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Digitising roadwork in civil construction with Liebherr

The construction industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by rising fuel prices, economic pressure, work safety and lack of qualified operators.
May 30, 2025 Read time: 3 mins
Liebherr’s innovative LiReCon Remote Control System is redefining the traditional ways of operating the machinery, introducing a “home office” possibility for operators

On the other hand, there are significant developments in automation and digitisation. One example of this evolution is Liebherr’s Remote Control System, known as LiReCon (Liebherr Remote Control). This innovative system is redefining the traditional ways of operating the machinery, introducing a “home office” possibility for operators.

LiReCon is designed as a versatile, scalable solution that enhances safety, efficiency, and operator comfort not just in specialised scenarios, but across a broad range of construction environments. Whether in earthmoving, tower cranes, or offshore operations, LiReCon opens up new possibilities for remote-controlled work. By combining this robust teleoperation system with Liebherr’s latest assistance technologies, it is setting new standards in modern construction.

LiReCon is a user-friendly, highly developed teleoperation system that allows operators to control machinery safely and with high precision from a remote location. The system comprises a state-of-the-art operator station equipped with joysticks and high-resolution control panels that replicate the in-cab experience. It integrates easily into existing onsite logistics by using conventional high-resolution TV monitors. LiReCon can be operated from various setups such as an office, a stationary vehicle, or a container, providing maximum flexibility for different working environments.

Multiple cameras mounted on the machinery provide real-time video feeds from various angles, while microphones capture ambient sounds, ensuring operators have comprehensive situational awareness.

One of the primary advantages of LiReCon is the enhanced safety it offers. By allowing operators to control machinery from a secure location, the system minimises exposure to hazardous environments, such as active roadways, contaminated areas or unstable terrains. Firsthand LiReCon eliminates physical impact and noise to the operator.

LiReCon’s remote capabilities offer unparalleled operational flexibility. Operators can manage multiple machines from a single station, switching between equipment as needed without the delays associated with moving between physical locations. This efficiency reduces downtime and increases productivity, essential factors in the fast-paced environment of highway construction.

Additionally, the system’s modular design allows for easy integration with various Liebherr machines, making it an interesting solution for companies looking to modernise their fleets without extensive economic impact. One of the most important aspects of efficient operations is precision and work speed. Liebherr has fully integrated specific assistant systems to raise the work to a new level. One important example is fine-grading for a bulldozer: here the operator has full access to all levels of support from Free Grade for perfect fine-grading, Definition Grade to achieve precise 2D surfaces; to Free Modelling for the construction of 3D surfaces, directly from the LiReCon operation platform.

LiebherrLiReCon is the solution for today’s challenges on modern construction sites. For example, enabling operators to work from centralised control centres or even from home, depending on the project’s requirements.

This approach also facilitates better collaboration between operators and project managers, as communication is streamlined through integrated digital platforms.

The system’s efficiency also translates to cost savings, as projects can be completed more quickly and with fewer resources.

Furthermore, the ability to operate machinery remotely reduces the need for extensive onsite infrastructure, decreasing the environmental footprint of construction projects. These benefits make LiReCon an attractive option for companies aiming to balance economic performance with environmental responsibility.

LiReCon is designed to complement and integrate emerging autonomous technologies in construction. Liebherr has demonstrated the potential for highly automated operations, where machines can perform specific tasks independently while operators oversee and intervene as necessary. This hybrid approach maximises efficiency and allows human operators to focus on complex decision-making tasks.

In highway construction, this integration means that routine tasks such as grading or material transport can be automated, freeing up operators to manage multiple machines or focus on more intricate aspects of the project. This synergy between human oversight and machine autonomy represents the future of construction operations.

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