Doka is introducing its fully digitised formwork process. (Image source: Doka)

Doka, alongside its parent company Umdasch Group, is set to transform the conversation around formwork and scaffolding at bauma 2025.

With more than 40 pioneering solutions on display, the company is bringing its vision for the future of construction to life.

From digital integration and automation to sustainable materials and enhanced safety systems, Doka is presenting a portfolio designed to modernise workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and drive progress in the industry.

"We cannot build the future with yesterday’s methods," said Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka. "The construction industry is facing enormous challenges – above all, it must overcome its productivity stagnation. While we are just one part of the bigger picture, we are committed to creating real value within our field. Through new technologies and, most importantly, the consistent digitalisation of the entire formwork process. Making this possible for our customers must be our ambition – nothing less.”

One of the most significant showcases at bauma 2025 will be Doka’s vision of a fully digitised formwork process.

The company is introducing a connected platform that integrates every stage of formwork and pouring, giving construction professionals complete transparency and control over their projects in real time.

The Smart Construction Area, an outdoor space dedicated to automation and robotics, will feature a range of cutting-edge advancements, including semi-automated formwork robots and digitally controlled construction tools. A key highlight is the DokaXbot Lift, which has been redesigned for greater ease of use. Now equipped with intuitive ground-level operation and automatic fine adjustments, the system makes positioning formwork elements up to 5.7 metres high safer and more precise.

Doka is also pushing automation forward with its FormDrive system. Designed for high-rise and infrastructure projects, FormDrive is a next-generation drive system that allows operators to lift climbing systems and manoeuvre wall formwork with minimal manual intervention. By reducing labour requirements and increasing precision, Doka is laying the foundation for a new era of formwork efficiency.

Advancing sustainable construction

At bauma 2025, the company is debuting an intelligent heated formwork prototype that accelerates the curing of CO₂-reduced concrete. By integrating digital sensors for real-time concrete monitoring, the system improves efficiency and ensures the successful adoption of low-carbon mixes on construction sites.

“As one of the largest GHG emitters worldwide, the construction industry must evolve,” said Hauser. “CO₂-reduced concrete is a key driver of change, and we are committed to supporting a lower carbon construction future, in line with our own ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2040. We are excited to present our prototype at such an important show.”

^{Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka}

Doka is also incorporating circular economy principles into its product range. The Xlife top sheet, a high-durability formwork sheet made entirely from upcycled plastic, is designed for multiple reuse cycles, reducing both material consumption and maintenance costs. Once it reaches the end of its lifespan, it is returned to a closed-loop system, where it is processed into new sheet cores, demonstrating Doka’s commitment to sustainable resource management.

Doka is also bringing monolithic construction into the spotlight. Following its acquisition of MFE, a leading Malaysian manufacturer of aluminium formwork, the company is showcasing monolithic formwork technology at bauma 2025 for the first time. Designed for high-speed construction, this system is set to revolutionise large-scale building projects.

Together with AT-PAC, its dedicated scaffolding brand, Doka is expanding its range of scaffolding solutions to improve efficiency and safety in both construction and industrial applications. A newly developed 30-metre scaffolding tower with an integrated viewing platform will be a major attraction at the event, giving visitors a unique perspective of the bauma fairgrounds.

The company is also unveiling the DokaXshore system, a next-generation lightweight shoring solution engineered for high-speed assembly and maximum load capacity. Meanwhile, the UniKit heavy shoring system, already proven on complex infrastructure projects, is receiving key updates, including wall-mounted supports for up to 400 kN loads and full integration with Ringlock scaffolding to improve accessibility and safety at height.

Yanmar launches electrification unit for compact off-highway segment (IMAGE SOURCE: Yanmar)

Yanmar is to launch a new dedicated electrification unit focused on the compact off-highway segment

This new unit, which will commence operations in April 2025, will focus on delivering a diverse portfolio of e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and eDrives.

The ultimate goal is to help drive zero-emission solutions for compact off-highway machinery, according to Tetsuya Yamamoto, chief operating officer, Yanmar Holdings.

“This initiative is a major milestone in Yanmar’s commitment to realising our brand statement: A Sustainable Future,” he said.

“The development of e-powertrains is crucial for adapting the expertise we have built with diesel engines to a broader range of applications beyond just construction and agricultural machinery, and it represents an important step towards achieving carbon neutrality.”

As a component manufacturer, supplier and integrator, the new unit will work closely with Yanmar customers to electrify applications such as excavators, wheel loaders and other industrial machinery.

The new electrification unit will concentrate on three primary product areas: Yanmar-branded industrial machinery; machinery for OEMs; and components and e-powertrains for industrial machinery.

“As we face the challenges of climate change and strive for a sustainable society, it is essential to accelerate the development and adoption of electric powertrains that not only enhance product performance but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Yamamoto.

In recent years, Yanmar has invested in research and development to establish itself as a leader in zero-emission technologies in key construction equipment niches.

This includes strategic acquisitions, such as the 2022 takeover of Eleo Technologies, which has strengthened the group’s battery capabilities.

To spearhead the latest initiative, Yanmar has appointed Marko Dekena, who boasts a long career in electric and alternative energy powertrains within the automobile industry, to lead the new electrification group.

