A survey of 1,000 decision-makers in European construction firms revealed that three of four (77 percent) consider machine control a key element in efforts to attract workers. Topcon Positioning Systems conducted the survey, where 30 percent of respondents identified skills shortages as one of the biggest challenges on earthmoving projects.
Despite evidence that machine control is a significant tool for closing the skills gap, its use on construction projects across Europe remains limited. According to the report, machine control is currently used on just a third (34 percent) of construction projects on average, with most respondents (72 percent) using the technology on less than half of their projects. Only 1 percent are using it without exception.
The European respondents pointed to a lack of government initiatives or support for technology adoption in explaining the low rates of integration, followed by a lack of buy-in from senior decision makers.
Top barriers to adoption of machine control
- Lack of governmental initiatives/support for technology adoption: 27%
- Lack of buy-in from senior decision makers: 26%
- Time and resources required for training/adoption: 25%
- Incompatibility with current machinery/technology: 25%
- Lack of mandates/regulation for technology adoption: 24%
- Fear of new technology: 24%
- Upfront investment in technology: 22%
Source: Topcon
