Experience at CONEXPO-CON/AGG! The Construction DX Revolution Opened by High-Precision Positioning × AR Navigation

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, one of the largest trade shows in the construction industry, you can directly experience how the latest technologies are transforming job sites. Of particular interest is the wave of construction DX (digital transformation) that combines high-precision positioning technologies with AR (augmented reality) navigation. This article explains the exhibition overview and details the evolution of high-precision positioning technologies such as RTK, the benefits of on-site implementation, applications of AR navigation at construction sites, as-built management using point cloud scans, and the DX gap between overseas and Japan. It also presents examples of lightweight, intuitive mobile DX solutions using iPhone and iPad, discusses ease of use and site adoption for anyone, reactions at the exhibition and industry focal points, and the value as automation and labor-saving solutions in an era of DX talent shortages. Finally, as the infrastructure that supports the accuracy of AR guidance and point cloud measurement, we introduce the simple surveying device "LRTK" and outline prospects for natural on-site adoption.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG, One of the World’s Largest Construction Shows, and the Trend of Construction DX

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is one of the world’s largest construction machinery and technology exhibitions, held every three years in Las Vegas, USA. Over 2,000 companies exhibit everything from the latest heavy machinery to cutting-edge software, and more than 130,000 industry professionals attended the previous 2023 show. In the vast venue, various trends that shape the future of construction are showcased.

Acceleration of construction DX: A prominent theme throughout the venue was the acceleration of digitalization and smartification of construction processes—so-called construction DX. Initiatives to unify information from surveying and design data through to construction management, and cloud services that link the field and the office in real time, were featured throughout. The shift from traditional reliance on drawings and paper documents to data sharing and visualization using tablets and the cloud is becoming an industry-wide trend.

Automation and robotization of construction equipment: Many booths drew attention to automation technologies for construction machinery. Demonstrations using AI and robotics to remotely operate or enable autonomous operation of heavy equipment captured audience interest. Exhibits suggesting the future of unmanned construction included driverless loaders (e.g., Bobcat’s RogueX) and retrofit kits that automate existing bulldozers (e.g., Teleo). With worker shortages, these automation technologies are expected to improve both productivity and safety.

High-precision construction and machine guidance: Sensor- and satellite-based high-precision construction was another important theme. Machine guidance technologies that use GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) to control bulldozer and excavator blade positions to centimeter-level accuracy, and examples of feeding terrain survey data from drones and laser scanners back into construction, were presented. The emphasis was on reducing rework and improving quality through high-precision construction. On site, voices such as “we can complete grading to design in one pass” and “survey rework has been drastically reduced” were heard, drawing attention to the cost-saving effects enabled by high accuracy.

Experience-based solutions using AR/VR: The exhibition also highlighted AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) technologies that visualize the site. For example, a heavy equipment manufacturer offered a mixed reality (MR) goggle-based simulator for operator training in a virtual environment. Another booth featured an AR demo where pointing a tablet revealed a 3D model of equipment that guided operational procedures, eliciting surprised reactions from participants. Many solutions that allow users to “see, touch, and learn” digitally without operating real machines were displayed, suggesting a potential revolution in on-site training and construction planning.

Overall, CONEXPO-CON/AGG offers an opportunity to experience the forefront of DX in the construction industry, and it is clear that these advanced technologies are moving toward practical implementation overseas. At the same time, the exhibition highlighted gaps with Japanese sites, and as discussed later, underscored the importance of adopting this wave through lightweight solutions that anyone can use.

Evolving High-Precision Positioning Technology: On-Site Benefits of RTK

A pillar indispensable to supporting precise construction is high-precision positioning technology. Traditionally, general GPS positioning yields errors on the order of meters, but using RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) can reduce errors to below a few centimeters. RTK works by simultaneously receiving GNSS signals at a base station and a rover and calculating a high-precision position by real-time differential correction. In recent years, RTK technology has advanced significantly, lowering barriers to on-site adoption.

