JLG Industries, part of Oshkosh Corporation, has made a strategic equity investment in Nextera Robotics as part of its efforts to develop smarter and more connected construction job sites. Nextera Robotics specialises in autonomous technologies that use visual artificial intelligence and robotics to create updated digital maps of active construction sites.
These digital maps provide project teams with information on construction progress, quality and safety, helping them identify potential issues earlier and make faster decisions. The investment will bring together Nextera’s technology capabilities and JLG’s expertise in access equipment and construction applications. The companies will explore opportunities to integrate Nextera’s technologies into future JLG products and solutions.
Mahesh Narang, Executive Vice President, Oshkosh Corporation, and President, Oshkosh Access segment, said the investment reflects confidence in Nextera’s technology and will support the company’s efforts to improve connectivity across construction sites.
Nextera’s technology combines visual image recognition using AI, Bluetooth mesh technology and autonomous job-site applications. These capabilities could support new ways of monitoring equipment, people and construction activity while providing project teams with real-time information.
Shashank Bhatia, Chief Technology Officer, Oshkosh Access segment, said Nextera has developed distinctive technologies that could complement JLG’s product development strategy. The companies will evaluate how these capabilities can be used in future JLG equipment to support the company’s vision for the job site of the future.
Under the partnership, JLG will also support Nextera’s commercialisation activities through customer engagement, field validation and application expertise. Nextera’s digital platform is expected to complement JLG’s technology roadmap and expand the role of connected equipment in construction operations.
The partnership comes as construction companies increasingly look for technologies that can improve productivity, safety and project visibility. Digital mapping and autonomous systems can provide construction teams with a more detailed understanding of site conditions and progress without relying solely on manual inspections.
JLG said the collaboration will help explore practical applications for these technologies and support the development of equipment and services suited to increasingly digital construction environments. JLG Industries is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of access equipment. Its portfolio includes mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, rotary telehandlers and related accessories designed to improve equipment versatility and productivity.
JLG is part of Oshkosh Corporation, a global industrial technology company that develops purpose-built vehicles, equipment and services. Oshkosh employs more than 18,000 people worldwide, with its products operating in more than 150 countries under brands including JLG, Pierce, Oshkosh, McNeilus, IMT, Jerr-Dan, Oshkosh AeroTech and Oshkosh Defense.
