Frontline of ICT Construction Machinery: Latest Trends in 2025 and Key Points for On-site Implementation

As of 2025, the construction industry is paying close attention to ICT construction machinery (ICT-capable construction equipment) as a key technology for dramatically improving productivity and safety at construction sites. Initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)–led "i-Construction" have rapidly popularized ICT-based construction, and the use of ICT construction machinery is becoming a new norm across the industry, not just among a few advanced firms. In particular, by 2025 the automation and remote operation of construction equipment using ICT technologies and the practical use of three-dimensional data have reached a stage of practical application, delivering results at many sites. This article explains the latest trends surrounding ICT construction machinery as of 2025 and introduces key points for successfully introducing them on site.

What is ICT construction machinery: Smart heavy equipment that is key to ICT-based construction

ICT construction machinery refers to construction equipment that can be controlled automatically or semi-automatically by integrating satellite positioning systems (GNSS) and three-dimensional design data. Specifically, there are two system types: operator-assistive machine guidance (MG) and fully automatic machine control (MC). MG monitors and displays the deviation between the machine’s current position and the design surface to guide the operator, while MC can automatically control blade height. Using ICT construction machinery enables high-precision construction regardless of the operator’s skill level and significantly improves work efficiency.

ICT construction machinery is at the core of ICT-based construction (information-driven construction), which applies information and communication technology to construction work. In Japan, since 2016 the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has promoted the productivity revolution project "i-Construction," encouraging the introduction of ICT technologies to major construction equipment such as bulldozers and excavators. i-Construction set a target to "improve construction site productivity by 20% by fiscal 2025," and the full utilization of ICT technologies (ICT earthworks) has been an important pillar. This push is driven by issues such as the aging and shortage of skilled construction workers and occupational hazards from heavy labor. The introduction of ICT construction machinery is expected to create environments where high-quality work can be performed with fewer personnel and to reduce labor-intensive and dangerous tasks.

Latest trends in ICT construction machinery (2025)

ICT-based construction becomes "standard" in public works

In recent years, the adoption of ICT-based construction in public works has accelerated rapidly. From fiscal 2025, MLIT announced a policy to make ICT-based construction the default for directly managed earthwork and dredging projects, and even small-scale projects that were previously carried out only at the contractor’s request will now generally be required by the client to use ICT technologies. In fact, about 89% of MLIT’s directly managed civil engineering project tenders in fiscal 2024 incorporated ICT-based construction, and the number of local government–ordered projects adopting ICT earthworks is increasing year by year. In other words, the use of ICT construction machinery is no longer limited to a few advanced sites but is becoming an industry standard. There was a time when using ICT earned extra points in construction performance evaluations, but now it is simply a technology that is expected to be used. For small and medium-sized construction companies, adapting to ICT-based construction is unavoidable, and the industry as a whole is undergoing a digital shift.

Automation and remote operation of machinery reach practical stages

The technologies surrounding ICT construction machinery are also advancing rapidly. While remote operation and autonomous driving technologies were previously used mainly in special cases such as disaster recovery sites, they have recently begun to be introduced in ordinary construction projects. For example, at the Naruse Dam construction site in the Tohoku region, an operation base located approximately 400 km (about 248.5 mi) away had three operators (IT pilots) remotely monitoring and operating 14 machines continuously day and night, conducting construction in a hybrid mode with autonomous driving. This case shows that, given an adequate communications environment, safe and highly accurate construction can be performed without operators physically traveling to the site. In 2025, an experiment using satellite communications successfully remotely controlled multiple machines from approximately 900 km (about 559.3 mi) away. Moreover, in a long-term autonomous operation trial of an unmanned hydraulic excavator by a major contractor, continuous unmanned operation over two months ran stably, marking a major step toward full-scale introduction. These results indicate that a future in which people do not have to ride machines at dangerous sites is becoming realistic. Remote operation and automation are proving their potential to address labor shortages, enable 24-hour construction that improves productivity, and enhance safety simultaneously.

On-site DX through data utilization and BIM/CIM

The use of ICT construction machinery goes beyond improving the operation efficiency of machines themselves; it is evolving into on-site digital transformation (on-site DX) through the utilization of construction data. There is a clear movement to strengthen digital information linkage from design through construction and inspection. For example, parties are using three-dimensional models such as BIM/CIM to centrally manage design and construction information, and AR technology is being used to project as-built management data onto sites to streamline inspection work. A roadmap for using three-dimensional models as contract documents was also formulated in fiscal 2025, accelerating the shift from inspections and reports done with paper drawings and site forms to digital data. Data produced by ICT construction machinery can be used immediately as electronic as-built results, allowing real-time visualization of progress and quality. This is expected to reduce waste and rework and raise overall site productivity.

AI and robotic technologies also in view

Looking ahead, integrating AI and robotic technologies with ICT construction machinery is also being considered. Various demonstration experiments are underway, such as AI-based automatic generation of construction plans, automated as-built inspection using image recognition, and substitution of repetitive tasks by construction robots. For example, there are trials that use AI to analyze vast amounts of drone-captured site footage to automatically calculate embankment and excavation volumes, and cases where robots operate in hazardous areas where humans cannot enter. Furthermore, if high-speed, low-latency 5G networks become widely available, advanced operations such as coordinated control of multiple machines remotely will be possible. Technological innovation centered on ICT construction machinery will increasingly change how construction sites operate. The industry as a whole is expected to embrace these new technologies and pursue further labor savings and sophistication.

Benefits of introducing ICT construction machinery

Introducing ICT construction machinery at sites provides various benefits compared with conventional methods. The main advantages are summarized below.

