Big Tech Roundtable 3.0: Automation Nation

Every year the machines we use for road building and infrastructure get smarter, helping workers build stronger, smoother, and longer-lasting pavements. More processes are automated now that every before, and it’s not stopping any time soon.

We wanted to sit down with some of the top automation companies in the industry, cut through the hype and the noise, and find out what are the currently available technologies available to real everyday contractors, and, also, what does the near future hold?

Industry Perspective

Can you briefly introduce your company and its role in the road construction industry?

Kevin Garcia, Trimble: Trimble is a technology company that provides advanced solutions for various industries, including road construction. Trimble technologies for road construction include AI, reality capture, machine control, asset management and more. Trimble solutions connect the physical and digital worlds to make road construction projects safer, more efficient and more productive through the entire project lifecycle, from design through building and maintenance.

Jason Hogue, FAMC: FAMC is the U.S authorized distributor for Leica Machine Control for all paving technologies. We use GPS and/or total stations to guide and automate the movement of the machine by comparing it to a 3-D digital model to control the movements of steering, and elevation, and end gates if applicable; delivering accuracies within a Hundredth of a foot (+-.01).

We continually leverage our knowledge and capabilities as one of the premier stringless distributors in the United States to become the most in-demand partner for 3D control systems for construction machinery in the ever-expanding market. Our mission is to support contractors in delivering higher-quality projects, on time or ahead of schedule, all while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Brian Lingobardo, Topcon: Topcon designs, manufactures and distributes precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction, geospatial and agriculture markets. Headquartered in Livermore, California, with our European office in Zoetermeer, Netherlands, Topcon has been at the forefront of developing advanced technologies for road construction.

We have a rich history of innovation, with our construction technology used to build and maintain roads, runways, and racetracks around the world. What sets us apart is our focus on creating integrated solutions that address real-world challenges faced by contractors and agencies responsible for infrastructure development and maintenance.

What are the key automation technologies your company currently offers for road construction projects?

Trimble: Our technology offers varying degrees of automation depending on the OEM, machine type and needs of the user. We have indicate and autos functionality for managing grade and slope on excavators, dozers, motor graders and compact machines with grader attachments on supported makes and models. Our machine control solution for compactors offers automatic steering following a path according to the project plan. Our Trimble Roadworks for paving provides slope, steering and screed width control on supported machines. We think of autonomy as a journey and want to meet our customers where they are along that journey. 

FAMC: We focus on all things paving/top-side. Including the following:

• Concrete Paving
• Asphalt Paving
• Curb and Gutter
• Milling
• Trimming
• Placer Spreader
• Robotic Laser Screeds
• Machine Retrofits (AMI) – Automated Machine Intelligence
• GT1 – Grader Tracer 1 (2-D and 3-D gateway)
• Drill and Pile applications

Topcon: Our scanning technology includes the recently introduced RD-M2 mobile LiDAR scanner, part of our SmoothRide solution. This technology minimizes road closures, shortens planning times, and optimizes processes when evaluating road surfaces while keeping crews safe.

For paving automation, our MC-Max Asphalt paving system enables automatic control of height, steering, and screed width for enhanced precision and efficiency. We recently announced compatibility with the Dynapac SD25 and XD25 Highway Paver series, expanding our integration with major equipment manufacturers.

Our positioning technologies utilize GNSS, Millimeter GPS, and optical robotic total stations to achieve 3D millimeter accuracy for screed height control. We’ve also expanded our MC-Max Paving aftermarket solutions to control screed height on all major asphalt paver brands, built on our MC-X machine control platform.

Most recently, we’ve introduced a new roller management system for soil and asphalt compaction that ensures consistent, high-quality pavement and base layers by leveraging real-time data and automation to optimize the compaction process.

In your experience, what level of automation are most contractors currently utilizing in their operations?

FAMC: The adoption of machine control technology has vastly grown over the years. Compared to a decade ago, we’re seeing significantly more contractors embracing this technology. Most contractors have implemented this technology across their entire fleet, from earthmoving operations to final paving.

Topcon: We’re seeing growing adoption of automation technologies, though implementation varies considerably across the industry. Many contractors have embraced basic machine control systems for grade and elevation control, while others are moving toward more advanced automation solutions.