Network RTK and multi-frequency GNSS: In the past, setting up your own base station was necessary, but today network RTK services using cellular networks (such as Ntrip) are available, making correction data easy to obtain on site. In addition, high-performance GNSS receivers that can receive signals from multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS/Michibiki, etc.) on multiple frequencies have emerged, dramatically improving positioning accuracy and stability. For example, in Japan there are devices capable of directly receiving the centimer-level augmentation service (CLAS) from the QZSS “Michibiki,” enabling cm-level accuracy even in mountainous areas where communications are unstable. These technological advances mean that precision surveying, which once required specialized survey contractors, can now be performed on site by site personnel using relatively low-cost equipment.

On-site benefits of high-precision positioning: The benefits of centimeter-level positioning are manifold. First, the accuracy of tasks such as stakeout and foundation layout is dramatically improved. Because design coordinates can be reproduced on site accurately, rework and do-overs due to positional discrepancies are reduced. Second, compatibility with automated control of construction machinery is enhanced. Heavy equipment equipped with high-precision GNSS can cut or fill design surfaces with minimal deviation regardless of operator skill, leading to more uniform as-built results and improved work efficiency. High-precision positioning also contributes to safety: measurements in hazardous areas that previously required experienced surveyors to enter can now be taken by bringing a GNSS-equipped pole close enough, reducing the time people spend in danger. For example, slope height difference surveys along roads that were once dangerous to perform manually can now be completed quickly from a distance using RTK-capable drones or pole surveying.

One-person surveying and labor saving: Advances in high-precision positioning also directly enable labor savings in surveying tasks. Traditionally, total station surveys required an operator and an assistant holding a prism, but surveying with an RTK-GNSS receiver can generally be completed by one person. Recent models include tilt compensation functions that correct for pole tilt with sensors, allowing accurate coordinates to be obtained even when the pole cannot be held perfectly vertical, which makes work in confined spaces or on slopes easier for a single operator. As a result, sites suffering from chronic manpower shortages can increasingly achieve high-precision as-built management and installation work with fewer staff. In short, high-precision positioning technology is the foundation of digital construction; without it, the AR guidance and point cloud data applications described later cannot function properly. Conversely, once RTK and similar infrastructure are in place, intuitive AR guidance becomes feasible and the true value of construction DX can be realized.

What Is AR Navigation: A New “Eye” Spreading on Site

Alongside high-precision positioning, AR (Augmented Reality) navigation technology is a key element of construction DX. AR navigation overlays digital information on real-world video captured by a camera to guide users to target locations or objects. This makes it possible to visualize spatial relationships that are hard to grasp from drawings or survey stakes on the spot.

AR guidance for staking and foundation positions: Particularly useful on construction sites is AR guidance for stakeout and foundation positions. Positions that craftsmen once determined by experience based on drawings and layout marks become immediately obvious when design positions are displayed as markers on a tablet or smartphone screen. For example, when you walk near a designated coordinate, arrows or target marks such as “Place pile here” appear on the screen and guide you to the exact location. This prevents missed measurement points and positional errors, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of stakeout work.

Visualization for alignment and installation: AR navigation also excels at aligning structures and installing components. For instance, when assembling prefabricated components on site, displaying the design model to scale in AR allows you to visually confirm where columns and beams should be placed. If a component is out of position, the deviation is immediately apparent in AR, enabling on-the-spot correction. Installation accuracy management that once relied on the visual judgment of skilled workers and layout marks can now be carried out accurately by anyone with AR.

On-site visualization of design data: AR is also effective for visualizing the finished image and underground buried utilities. Projecting a 3D design model on site lets clients and all workers share how the completed structure will look, preventing rework due to mismatched expectations and smoothing stakeholder communication. Technologies that render buried pipes and cables transparent in AR have also emerged. For example, if you scan and record buried piping before backfilling, you can later point a smartphone at the ground to see the underground pipes through the screen. This reduces the risk of damaging buried utilities in future excavation work and leads to safer construction.

Eliminating skill gaps with intuitive instructions: The greatest advantage of AR navigation is its intuitiveness, which helps bridge skill and experience gaps. Even without being a veteran worker, following AR-displayed instructions enables high-precision surveying and verification tasks. Because visual information is easier to understand than text or numbers, AR is accessible to newcomers and foreign workers and shortens training time. In short, AR navigation provides the site with “another set of eyes,” enabling construction that does not rely solely on human intuition and experience.

