SaMoTer 2026: Digitalisation Drives the Future of Construction

LECTURA attended SaMoTer 2026 as a long-standing media partner, covering highlights of the Italian construction equipment market for its international readership. Held at Veronafiere from 6 to 9 May 2026, the fair brought together 526 exhibitors and more than 42,000 visitors. The 32nd edition showed how construction equipment is moving towards digitalisation, intelligent solutions and connected fleet management.

A central showcase of smart technologies was the SaMoTer Digital Construction Site, developed with Quelli del Movimento Terra. The live area demonstrated how machines and intelligent technologies can optimise the construction process, from surveying and modelling to project upload, excavation, grading, compaction and paving. By recreating a damaged road surface, the project showed how data, machine control and real-time site management can improve accuracy, productivity and safety.

The SaMoTer Innovation Awards reinforced this direction. In the software category, Trackunit won with IrisX, created to simplify machine management workflows from predictive maintenance to optimised use. R.I. Rappresentanze Industriali SRL was recognised for the RI Rent Control Platform, which streamlines management for contractors and rental providers. Cosmic SRL won with the LUISCO System for site safety, while CNH Industrial Italia received an award for RoofX, a modular system for different machine types.

Smart technologies were scattered throughout the exhibition. Volvo CE Italia displayed around 20 machines, including the 9-tonne ECR90 short-swing excavator and the EWR170 electric excavator. Merlo highlighted remote-control technology and rotating telehandlers, including the 60.27 model with continuous rotation.

Develon promoted AI-based safety and productivity, presenting the DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 from its new Series 9 Smart Crawler Excavator range, based on full electronic hydraulic technology and integrated artificial intelligence. Sandvik presented the Ranger DX810i and Ranger DX1010i drill rigs equipped with operator-focused automation such as the iCab cabin, advanced connectivity and improved one-hole automation.

Attachments and aftermarket services also supported productivity. Simex showcased VSE Tornado sorting buckets for excavators and backhoe loaders from 1.5 to 50 tonnes. It also presented diamond-tipped saws for skid loaders and the ART 1000 asphalt repair attachment for compact track loaders.

TVH highlighted rubber tracks, tyres, glass, hydraulic motors, headlights and filters, underlining the role of parts availability in keeping fleets productive. The company also promoted its REMAN initiative, offering remanufactured parts tested to OEM standards, backed by the same warranty as new parts and positioned as a more sustainable way to extend equipment life.

Together, the 32nd edition of SaMoTer showed that the future of construction lies in connected processes, intelligent assistance, safer worksites and reliable lifecycle support. The organisers are already looking ahead to the next edition, scheduled for 9 to 12 May 2029 in Verona. For more information about the newest products presented at the fair, explore the LECTURA Innovation Guide to SaMoTer.