The integration of our MC-Max Asphalt paving system with major equipment brands demonstrates the industry’s increasing commitment to automation. This trend is driven largely by labor challenges and increasingly tight specifications – contractors need ways to achieve higher precision with fewer skilled workers.

What’s encouraging is seeing contractors who start with basic automation quickly recognize its value and expand implementation across their operations. As they experience the benefits firsthand – improved quality, reduced material waste, enhanced productivity – the case for further investment becomes clear.

Trimble: This really depends on the phase of the project. Automation is widely adopted during finish grading and compaction phases, when precision is the most important. Adoption during the mass excavating phases is lower, but contractors still find benefits in progress tracking during mass excavation. The closer you get to the final surface and precise specifications, the more automation you’ll see. This is really where contractors want to get it right the first time, every time, which technology provides for.

Current State of Automation

What are the biggest challenges contractors face when adopting automation and machine control technologies?

Topcon: Several key challenges typically emerge when contractors begin adopting automation: The initial investment costs and uncertainty about return on investment often create hesitation. Contractors need to be confident that the technology will deliver measurable benefits that justify the expenditure.

Workforce adaptation is another significant hurdle. Introducing new technology requires not just technical training but also cultural change within organizations that may have used traditional methods for decades. Integration challenges arise when incorporating automation into existing equipment fleets and workflows. Compatibility issues and process disruptions can undermine confidence if not properly managed.

Technical support and maintenance considerations are critical – automation systems require specialized knowledge to maintain and troubleshoot, which may be outside a contractor’s traditional expertise. We design our systems with intuitive operation to reduce these barriers. The goal is to make adoption as seamless as possible while providing the support contractors need throughout implementation.

FAMC: The biggest challenge we encounter isn’t the technology itself, but the willingness to learn and adapt. While there is a slight learning curve, our training and installation process is thorough and designed to set the crew up for success.

Trimble: The biggest challenge is probably identifying who on the team is going to be the technology champion. We’ve gone to great lengths to make our technology as intuitive and user-friendly as possible, but implementing technology still requires a change to how people work. Those who have the greatest results have someone on the team who is committed to making it successful and who can help make sure that crews and leaders are on board. In the past, capturing the original ground conditions without lane closures and putting people in traffic was a big challenge, but mobile mapping eliminates this challenge altogether. With mobile mapping you can capture the original conditions faster, cheaper and safer, and it provides better survey quality. 

How do you see automation improving efficiency, quality, and safety in road construction projects?

Trimble: From a safety perspective, automating common and repetitive tasks for the operator allows them to focus on the truly important things, like their surroundings. This improves safety and has the additional benefit of accurately achieving desired results. Those results being achieved in fewer passes with less rework is what contributes to that efficiency but also achieves the quality metric by ensuring that materials are placed in the right location and in the correct amounts. Automation has also reduced the number of field workers required for certain workflows. For example, mobile mapping units are gaining in popularity and can capture the physical world from behind the wheel of a vehicle, instead of putting surveyors next to live traffic like is historically done.

Topcon: Automation delivers substantial improvements across multiple dimensions of road construction: In terms of efficiency, our automated control capabilities reduce the number of personnel required on the paver while simultaneously improving paving precision and consistency. This helps address labor challenges while enhancing productivity.

Quality improvements are particularly significant. Users can achieve compliance with increasingly tight project tolerances through precise control of material placement. The improved surface quality leads directly to increased project profitability and reduced material waste.

Safety benefits are equally important. Our scanning solutions minimize road closures and optimize processes while keeping crews safe. By reducing the time workers spend in active traffic zones and eliminating the need for string lines, we significantly enhance jobsite safety. The combination of these benefits creates a compelling case for automation – doing more with less while achieving better results and keeping workers safer.

FAMC: FAMC is already seeing significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety thanks to Leica Machine Control. Contractors are completing more work with tighter tolerances (+-0.01) and moving on to the next job faster. In paving applications, machine control also opens the door to achieving ride bonuses and meeting smoothness specs, all while finishing the job ahead of schedule. Plus, with no more need for wire lines or painting lines, crews benefit from a cleaner, safer jobsite with no tripping hazards from stakes and stringline.

What data and connectivity solutions (e.g., telematics, cloud-based control) are most crucial for effective machine automation?

