Case Study: A Glimpse of Tomorrow’s Job Site

Labor shortages, rising project complexity and increasing demand for productivity are reshaping how work gets done across construction, data centers, maritime operations and industrial applications. While these challenges continue to intensify, emerging technologies and advances in autonomy, electrification, artificial intelligence and connectivity are opening the door to new possibilities.

At JLG, we envision a future where technology works alongside skilled labor — not to replace it but to amplify it. Our “Job Site of the Future” vision represents a forward-looking capability currently in development. It offers a glimpse of how connected, autonomous equipment ecosystems may soon support the everyday heroes of the job site — the operators, installers and supervisors who keep projects moving forward.

This vision centers on one principle: Machines should extend human capability, reduce strain and improve workflow — while people remain firmly in control.

Let’s take a closer look at how these technologies could work together on tomorrow’s connected job site.

Addressing the Industry’s Productivity and Labor Challenges
Construction productivity has increased by less than 1% over the last two decades, even as project demands continue to rise. Meanwhile, the global construction industry is expected to approach $22 trillion by 2040, further intensifying workforce challenges.

Labor alone cannot scale fast enough to meet demand. Technology must help close that gap — not by replacing skilled workers, but by making work more accessible and allowing crews to maximize their expertise.

In the connected job site of the future, autonomous equipment, smart fleet management and advanced perception systems may work together under human oversight. Skilled operators and supervisors remain the decision-makers, directing workflows through advanced digital tools while connected machines execute coordinated tasks.

Coordinating Workflows Through Connected Fleet Management

Work tasks in this demonstration begin with ClearSky Smart Fleet™, the JLG^® real-time fleet management and connectivity platform.

In this future deployment scenario, the connected ecosystem allows job site managers to dispatch equipment, monitor progress and maintain visibility into machine status — all while retaining full operational oversight. Rather than manually coordinating each step, supervisors initiate workflows while connected machines communicate and respond in sequence.

This is all done through ClearSky Smart Fleet, which initiates the first phase of material movement and installation using autonomous micro-sized scissor lifts — all under the supervision of skilled personnel.

Technology has become a coordination tool — working for the crew, not instead of it.

Autonomous Material Movement in Tight Job Site Environments

The demonstration features JLG^® micro-sized scissor lifts designed for confined, space-restricted environments such as data centers. Their compact footprint allows maneuverability through narrow aisles and congested staging areas.

In this future-focused scenario, the lifts are dispatched to a laydown yard where a JLG telehandler prepares a truss for transport. Once the telehandler places the beam onto the waiting scissor lifts, the equipment transitions into autonomous assist mode.

Advanced perception systems allow the lifts to sense their surroundings, determine spatial positioning and transport the load — while human operators maintain oversight.

Using Leader-Follower Technology, the lifts move in coordinated formation. This active closed-loop system enables synchronized positioning between machines throughout the transport process. Operators can identify autonomous operation by a cyan beacon indicator.

By taking on the burden of transporting oversized materials in tight environments, these systems have the potential to reduce physical strain, improve precision and conserve crew energy for skilled installation tasks. The technology acts as a steady, reliable partner — maintaining alignment while workers focus on decision-making and safety.

Tandem Lifting and Precision Installation at Height
Upon arrival at the installation location, the lifts transition into tandem lifting mode. Working together through Leader-Follower Technology, they raise the truss into position beneath the erected structural steel. Equipped with a custom platform end-effector designed for workpiece placement, the lifts utilize integrated camera perception and X-Y actuator controls to align structural components with precision.

In future applications, this type of capability could help crews complete complex installations faster while maintaining high standards of accuracy. The system provides controlled positioning, while skilled workers oversee alignment, verify placement and complete securement.

When the task is complete, the beacon indicator switches from cyan to green, and the lifts communicate status updates back to ClearSky Smart Fleet.

This automated coordination is designed to support crews by improving sequencing and reducing setup time — while leaving final authority and quality verification in human hands.

Advancing Installation with Autonomous Welding Operations

Following truss placement, ClearSky Smart Fleet initiates the next phase: Autonomous welding using a JLG boom lift equipped with a robotic welding end-effector.

In this demonstration scenario, the boom lift utilizes a proprietary perception and autonomy system to identify weld locations and position the robotic welder with precision. Once aligned, the system executes weld passes with consistency.

Rather than replacing skilled welders, this capability is designed to function as a digital assistant — performing repetitive weld passes while experienced professionals supervise the process, validate bead quality and manage workflow sequencing.

After completing the first weld, the boom lift repositions to a secondary location and repeats the process.

The articulated architecture of the boom lift positions it well for future connected job sites. Its up-and-over capability combines vertical reach with horizontal outreach, allowing navigation around obstacles such as walls, tanks and partially constructed structures.

In complex environments where access limitations often slow progress, connected and semi-autonomous boom lifts may help crews work more efficiently while maintaining control and oversight.

Integrating Quality Control and Workflow Visibility
Once welding operations are complete, the connected ecosystem can support integrated quality control processes.

Supervisors and specialists may remotely verify weld integrity, monitor advancement and confirm task completion through ClearSky Smart Fleet. Real-time visibility into equipment status and workflow progression allows managers to make informed decisions about resource allocation and sequencing.

Beyond automation, the broader transformation lies in connectivity — connecting machines, workflows and people across the job site.

From Demonstration to Future Deployment
While this demonstration illustrates what is technically possible, real-world deployment requires continued development, testing and industry collaboration.

The path forward includes validating safety systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and building trust in human-machine collaboration. As these capabilities evolve, worker input will remain essential. The goal is responsible integration — not rapid replacement.

The future job site will only succeed if technology earns the crews who rely on it every day's confidence.

Supporting the Everyday Hero
Automation on the job site of the future is designed to support — not replace — skilled workers.

By handling repetitive, physically demanding or routine tasks, connected and autonomous equipment may allow crews to focus on specialized, technical and safety-critical responsibilities. The welder becomes a quality expert. The operator becomes a workflow manager. The superintendent becomes a system orchestrator.

Potential future applications include:

• Simple weld execution
• Material transport and logistics
• Large-scale coating and finishing
• Heavy glazing installation
• Bulky component placement, such as piping systems
• Additional repetitive or labor-intensive tasks

These capabilities aim to reduce fatigue, improve consistency and enhance overall safety performance — empowering the everyday heroes who deliver results under demanding conditions.

Moving From Equipment Connectivity to Job Site Connectivity
The job site of the future represents more than autonomous machines. It represents a shift from connecting equipment to connecting entire workflows.

In an industry facing labor shortages and productivity pressures, technology becomes a trusted partner — extending reach, reducing strain and helping crews accomplish more with greater precision.

The future job site is not about machines replacing people.

It is about building smarter tools for the everyday heroes who show up every day to solve complex challenges. It is about equipping skilled workers with connected systems that help them operate at their highest potential.

As autonomy, artificial intelligence, electrification and connectivity continue to advance, JLG remains focused on one outcome: Empowering people to build the future — with technologies designed to support safe and efficient operation.

To learn more about JLG’s vision for the job site of the future, visit: YouTube.com/watch?v=IGlAmzNZ8zQ