JLG Whitepaper Examines Autonomous Job Site Technology

JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation business, has released a new whitepaper outlining its perspective on the future of construction job sites, focusing on automation, connectivity and evolving equipment roles.

Titled "From Access Equipment to Autonomous Work Systems", the whitepaper explores how technologies such as robotics, machine perception, connectivity and cloud-based intelligence are shaping more coordinated and increasingly autonomous job site environments. The document describes a shift from standalone machines toward integrated systems that contribute more directly to task execution.

“Access equipment has traditionally enabled work at height,” says Shashank Bhatia, chief technology officer and global vice president of engineering at JLG, in the new JLG whitepaper. “Today, we’re redefining that role. By integrating robotics and connectivity, we’re creating intelligent systems that not only support work but help perform it.”

According to the whitepaper, automation technologies are being developed to address ongoing construction industry challenges, including labor shortages, increasing project complexity and productivity demands. The report states that these technologies are intended to extend the capabilities of skilled workers, reduce physically demanding tasks and improve job site safety rather than replace labor.

The whitepaper also examines the transition toward connected job site ecosystems, where machines and equipment communicate and coordinate through digital platforms. It highlights real-world applications of robotic systems, including drywall finishing and work-at-height automation, as well as the role of connectivity in enabling machine-to-machine interaction.

“As job sites become more complex, the need for smart, connected equipment continues to grow,” Bhatia says in the whitepaper. “JLG’s vision provides a look at how those technologies can come together to deliver greater efficiency, consistency and visibility across the entire project.”

The release of the whitepaper reflects ongoing development efforts in connected fleet technologies and emerging robotic solutions designed to support coordinated workflows across construction projects.

The full whitepaper is available for download through JLG’s DirectAccess platform.