Trimble: Having a cloud environment is probably the most crucial today because it provides the foundation for syncing files across the entire crew and having everyone working from the same model. Having the ability to push updates to the field and send real-time, as-built data to the office rather than driving back and forth with USB sticks is a game-changer, both in terms of time savings, cost savings and overall project efficiency. As an example, CalTrans recently reported a cost savings of more than $12 million on one bridge replacement project through the use of technology that included using a common data environment for the design model data that was used by both CalTrans and the general contractor.

FAMC: Control and modeling are the most crucial aspects to be effective with Machine Control. Your machine is going to follow a digital model exactly. The benefit with this is that you can tell if there is a bust in the model or control before you even go out to the jobsite. Traditionally, these mistakes would not be caught until grade stakes were read out in the field. This leads to delays if caught and often at a cost to all parties involved. 

Topcon: Effective machine automation requires a robust data infrastructure built on several key elements: Precise positioning forms the foundation – our systems utilize GNSS positioning integrated with optical robotic total stations or lasers for 3D millimeter accuracy. Without this level of precision, automation cannot deliver its full potential.

Real-time data collection and analysis systems like 3D scanners enable immediate adjustments based on actual conditions rather than assumptions. This feedback loop is essential for maintaining quality throughout the construction process. 

Equally important are data formats and workflows that enable integration between design, execution, and quality control. The most sophisticated automation technology will fall short if data cannot move efficiently between systems and project phases. These elements work together to create an integrated ecosystem where information flows naturally from design through construction and into long-term asset management.

How is automation impacting workforce requirements—are we seeing a shift in skillsets needed for operators and technicians?

Topcon: Automation is certainly shifting workforce requirements in the road construction industry. Our automated control capabilities reduce the number of personnel required for certain tasks, but this shift creates new roles focused on technology management and data analysis.

Equipment operators now need skills beyond traditional operation, including system monitoring, basic troubleshooting, and data interpretation. They’re becoming more like system managers than just equipment operators. Simultaneously, we’re seeing growing demand for specialized technicians who understand both construction processes and digital systems. These hybrid roles bridge the gap between traditional construction knowledge and technology expertise.

This evolution presents both challenges and opportunities. Our systems feature intuitive operation to reduce training requirements, but contractors still need to invest in workforce development to fully leverage automation advantages. The most successful organizations are creating clear career paths that embrace these new skill requirements.

FAMC: In our experience, adopting Leica Machine Control technology doesn’t require a completely different skill set, just a willingness to adapt and learn. We recommend that contractors assign someone who understands grade and elevation to manage the instruments. This role isn’t limited to any age or experience level; it can be a young new hire eager to learn or a seasoned professional with years in the field. Success with Leica automation/Machine Control comes down to mindset, not background.

Trimble: We are seeing a shift in skill sets needed, but Trimble technology is intentionally very intuitive, and with a good dealer partner available to help with training and support, making the transition can be relatively easy. Today’s equipment operators need to be comfortable working with a digital model as opposed to stakes in the ground, and they need to be comfortable interfacing with digital jobsite data via the cloud. They may also be using some augmented reality. But these skills are easy to come by, especially in a world where people are adept at interfacing with screens on a regular basis.  

Future Innovations & Industry Trends

What advancements in machine control and automation do you see on the horizon for road construction?

Trimble: I anticipate that we’ll see more machines capable of automatic steering – and an overall increase in automating individual parts of the workflow – which will free up operators to focus on more important tasks. I think we’ll also see increased integration with LIDAR and safety systems to capture as-built data while the work is happening, and I expect we’ll see AI contributing more on the modeling side. I also expect to see more in-field capabilities, especially around design, so that field teams can work more efficiently when design changes are needed on the jobsite. I also anticipate that digital site management will continue to become more mainstream, connecting metadata across the entire project and making project teams overall more productive and efficient. 

FAMC: At FAMC-Leica, we are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. A great example is the invention/development of GT1 by our owner, Frank Flores. This groundbreaking solution gives asphalt pavers the ability to make any asphalt paver 2D-ready with a 3D gateway. Introduced in 2021, GT1 solution also offers optional add-ons to control both steering and end-gates along with elevation, making it a versatile and forward-thinking upgrade for paving operations. Before GT1, steering and end-gate capabilities were only available on certain pavers. More advancements can be expected from the industry.