He said the new electrification division will not only support the ongoing transformation of the compact off-highway segment but also pave the way for a more sustainable future generally.

“By leveraging Yanmar’s deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are dedicated to delivering technologies that will accelerate the transition toward zero emissions,” said Dekena.

In addition to electrification, Yanmar is also actively exploring hydrogen and alternative non-carbon fuels and resource recycling solutions to drive further advancements in environmental responsibility and carbon reduction.

Also read: bauma 2025: breaking new ground in construction and innovation

Each day of the bauma FORUM will focus on a specific theme. (Image source: bauma)

A leading trade fair, bauma is set to showcase the latest technologies for the construction sector, serving as a platform for industry discussions on key future topics. A major highlight of the event is the bauma FORUM, running from 7-11 April in the Innovation hall bauma LAB0.

Organised by Messe München in cooperation with VDMA Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants and VDMA Mining & Minerals, it will bring together experts from politics, industry, and academia to discuss challenges and innovations.

Representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, and trade associations such as CECE and VDMA will provide regulatory insights, while industry leaders and universities present research projects.

Each day of the bauma FORUM will focus on a specific theme. On 7April, it will highlight climate-neutral construction sites, featuring a panel discussion with the German housing minister Klara Geywitz.

The bauma Innovation Award 2025 winners will also be announced, recognising advancements in climate protection, digitalisation, machine technology, construction, and research. 8 April will centre on the Mining Challenge, with discussions on the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, led by European Parliament member Hildegard Bentele.

Digitalisation

The conference will also focus on alternative drive concepts, with Bert van Hasselt, CEO NewTech at DEUTZ, exploring alternatives to diesel engines. The next day will examine connected construction, with Ralf Lüddemann from STRABAG discussing digitalisation and networking in construction.

Dr. Katharina Knapton-Vierlich from the European Commission will address European construction policy, focusing on sustainability. Beyond the bauma FORUM, the Innovation hall bauma LAB0 will feature themed areas. The Start-up Area will showcase nearly 50 young companies, with the top 25 presenting at the bauma FORUM.

Virtual reality

The Science Hub will display university research, while MiC 4.0 will present advancements in digitalisation. The VR Experience Zone will offer interactive exhibits on robotics, alternative drives, and additive manufacturing. bauma 2025 will also feature the THINK BIG! initiative, aimed at inspiring secondary school students to explore careers in the construction machinery industry.

Organised with VDMA Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants, it will include live machine demonstrations and career insights, with a focus on encouraging young women in technical professions. With expert discussions, technological showcases, and networking opportunities, bauma 2025 is set to be a key event for industry professionals, policymakers, and aspiring engineers.

With its robust capabilities in the 30 MT category, the MH3032 is set to become a preferred choice in the material handling sector. (Image source: Caterpillar)

In a testament to its ongoing commitment to industrial applications, Caterpillar is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of the Cat Next Generation MH3032 Material Handler

Positioned strategically between the MH3026 and MH3040—both already part of the next-generation platform—the MH3032 is built with performance, durability, and reliability in mind. This 30 MT machine integrates advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency.

Efficiency is key in material handling. The goal is to move and sort materials—whether waste, scrap, or recyclables—as quickly and efficiently as possible while minimizing fuel consumption and optimizing safety and operator comfort.

"That’s the essential principle of our next gen architecture. Keeping control over operating costs, without sacrificing performance, and it’s those parameters that come to the forefront in the MH3032," commented Vincent Migeotte, senior product and sales consultant, Caterpillar.

Versatile material handler

With an impressive near-15m reach, the MH3032 offers both drop-nose and straight-stick configurations for flexibility. Handling scrap is effortless with the standard Cat orange-peel grapple featuring a 1m³ capacity, while an optional 20 kW generator enables magnet attachments for even greater versatility.

The MH3032 is designed for ease of operation, incorporating Cat Payload technology, which allows operators to monitor lifting loads in real-time and track overall tonnage output. Safety is further enhanced with the built-in Cat 2D E-fence, which keeps the arm within a predefined working range, preventing collisions with the elevated cab and improving overall site safety. Additionally, the new Swing Assist feature automatically stops movement at operator-defined points, reducing unnecessary motion.

"Technologies like these not only help reduce the operator fatigue associated with repetitive tasks but also help improve site safety. Optimised movements also mean incremental improvements to time and fuel consumption," stated Migeotte. 

Inside the dedicated Material Handler cab, a built-in monitor displays dual external camera views to enhance visibility and hazard awareness.

Despite being a new model, the MH3032 benefits from proven components used across the MH3000 Next Generation range, ensuring reliability and easy access to parts. This means operators can expect the same high standards without compromising on versatility.

The machine is powered by the compact and modular Cat C7.1 engine, which meets multiple global emissions standards, including U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014, with options for Tier 3 and Stage IIIA compliance in specific regions. The engine is designed for extended maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.

With its robust capabilities in the 30 MT category, the MH3032 is set to become a preferred choice in the material handling sector.

"By meeting the demands of the 30 MT size class head-on, the MH3032 should prove a popular selection in the all-important material handling sector. It’s a fine machine, totally at ease with its next gen credentials, and we’re delighted to see it launch in 2025," concluded Migeotte.