LiDAR Point Cloud Scanning and Applications to As-Built Management

Alongside AR and high-precision GNSS, LiDAR-based point cloud scanning technology has rapidly spread in recent years. Using LiDAR-equipped devices (drones or iPad Pro, etc.) to laser-scan a site yields 3D data of terrain and structures as a collection of countless points (a point cloud). This point cloud data is extremely useful for as-built management and construction planning.

Rapid as-built measurement and quality control: By using point cloud scanning, as-built shapes that once required staff hours with a total station can be captured in a short time. For example, scanning a foundation subgrade after excavation or the slopes of fill yields an accurate geometric model from millions of measured points. Comparing that data with the design model allows you to instantly identify where and how much overfill or under-excavation exists, enabling precise corrective actions. Point clouds are also effective for post-concrete placement checks: floor or wall deflections and tilts can be verified over surfaces, enhancing quality management.

Use for earthwork volume calculations and construction records: Point cloud data also dramatically streamlines earthwork volume calculations. By subtracting the design surface from a scanned as-is terrain, you can accurately calculate the volume of spoil to be hauled away or the fill required. Tasks that used to require drawing cross-sections on design drawings and computing volumes can now be handled with point cloud processing software or cloud services at the push of a button. Moreover, point clouds have great value as construction records. As in the buried pipe example above, scanning around piping during construction creates a precise record that serves as a 3D asset without needing later drafting. In future renovation work, that point cloud can be displayed in AR to “see through” current conditions, effectively reusing past construction information.

Point cloud use on smartphones and tablets: Handling point cloud data once required expensive dedicated equipment and high-spec PCs, but now point cloud measurement and use on smartphones and tablets is becoming possible. LiDAR scanners built into iPhone and iPad Pro can capture centimeter-accuracy point clouds instantly within ranges of a few meters. Combining this with an external high-precision GNSS makes it easy to assign global coordinates to the captured point cloud. Dedicated apps with cloud integration enable a seamless workflow—scan on site → immediate cloud upload → volume calculation and drawing sharing—through a single service. In other words, point cloud technology is transforming from a tool for specialists into a general-purpose tool that site supervisors and foremen can use routinely. In fact, there are reports of workers using an iPhone and a point cloud app without special training to immediately confirm buried utilities and perform as-built checks. Such feedback from the field highlights the importance of intuitive operation and mobile use, and it suggests that point cloud scanning may soon become a standard on construction sites.

The DX Gap Between Overseas and Japan and the Need for Mobile Solutions

While advanced technologies were a major topic, there is indeed a gap in adoption of construction DX between overseas sites and Japan. In large-scale projects in Europe and North America, BIM, automated construction machinery, and on-site AR are being actively introduced, but in Japan, especially for small- and medium-scale projects, digitalization tends to lag. The reasons are multifaceted, including cost, human resources, and entrenched practices.

Barriers to large investments: Many Japanese construction sites face barriers to adopting the latest technologies due to the high cost of equipment and software. For example, 3D laser scanners, AR glasses, and dedicated surveying instruments can require investments of several million yen, making them hard to justify for smaller contractors. Moreover, if there are no personnel in-house who can operate new technologies, outsourcing becomes necessary and adoption may remain one-off and temporary.

Issues of proficiency and acceptance: Even if technology is introduced, it is meaningless if site workers cannot use it. Japan has many skilled workers with a relatively high average age, and rapid digitalization can cause confusion on site. Overseas, younger workers familiar with IT have been entering construction, which makes digital tool adoption smoother; in Japan, combined with a labor shortage, the problem of “no one who can use it” becomes apparent. As a result, expensive ICT-equipped machinery or systems may sit unused, and some sites remain stuck in paper-based operations.