Topcon: The near future holds several exciting developments in machine control and automation: Enhanced integration between different equipment types will create more cohesive workflows – imagine pavers and rollers that automatically coordinate their operations based on material properties and environmental conditions.

Aftermarket solutions will become increasingly versatile, with systems that can be easily adapted to various equipment brands and models. This will make advanced automation more accessible for contractors with mixed fleets. Quality control automation will expand significantly, with real-time verification of material properties and placement accuracy. This will reduce the need for post-construction testing and remediation.

Sensor technology continues to advance, with more sophisticated temperature sensors, accelerometers, and other measurement tools providing increasingly detailed information about construction processes. Visualization tools will transform how operators and managers interact with data, presenting complex information in intuitive formats that highlight exceptions and support better decision-making.

These advancements will collectively raise the bar for what’s possible in road construction – improving precision, reducing waste, and enhancing long-term infrastructure performance.

How close are we to achieving fully autonomous road construction equipment, and what are the biggest barriers to adoption?

FAMC: I believe we are a little way from this. This comes down to safety for motorists and our public safety. The government will play a large part in this due to public safety

Topcon: While we’re making significant progress toward higher levels of automation, fully autonomous road construction equipment remains a developing frontier. Current systems like our automatic control of height, steering, and screed width represent important steps, but complete independence from human oversight is still evolving.

Several substantial barriers exist: Regulatory frameworks and liability considerations remain undefined for fully autonomous construction equipment, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and contractors alike. Site variability presents a significant technical challenge – construction environments change constantly due to weather, ground conditions, material properties, and the presence of other activities.

Coordination between multiple autonomous machines adds another layer of complexity that requires sophisticated communication protocols and decision hierarchies. The high stakes of infrastructure quality and safety create understandable caution about removing human judgment from critical processes.

We expect to see increasing automation of specific functions, with humans providing oversight and handling exceptions, before we reach full autonomy. This progressive approach allows the industry to build confidence while addressing technical and regulatory challenges.

Trimble: At Trimble, we think of the path to full autonomy as a journey rather than a destination. While fully autonomous projects are exciting, project teams are finding real, measurable benefits on jobsites around the world right now through the task and workflow automation tools available today. We expect innovation around task automation to continue to evolve and deliver meaningful productivity gains all along the journey to full autonomy. When it comes to full autonomy, remote sites lend themselves to being autonomous sooner than other sites, which we’re seeing today in remote mines, for example. But full autonomy on traditional sites requires a lot of site integration and orchestration that will take longer to deliver.

Do you see artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning playing a greater role in machine control? If so, how?

Trimble: Absolutely. We’re already starting to see AI at use on the design side and helping model builders with routine tasks. For machine control, I think we’ll see AI optimizing for certain conditions, such as smoothness or material yields. AI is good at predicting outcomes, which is useful for many different phases of a road construction project. 

FAMC: I believe we are still a way off from fully integrating the AI shift. The government will play a major role in how and when these advancements are adopted, especially given the importance of regulation and oversight in protecting the public. AI is meant to help improve a system where Leica machine control is heavily dependent on survey input which could have human error.

Topcon: AI and machine learning will undoubtedly transform machine control in the coming years, with several applications already emerging: Predictive maintenance represents an immediate opportunity – analyzing patterns in equipment performance data to identify potential failures before they cause costly downtime.

Optimization algorithms for material placement and compaction will increasingly adapt to changing conditions in ways that static programming cannot match, improving quality while reducing waste. Quality analysis using AI can detect potential issues – like segregation or improper density – in real-time, enabling immediate correction rather than post-construction repairs.

Data interpretation will become more sophisticated, turning massive amounts of information into actionable insights that support better decision-making throughout the construction process. These technologies will help construction teams work smarter, not just harder – leveraging data to improve outcomes while reducing the cognitive load on operators and managers.

How can automation contribute to sustainability and environmental goals in road construction?

FAMC: Environmental impact and sustainability are key benefits of getting projects done faster. By increasing efficiency, we reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and help alleviate traffic congestion. This in turn minimizes disruptions to both the public and local wildlife habitats. Faster, more precise work is good for business and good for our environment and safety.