• Greatly improved work efficiency: With three-dimensional survey data and automatic control, the effort for stakeout installation and repetitive surveying is reduced, and construction speed improves dramatically. A single heavy equipment operator can cover large areas in a short time, raising productivity.

• Stable quality and accuracy: Construction based on digital design data reduces variability in finished results and ensures accuracy consistent with designs. As-built management is performed on 3D data, reducing human error and preventing rework during inspections.

• Addressing labor shortages: Automation and labor-saving of machinery can compensate for the decline in experienced operators and shortages of younger workers. Reducing the personnel needed per machine makes it possible for fewer workers to operate multiple machines.

• Improved safety: Remote operation in hazardous areas, eliminating the need for people to ride machines, can greatly reduce the risk of occupational accidents. There is less need for personnel to be near machines for guidance or confirmation, which helps prevent contact accidents.

• Standardization of techniques: Work that once relied on the intuition and experience of veterans can be performed to a consistent quality by anyone using ICT construction machinery. Site know-how becomes digital information loaded into machines, enabling stable construction quality independent of experience level.

Challenges and countermeasures for introducing ICT construction machinery

There are, however, challenges to overcome when introducing ICT construction machinery. Typical issues and possible countermeasures are as follows.

• Initial cost burden: Equipping ICT-capable machines, surveying instruments, and software requires substantial initial investment. The financial barrier can be particularly high for small and medium-sized enterprises. Countermeasure: Use government or local authority subsidies and grants, or procure machines through rental or leasing rather than purchase to level out cost burdens.

• Lack of personnel and skills: There are few people in-house who can handle new technologies, and experienced veterans are often unfamiliar with digital tools, leaving tasks to younger staff. Countermeasure: Promote employee training and participation in ICT-related seminars, and build a system to share know-how within the company that includes both younger and veteran staff. Establishing an in-house ICT team to continuously acquire skills is recommended.

• Gap with existing processes: Discrepancies can arise between digitized sites and traditional management methods; for example, even if 3D data is used for construction, the client’s inspection system may remain 2D-based, causing inefficiencies. Countermeasure: Hold meetings with clients and subcontractors in advance to share understanding of ICT construction workflows and deliverables. Ensure thorough dissemination of submission procedures aligned with electronic delivery guidelines and new inspection procedures so all stakeholders accept digital construction.

• Preparation of data and IT environment: ICT construction requires new preparatory tasks such as creating 3D design data, obtaining drone flight permissions, and establishing site communications infrastructure. There are also technical challenges, such as GNSS being unusable in mountainous areas or tunnels, and a lack of personnel to handle system faults. Countermeasure: Identify and plan the necessary data and environment in advance, and consider risk hedging such as contracts with manufacturers that provide support in case of system errors.

Although these challenges exist, they can be overcome with appropriate support measures. MLIT and local governments offer ICT utilization support measures and training programs for small and medium-sized construction companies. The key to success is to progress step by step while actively using administrative and manufacturer support instead of trying to handle everything internally.

Key points for introducing ICT construction machinery on site

So, what should you pay attention to when introducing ICT construction machinery and related technologies to your sites? Below are points to ensure a smooth introduction.

• Confirm necessary equipment and make a plan: First, list the ICT devices and software available in your company and clarify what is missing. Check whether your existing machines can be retrofitted with ICT devices (such as MG GPS), and whether you have CAD software that handles 3D drawings. For missing equipment, consider not only purchasing but also renting. You do not need to equip everything at once. Start with pilot implementation at some sites or processes and gradually expand the scope—adopting a small-start plan helps verify effects while minimizing risk.

• Human resource development and internal organization: Operating ICT construction machinery on site requires skill improvement for operators and survey personnel. Promote participation in ICT construction training and workshops as employee education, and cultivate staff who can perform drone surveying and 3D data processing. Appoint IT-literate young employees as "ICT coordinators" and form an internal project team. Provide trial opportunities to test ICT construction machinery and 3D surveying in actual sites; accumulating successful experiences reduces resistance across the site.

• Use support programs and external resources: Don’t hesitate to seek external assistance for ICT introduction. Seminars and practical workshops hosted by MLIT, local governments, and industry organizations are useful for obtaining the latest information and know-how. Actively research and use financial support systems such as national ICT introduction support subsidies. Request demonstrations and operation training from equipment and surveying instrument manufacturers. Additionally, study case examples and site visits of companies that already introduced ICT construction to benefit from peer collaboration and information sharing.

By preparing according to the above points, your first ICT construction machinery introduction should get on track smoothly. The important thing is to view it positively as part of your company’s growth strategy rather than as something you are forced to do, and to plan while reflecting voices from the field.

Start with simple surveying: Begin ICT construction with LRTK

A practical first step in advancing ICT construction is digitizing site three-dimensional survey data. To use ICT construction machinery, you need to obtain 3D data of the site terrain and as-built conditions and base your construction planning and management on that data. However, some may hesitate to take the first step thinking, "Preparing drones and laser scanners costs too much and requires specialized skills..."

What is attracting attention is a simple surveying tool using smartphones, [LRTK](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com/). LRTK is a pocket-size GNSS positioning device that can be attached to a smartphone and provides cm-level positioning accuracy (half-inch accuracy) easily. When combined with a dedicated app, one person can survey a site in a short time. For example, you can survey the current condition of a small development site with LRTK, create a 3D terrain model from that data, and perform grading work with ICT construction machinery. Surveying work that once took specialized survey teams several days can be dramatically streamlined while improving accuracy.

As shown, you can begin digital construction without large-scale equipment by using a smartphone + a compact device for surveying. If you want to experience the benefits of ICT starting from approachable measures, consider beginning with simple surveying using LRTK. By skillfully adopting the latest technologies, you can take the first step toward creating more efficient and safer sites.