Lightweight, intuitive mobile DX solutions: A key to bridging this gap is attracting attention to lightweight DX solutions using smartphones and tablets. Apps that run on devices everyone is already comfortable with are easier to accept without special training or advanced IT skills. Portable devices can be carried to various on-site locations without interrupting workflows, allowing digital technology to be integrated smoothly into day-to-day operations. For example, at overseas exhibitions, smartphone-mounted GNSS receivers and tablet AR apps were showcased, prompting Japanese visitors to say, “This seems like something we could start using on our own sites right away.” In short, familiar, hand-held DX measures that start on a smartphone are the initiatives most likely to penetrate Japanese construction sites.

The Japanese government is promoting ICT utilization with initiatives like “i-Construction,” but to spread DX to every corner of sites, user-friendly and cost-effective mobile solutions are indispensable. The next section looks at a concrete example of AR construction support using iPhone/iPad.

Examples of AR Construction Support Using iPhone/iPad

A representative example of smartphone- and tablet-based DX is AR construction support tools using iPhone and iPad. Recent iPhones (Pro series) and iPad Pro models include LiDAR sensors that can instantly measure surrounding 3D shapes and significantly improve AR display accuracy. Combine this with a high-precision GNSS receiver, and a palm-sized device becomes an all-purpose on-site tool.

On-site implementation cases: At one civil engineering site, an iPad Pro equipped with an external GNSS receiver and a dedicated AR app was used for stakeout. The person in charge loaded drawing data into the app via the cloud, then walked to the specified location while viewing the iPad screen. A green virtual stake indicating the “pile position” appeared on the screen, and simply marking the ground directly under it completed the accurate stakeout. Tasks that previously relied on layout and tape measures were dramatically streamlined; the person in charge remarked, “Because you can intuitively see the position, work time was reduced to less than half.” In another case, an iPhone was used to capture and convert as-built data of piping into a point cloud and then display the buried position in AR. A participating construction manager said, “Anyone can know where buried utilities are just by pointing a smartphone. This is revolutionary for preventing excavation mistakes.”

UI anyone can use and cloud integration: One reason iPhone/iPad-based solutions receive high marks is the simplicity of the user interface (UI). Starting the app and following prompts lets complex surveying calculations and 3D model processing run automatically in the background. Cloud-connected systems immediately share on-site data with the office, reducing the burden of report preparation and drafting. Site staff reported: “It feels like a game, so there’s no resistance,” and “You can figure it out just by using it without reading a manual.” In fact, the buried pipe AR deployment reportedly had workers using the app successfully without prior training. This underscores that intuitive operation design is the key to on-site adoption.

Mobility with lightweight equipment: iPhone- and iPad-based DX tools are also well suited to the site in terms of weight and mobility. Traditional surveying equipment and scanners often weigh several kilograms including tripods and batteries, but a smartphone plus a small sensor is light enough to fit in a chest pocket. It can be carried one-handed across rough terrain and makes it easy to climb ladders or enter confined spaces. Site supervisors appreciate that “there’s a lot of walking around, so it’s good that it doesn’t become a burden.” Reducing the logistical burden of equipment transport increases the frequency of surveys and measurements, making data-driven site management easier to establish. In short, smartphone-based AR construction support is logically consistent not only technologically but operationally for job sites.

Feedback from CONEXPO Attendees and Industry Attention

Solutions combining high-precision positioning and AR navigation attracted considerable attention at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Attendees who experienced the demos expressed many comments of surprise and expectation.

“A tablet that tells you what to install where on site just by pointing it—unbelievable!” said a construction engineer from Europe. Having heard about DX in his own country, he was impressed to see an actual AR practical application and commented, “This seems like something young workers could quickly master.” A U.S. construction manager noted, “If site information can be shared with this accuracy, appropriate instructions can be given remotely. This will definitely reduce on-site mistakes,” praising the ability to share accurate, real-time data.

Japanese visitors also gained significant insights. A Japanese engineer said, “I was shocked to see it’s this advanced overseas. At the same time, I strongly felt we should adopt it in a way that fits Japanese sites.” He was particularly impressed by the iPhone buried pipe transparency demo and said, “I want to try this on our company’s infrastructure projects. With fewer experienced workers, such technology can support younger staff.” Such comments show that the latest construction DX technologies are drawing global interest and that the wave is steadily reaching Japan.