Topcon: Automation offers several pathways to improved sustainability in road construction: Material optimization is perhaps the most direct benefit – our precise control systems ensure the right amount of material is placed, reducing waste and conserving resources. With our RD-MC grade control for differential surfaces, we’re eliminating the need for string lines and reducing material waste while ensuring consistent layer thickness. 

Quality improvements lead to longer pavement life and reduced maintenance frequency, substantially lowering the lifecycle environmental impact of road infrastructure. Operational efficiency gains include more consistent fuel consumption and lower emissions through optimized equipment operation. Our compaction technology ensures optimal density is achieved with minimal passes, further reducing fuel consumption while improving pavement performance.

As contractors face increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets while maintaining profitability, automation provides a powerful set of tools for addressing both imperatives simultaneously.

Trimble: One of the key areas automation is helping with environmental sustainability is just by helping complete jobs faster and with less material waste. If we can complete a job with fewer passes and more efficient use of materials, then by nature we reduce emissions and waste and improve environmental impacts. The use of automation also helps teams build roads that last longer and require less maintenance, all of which leads to sustainability gains because heavy equipment is running less and we need fewer materials during the maintenance phase of the asset.

Adoption & Implementation

What factors drive a contractor’s decision to invest in automation—cost savings, labor shortages, regulatory changes, etc.?

Trimble: All of the above – cost savings, labor shortages and regulatory changes all drive a contractor’s decision to invest in automation. History shows us that construction projects tend to run over budget and over time, and the more you can digitize, the more likely you are to be on time and on budget. In addition to the cost savings mentioned above, for example, Caltrans also reported saving 258 working days – for a cost savings of almost $2 million – on one recent project. Machine automation is also helping offset the challenges of the ongoing labor shortage by making inexperienced operators good and good operators great. We’re also operating in a complex world where changes and unexpected situations seem to arise frequently. To help offset this uncertainty, we see some contractors investing in technology to improve efficiency and maximize the effectiveness of their existing fleet as much as possible. 

FAMC: Labor shortages for sure. Individuals who are wanting to work and show up are becoming far and few in between. This issue makes technology almost a necessity. Contractors often adopt automation when its required by the prime contractor. Some contractors are proactive adopters, using automation to gain a competitive edge, improve efficiency, and position themselves as innovative leaders in the field. Cost savings overtime. Although there is an upfront investment, Leica can cut labor costs, improve job accuracy and expedite work processes allowing you to do more jobs.

Topcon: Contractors typically consider multiple factors when evaluating automation investments: Labor challenges rank among the most significant drivers, with contractors struggling to find and retain skilled operators. Automation helps them maximize productivity with their existing workforce.

Project specifications continue to tighten, with many agencies now requiring tolerances that are difficult or impossible to achieve consistently with manual methods. Competition creates market pressure once early adopters demonstrate the advantages of automation in winning bids and improving project outcomes.

Material cost management becomes increasingly critical as prices rise, making the waste reduction benefits of automation more financially significant. Environmental and sustainability requirements are growing more stringent, with automation offering pathways to compliance through reduced material usage and improved quality.

What’s notable is how these factors reinforce each other – addressing labor challenges while also improving quality and sustainability creates a compelling business case for technology adoption.

What steps can contractors take to better integrate automation into their projects?

FAMC: Assess the potential return on investment (ROI), including cost savings from reduced labor, fuel, and material waste, as well as increased efficiency and accuracy, equaling profitability for the contractor. Purchasing automation solutions that align with the company’s size, type of projects, existing equipment, and long-term goals. Purchasing the right solution for their company. Adaptation company wide.

Topcon: Successful integration of automation requires a strategic approach: Start with a clear assessment of current challenges and opportunities – identify specific processes where automation can deliver the greatest value based on your particular pain points.

Develop a phased implementation plan rather than attempting wholesale change. Begin with targeted applications that offer clear benefits and build confidence for further expansion. Invest in workforce development alongside technology acquisition. Provide thorough training, create champions within your organization, and emphasize how automation enhances rather than replaces human capabilities.

Partner with technology providers who offer comprehensive support throughout the implementation process and beyond. The relationship should extend far beyond the initial purchase. Collect and analyze performance data to quantify benefits and identify improvement opportunities. This information supports both operational refinement and justification for additional investment.

