes exemplifi es versatility through its varied project portfolio across the region. Specifi cally, the Maeda spider cranes were integral to high-profi le projects like the Expo 2020 Dubai site, the Four Seasons Hotel, and the JLT development. Similarly, Spierings cranes played a signifi cant role at the Expo sites, Maeda spider crane in a restricted space for project in Abu dhabi Spierings mobile cranes being used in a factory warehouse Jaso crane used for labour accommodation building construction serving extensively during and post the event. Meanwhile, Jaso cranes were deployed for iconic projects such as the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Water Canal project, as well as several other residential developments. Furthermore, its alliance with Johnson Arabia extends their reach to a more comprehensive network, providing a broader range of crane solutions and an expanded selection of effi cient crane equipment for rent. This strategic collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of both entities to meet the increasing demands of the industry. MACHINERY 17 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023J CB is introducing two articulated boom aerial work platforms, with a choice of full battery electric and diesel/electric hybrid drivelines. “Being able to off er customers another size of straight boom excavator is exciting, and launching at the NDA show felt ideal,” said Tony den Hoed, key Account Director, Demolition Equipment at Volvo CE, while adding, “The demolition segment is ever-changing, and we are proud to keep up with it by off ering products and solutions that will keep operators safe and productive.” The A45E and A45EH deliver increased effi ciency, enhanced operator access and higher levels of monitoring, to increase productivity for customers, JCB said in a release. According to the construction equipment JCB IS INTRODUCING ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ARTICULATED BOOMS maker, the key features of the new articulated boom includes maximum platform height of 13.84 metres with 7.47 metres forward reach, battery electric or diesel/electric hybrid drivelines 300kg lift capacity, secondary guarding, puncture-proof tyres, slew lock and emergency override, and JCB livelink real-time remote monitoring. HIGH CAPACITY JCB is building on its successful aerial work platform line-up with the addition of two articulated boom machines. The A45E is a full electric version of the previous AJ48D, off ering zero emission working with all of that machine’s performance, working height and forward reach. The A45EH is a diesel/electric hybrid version of the same machine, ideal for working in more remote locations where an external power supply is not readily available. The A45E is powered by eight 6V batteries, creating a 48V, 400AH operating system. The battery packs are located on either side of the lower chassis, maintaining a low centre of gravity for added stability and improved traction. The batteries power AC drive motors via motor controllers and the machine’s hydraulic pump through a hydraulic motor controller. The A45EH uses a 14.8kW three-cylinder diesel engine and a 7.5kWa generator to power the machine’s eight 6V batteries. The engine is mounted on a swing-out tray, making it easier to service and maintain when CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 18 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023required. A 40-litre fuel tank provides more than enough fuel for a full week of operation, making the machine an ideal low emission platform for more remote locations. The battery can also be plugged into a mains supply if available. Both of the platforms have four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering as standard. The wheels are driven by four AC motors and these motors recover energy through regenerative braking, to prolong battery performance. As drive is provided to each individual wheel, the machine is capable of climbing up to 40% gradients. An oscillating axle ensures that maximum traction is maintained on rough ground when the boom is stowed. However, the axle is locked, to ensure machine stability, when the machine enters boom raise mode. Foam-fi lled, non-marking tyres are standard. These machines are equipped with a 5-inch colour touch screen display on the platform, providing operators with essential data and controls at their fi ngertips. This intuitive interface enhances safety and productivity on the job site. In addition, the machines feature a unique control system that eliminates the need to switch between platform controls and ground controls. Operators can seamlessly operate the machine from either location, eliminating the hassle of switching control modes. MAXIMUM LIFT The platform has three entry points for ease of access. There are four harness clipping locations, allowing the operator full access around the basket. The platform length is 0.84 metres and the width is 1.84 metres. A secondary guarding system is provided, automatically halting boom functions when triggered, to protect the operator and prevent crushing. The booms are equipped with a slew acknowledgment feature, that ensures that the operator must register if the boom is slewed over the side of the chassis before driving when elevated. A Tilt sensor prevents machine elevation when the chassis is on unlevel ground, tilting the machine to more than 5 degrees. Maximum platform height is 13.84 metres on either model, with a horizontal reach of up to 7.47 metres, providing an up and over clearance of 7.48 metres. The lift capacity for both booms is 300kg. JCB’s LiveLink telematics monitoring system provides real-time operating data on performance, service schedules and fault codes. Managers can remotely record engine operation, low fuel warnings, tilt sensor warnings and overload warnings. LiveLink also provide battery voltage, fuel level and platform load percentage data. The A45E and A45EH deliver a higher lift capacity, with zero emission or low-emission hybrid power. The machines off er higher levels of effi ciency, with higher levels of monitoring, delivering and enhanced operator experience and increased productivity. NEW FRIENDLY DISPLAY These machines are equipped with a 5-inch colour touch screen display, providing operators with controls at their fi ngertips. This intuitive interface enhances safety and productivity on the job site. In addition, the machines feature a unique control system that eliminates the need to switch between platform controls and ground controls. Operators can seamlessly operate the machine from either location, eliminating the hassle of switching control modes. Booms are equipped with a slew of acknowledgement features New articulated boom has a platform height of 13.84 metres CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 19 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2023Next >