At the exhibition, manufacturers and startups from various countries competed to present solutions, and the keywords “ease of use” and “site compatibility” were frequently heard. There was shared recognition that complex technologies must be refined into forms that anyone on site can use to drive adoption. High-precision positioning and AR navigation are prime examples of such fields evolving by incorporating on-site feedback.

Value as a Labor-Saving Solution in an Era of Labor Shortages

Chronic labor shortages and an aging workforce are serious issues in the construction industry. Promoting DX to improve operational efficiency and using technology to supplement human-dependent tasks is urgent. The combination of high-precision positioning and AR navigation offers significant value as a labor-saving solution.

Support for skill transfer: Positioning tasks that once required veteran intuition can be performed without error by young workers using AR guidance. The device acts as a virtual instructor, indicating precise steps and accelerating skills transfer and standardization.

Efficiency for multi-role personnel: AR positioning technology allows one person to cover multiple roles. Tasks that were traditionally split between a “survey team” and a “construction team” can now be performed by construction managers themselves using AR-enabled surveying devices to measure dimensions and check as-built conditions on the fly. This reduces wait times and coordination losses, enabling sites to operate with fewer personnel. The effects on labor cost reductions and reduced overtime should not be overlooked.

Remote support and supervisory efficiency: Real-time shared point cloud and positioning data allow qualified personnel at remote locations to monitor multiple sites and provide rapid support when issues arise. If experienced staff do not have to be physically present at each site, limited human resources can be used more effectively via digital twin–based support.

Overall, construction DX tools are not merely about improving efficiency; they offer solutions to severe workforce shortages. The combination of high-precision positioning and AR navigation enables labor savings while maintaining quality and safety, making these technologies indispensable for future job sites.

Infrastructure Supporting High Precision: The Potential of the Simple Survey Device LRTK

As discussed above, the foundation of AR-based construction support and point cloud scanning lies in infrastructure that consistently ensures positional accuracy. The key is devices and services that make high-precision GNSS easy to use. Finally, we introduce a notable example from Japan: the simple surveying device “LRTK.”

What is LRTK: LRTK is a solution developed by Reflexia Inc. that consists of a smartphone-mounted RTK-GNSS receiver and a cloud service. The compact receiver weighs about 125 g and is approximately 1.3 cm thick; when attached to a smartphone and used with a dedicated app, the phone quickly becomes an “all-purpose surveying device” capable of centimeter-level positioning. LRTK supports RTK-level high-precision positioning and is compatible with Japan’s QZSS Michibiki (CLAS), enabling stable positioning even outside communication coverage. With built-in tilt compensation sensors, it can obtain accurate positions even when the pole is slightly tilted. In short, it offers pocket-sized performance comparable to professional surveying equipment.

Integration with AR guidance and point cloud measurement: LRTK demonstrates its true value when combined with other technologies on a smartphone. The LRTK app immediately uploads acquired coordinate data to the cloud for sharing and verification from other smartphones or PCs. If design data or 3D models are registered in the cloud, they can be displayed in AR on site without coordinate-matching work. For example, if an absolute-coordinate-attached design model is prepared in the cloud, the model can be projected in the designated location on-site without extra setup. Point clouds captured by an iPhone can be stored in the LRTK cloud and used for one-click volume calculations or cross-section creation, making the platform more than just a positioning device.

On-site adoption and future prospects: The significance of simple surveying devices like LRTK is that they make construction DX practicable for everyone on site. High-precision surveying and measurement were once the domain of specialists, but LRTK lowers the barrier through miniaturization and simplified operation to a level that “anyone on site can handle.” Reports from actual deployments include comments such as “site management runs smoothly even without dedicated surveyors” and “we scan yesterday’s as-built every morning before the daily meeting.” Making high-precision positioning infrastructure accessible encourages site-driven PDCA cycles and accelerates DX adoption.

As 5G and satellite positioning become more advanced, mobile surveying devices like LRTK will become even more powerful. Eventually, there may come a time when a smartphone alone can handle all on-site measurement and instruction. To avoid falling behind other countries in DX capability, it is important to take the first steps from familiar tools. The construction DX revolution of high-precision positioning × AR navigation, experienced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, is steadily beginning to spread to Japanese job sites.