Komatsu creates ‘most versatile’ compact wheel loader in its class through enhanced testing programme Manufacturing specialist, Komatsu Europe, has equipped its latest compact wheel loader with multiple loader linkage options to create one of the most versatile products on the market in the 10 tonnes weight class. In a move to perfect the machine before it entered mass production, Komatsu intensified its testing programme – extending the standard 100 hours of testing to a 500 hour trial. Developed and produced by Komatsu Germany GmbH – Construction in Hannover, the WA170M-11 is now available with two different loader linkages following rigorous

In construction, material quality shapes strength, durability and long-term performance. Aggregates used in concrete, asphalt and base layers carry much of this responsibility. Correct sizing and proper grading are essential to structural integrity, consistent performance and alignment with design specifications. Understanding aggregate grading “Aggregate grading is about more than particle size,” says Amit Dawneerangen, Construction Materials Executive: Sales and Product Technical at AfriSam. “Grading affects compaction, concrete behaviour and how load-bearing structures manage stress over time.” When aggregates are poorly graded or incorrectly sized, voids form in the mix. Density drops. Strength weakens. Cracking, shrinkage and water ingress often follow,

Caterpillar and NVIDIA announced an expanded collaboration at CES 2026. Credit: Caterpillar Partners deepen collaboration to bring edge AI, autonomy and digital twins to construction, mining and power equipment boosting safety and productivity Caterpillar and NVIDIA are expanding a collaboration to enhance manufacturing systems through physical AI. The partnership focuses on deploying next-generation technology across construction, mining and power equipment used in factories around the world. Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar, says: “As AI moves beyond data to reshape the physical world, it is unlocking new opportunities for innovation. “Caterpillar is committed to solving our customers’ toughest challenges by leading with advanced

Samsung’s acquisition of FläktGroup expands its HVAC presence Samsung’s acquisition of FläktGroup combines HVAC expertise with AI capabilities to serve growing data centre demand while building regional supply chains Samsung Electronics has acquired FläktGroup, a global HVAC solutions provider, to expand its presence in the fast-growing HVAC market and to reshape how supply chains support energy efficiency, data centres and indoor air quality across regions. HVAC references Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning and covers systems that control temperature, airflow and comfort inside buildings. The acquisition completed in November 2025 and places FläktGroup inside Samsung Electronics while allowing the business to operate as

DEWALT’s new drilling robot slashes data centre build times (Credit: DEWALT) To meet AI-driven demand, DEWALT’s new drilling robot slashes data centre build times by 80 weeks with 10x faster speeds and 99.97% precision at scale Data centre construction is emerging as a critical bottleneck as global demand for AI-driven computing accelerates. With facilities under development worldwide to meet growing infrastructure needs, the construction sector is facing mounting pressure to deliver projects faster without compromising on quality or safety. DEWALT has introduced a new robotic drilling solution developed in partnership with mobile robotics specialist August Robotics. The system is described