Construction Robotics at CONEXPO: JLG’s Multi-Machine Automation Demo

TL;DR

JLG demonstrated autonomous boom lifts, scissor lifts, and a drywall robot that work together to replace dangerous high-elevation construction labor.

Key Points

• 1.Multi-machine welding system: Two autonomous scissor lifts carry steel beams to height, then signal a boom lift via Bluetooth mesh IoT (ClearSky platform) to autonomously weld the seams — all managed by one ground-level operator.
• 2.Precision welding tech: The boom's 20–25 ft arm maintains 2–3mm deflection accuracy using current-control feedback loops, electric rotation actuators, LiDAR, and cameras to locate and weld seams without human intervention.
• 3.Drywall sanding robot: A scissor-lift-based robot uses three sensor layers — LiDAR for wall tracking, RGB cameras for seam detection, and laser scanners for surface topology — to spray mud and sand drywall up to Level 5 finish.
• 4.Swarm capability: Multiple drywall robots can run in parallel (one spraying, one sanding, one painting), communicating via shared navigation maps; a painting end-effector attachment is already in development.
• 5.150,000 connected machines: JLG's existing IoT fleet uses low-frequency Bluetooth mesh so every machine on a job site knows its location, health status, and task in real time.
• 6.Formed boom technology: New two-piece formed boom design (used in cranes) places welds at the neutral axis, increasing stiffness by 50%, reducing part count by 50%, and cutting cost by 50% versus traditional four-plate designs.
• 7.Tesla-style upgradability: All new booms ship pre-equipped with full sensor suites (length, angle, depth sensing) so customers can upgrade to robotic attachments later — future-proofing current hardware purchases.