Create a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement. The most successful implementations come from organizations that view automation as an ongoing journey rather than a destination.

Trimble: Integrating automation has to be part of a well thought out plan just like anything else. Contractors should be clear about what their needs are and what they’re hoping to gain from the technology, and make sure that their fleet and their people are prepared. A good dealer goes a long way here. Our SITECH dealer channel is made up of some of the most experienced construction technology experts in the world. They can help assess the need, make recommendations, and handle installation, training and support to make sure a new integration is successful.

Are there common misconceptions about automation in road construction that you would like to clarify?

Topcon: Several persistent misconceptions about automation deserve clarification: The belief that “automation eliminates jobs” misunderstands its actual impact. While roles change, our automated control capabilities reduce personnel needs for specific tasks but create new opportunities in technology management and data analysis.

The notion that “automation is only for large contractors” overlooks how we’ve developed scalable solutions like our MC-Max Paving aftermarket system. These technologies can grow with a contractor’s needs, starting with basic functionality and expanding over time. Concerns about technology complexity often prove unfounded. Our systems feature intuitive operation specifically designed to reduce operator training requirements and facilitate quick adoption.

Focusing exclusively on 3D machine control misses the broader benefits of workflow optimization, quality verification, and data management that complete automation systems provide. The perception that perfect conditions are required for effective automation underestimates the adaptability of modern systems, which are increasingly designed to function reliably in variable field conditions.

Trimble: Yes! There is a common misconception that machine control and automation is just for airport runways or Formula 1 tracks or other projects with extreme specifications. This is not the case. Technology helps with material yields, smoothness, productivity, job costs and other factors that are important to everyone. Contractors want more information, more predictability and more efficiency on all jobs. Automation helps them plan ahead and run their businesses better, regardless of the project. There is also the misconception that technology will solve every issue on a jobsite. While technology will improve quality, safety, productivity and sustainability, it’s not an easy button. Good work practices still need to be followed to achieve the highest levels of benefit from technology. 

FAMC: Misconception 1: Is that it is difficult and time consuming – While there is a learning curve, modern automation tools are designed to integrate smoothly with existing workflows. With proper training and vendor support, adoption can be streamlined and often results in time savings over the course of a project. Misconception 2: GPS – Leica includes a wide range of technologies beyond GPS such as robotic total stations. GPS is just one component of a broader suite of tools used in the road construction realm. Misconception 3: You get better numbers out of stringline – While stringline and painting lines has been reliable for decades, Leica can achieve higher precision, greater consistency, and fewer reworks. With proper setup and training, FAMC-Leica often outperforms manual techniques in both accuracy and speed.

Final Thoughts

If you could make one prediction about the role of automation in road construction over the next decade, what would it be?

FAMC: Many project owners, especially in DOT’s from coast to coast and large infrastructure projects, are already requiring digital models and machine control as part of the specifications. Designers are increasingly delivering 3D models as the standard, meaning contractors must have the technology and processes to use them, or risk being unable to bid or perform the work. As more contractors implement machine control/technology, those who don’t could struggle to stay competitive on cost, quality, and delivery timelines. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about staying profitable and in business.

Trimble: I can say with certainty that the level of technology adoption will continue to increase over the next decade. The benefits are so great, and the use of machine control and automation puts those who use it at such a distinct advantage that I’m confident we will continue to see increased adoption. I also think contractors will continue to find new and interesting ways of applying technology on the jobsite, and that companies like Trimble will remain committed to innovation in this space – including the integration of AI – for years to come.

Topcon: In the next decade, we’ll witness a transformation from isolated automation technologies to connected ecosystems that manage the entire roadbuilding process. This evolution will integrate design, construction, quality verification, and asset management into a seamless digital workflow.

As contractors continue to face decreasing margins and tighter specifications while municipalities tackle growing infrastructure challenges, the industry will increasingly adopt innovative approaches to build and maintain roads more efficiently with longer-lasting results.

The most successful contractors won’t simply be those who adopt individual technologies, but those who reimagine their entire approach to road construction around digital workflows and data-driven decision making. This transformation will deliver infrastructure that’s built better, lasts longer, and serves our communities more effectively while reducing environmental impact.

The future of road construction is not just automated – it’s integrated, intelligent, and sustainable. And that future is already taking shape through the technologies and methods we’re developing today