ACE: Mobile Crane, Pick & Carry Crane & Backhoe for Next-Gen Construction
Higher capacity, low-maintenance, and innovative equipment are accelerating the pace of infrastructural development, while reducing construction costs.
Sorab Agarwal - Executive Director, Action Construction Equipment (ACE)
How is modern high tech equipment meeting demand for faster pace of construction?
The construction sector is rapidly growing due to emerging needs for higher capacity and innovations. Highly productive, low-maintenance, and innovative equipment are contributing to the accelerated pace of infrastructural development, while modern equipment is proving effective in significantly reducing construction costs.Construction equipment players in India are adopting advanced technologies to optimize productivity and efficiency. Technologies like automation, drones, AR/VR, and IoT enhance productivity and efficiency across construction sites. They enable timely interventions so that project delays or cost overruns can be averted.
Robots like the SAM 100 are performing tasks such as bricklaying, pouring concrete, and demolition with complete accuracy and consistency, and can operate safely in hazardous environments, thereby reducing the need for human labor to work in such conditions. Drones with high-resolution cameras are being used for site surveys, inspection, and monitoring. They capture data swiftly and accurately. Integrating robotics and drones enhances construction efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, setting new standards for data collection, site management, and construction quality.
IoT-enabled construction equipment enhances communication among machinery, operators, and managers. It autonomously reports operational issues and usage patterns, optimizing performance instantly. Continuous monitoring of metrics such as equipment health, fuel use, and productivity allows for proactive maintenance and efficient resource allocation, cutting downtime and costs. Real-time data collection monitors performance, diagnoses problems remotely, and offers timely support, eliminating the need for physical inspections, reducing travel expenses, and minimizing equipment downtime.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are project management tools that are used for predictive analytics, risk assessment, to foresee issues and thereby mitigate risks effectively. Automated design and scheduling optimize resource allocation and project timelines, ensuring efficient use of manpower and materials. AI-based safety monitoring predicts hazardous conditions, enhancing site safety. Machine learning for equipment maintenance predicts failures, reducing downtime and repair costs. These advancements boost operational efficiency, safety, and profitability in construction projects.
What advancements is Ace making in its products to make construction more sustainable?
ACE is the biggest manufacturer of mobile cranes in India and the largest in the world for Pick 'N' Carry Cranes. Our diversified product basket comprises mobile and fixed tower cranes, truck-mounted cranes, backhoe loaders, vibratory rollers, motor graders, and other heavy construction equipment.One of the most significant innovations in sustainable construction is electric-powered equipment. These machines produce no emissions during operation, making them ideal for indoor projects and urban areas. They generate very little noise pollution compared to traditional diesel-powered equipment.
Several Indian construction companies like ACE have begun incorporating electric equipment into their product portfolio. Another method to reduce emissions from heavy construction equipment involves using renewable fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, or compressed natural gas (CNG), which emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases.
How is ACE addressing the issue of skilled labour shortage?
One of the key challenges faced by the construction equipment (CE) industry is the scarcity of skilled operators. ACE has set up a dedicated training center in Faridabad to provide comprehensive operation and maintenance training for customer personnel. Regular and periodic training courses are designed to enhance the skills of operators and engineers. For every new model, experienced operators provide 15 days of intensive training, with additional onsite training for high-end machines.Our Faridabad facility offers hands-on training, including troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. We have also collaborated with Vishwakarma Skill University to provide certificate training for machine operators and technicians to enhance operators’ productivity and efficiency.
In what ways can advanced planning and forward-thinking strategies bring precision and efficiency in the construction industry?
Advanced planning and robust project management practices are essential for executing projects with precision and foresight. Integrating cutting-edge technologies not only drives excellence but also promotes innovation across construction practices. Some collaborative approaches, including Public-Private partnerships (PPPs), leverage private sector expertise, accelerating infrastructure development. Moreover, industry-academia collaborations are important for research and skill development amidst technological advancements.Government initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, Bharatmala, and others, offer significant opportunities for the construction equipment industry in India. Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment such as excavators, loaders, and cranes are well-positioned to benefit from the country’s infrastructure growth.
The National Highways Development Project (NHDP) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) are also bolstering infrastructure growth and opening new avenues for industry expansion. By integrating forward thinking strategies and forming collaborations, stakeholders can navigate challenges, seize growth opportunities, and contribute to India's sustainable infrastructure development.