Equipment manufacturers are raising the bar for what contractors can expect from their machinery. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, BOMAG Americas Inc. will showcase intelligent compaction systems, updated highway-class pavers, advanced safety technologies, and new electric equipment. The technologies BOMAG plans to demonstrate offer a clear roadmap for the construction industry. Understanding compaction of soil test methods of soil compaction and how modern instrumentation improves quality assurance is essential background for evaluating these next-generation systems. This article examines the key technologies BOMAG will feature at CONEXPO 2026 and what they mean for construction professionals.
Smart Compaction Systems: Real-Time Quality Control and Data Integration
BOMAG’s smart compaction technologies have evolved significantly over the past decade, moving from simple measurement displays to integrated systems that provide real-time feedback, documentation, and remote operation capabilities. The company’s CONEXPO 2026 exhibition will place smart compaction at center stage, highlighting several technologies that are transforming how contractors approach soil and asphalt compaction.
TERRAMETER Compaction Measurement System
The TERRAMETER system is BOMAG’s onboard compaction measurement technology that provides immediate feedback on soil stiffness during compaction. Unlike traditional methods that rely on spot checks and laboratory testing, TERRAMETER continuously measures and displays compaction values as the roller passes over the material. This allows operators to identify weak zones, eliminate over-compaction, and achieve uniform density across the entire worksite.
VARIOCONTROL Intelligent Vibration Control
VARIOCONTROL is BOMAG’s intelligent vibration management system that automatically adjusts the roller’s vibration amplitude and frequency based on the material being compacted. The system detects when the material approaches target density and reduces vibration energy to prevent over-compaction and material damage. This not only improves compaction quality but also reduces operator fatigue by eliminating the need for manual vibration adjustments. VARIOCONTROL works in both vibration and oscillation modes, giving contractors flexibility across different material types and project specifications.
BOMAP Mobile App for Real-Time Compaction Tracking
BOMAP is BOMAG’s mobile application that brings compaction data visualization to smartphones and tablets. The app provides real-time color-coded maps showing compaction values across the job site, allowing operators, foremen, and project engineers to monitor progress without being inside the cab. BOMAP supports both soil and asphalt compaction applications, making it a versatile tool for road construction, site preparation, and pavement projects. Key features of the BOMAP system include:
- Real-time color mapping of compaction values across the entire work area
- GPS-based position tracking for precise documentation of passes and coverage
- Exportable reports in standard formats for quality control documentation
- Compatibility with multiple BOMAG roller models equipped with TERRAMETER
- Wireless data transfer eliminating the need for physical connections or USB drives
For contractors working on projects that require documented proof of compaction, BOMAP’s data logging capabilities reduce administrative overhead while providing verifiable quality records that can be shared with clients and inspectors.
360-Degree Compaction: Vibration and Oscillation Modes
BOMAG’s 360-degree compaction capability allows single drum rollers to achieve effective compaction in both vibration and oscillation modes. Oscillation technology uses a rotating eccentric mass that generates horizontal shear forces rather than vertical impacts, making it particularly effective for compacting asphalt at lower amplitudes without damaging the material structure. This dual-mode capability gives contractors the flexibility to match compaction energy to material requirements, whether working on deep soil lifts or thin asphalt overlays.
Advanced Roller Technology and Simulator Training
BOMAG’s single drum roller lineup incorporates several technological advancements that improve safety, operator comfort, and training efficiency. The company will demonstrate these capabilities through both static displays and interactive experiences at CONEXPO 2026.
Collision-Avoidance Systems for Safer Job Sites
Roller operators work in environments where visibility can be limited by the machine’s size, the terrain, and the presence of other equipment and personnel. BOMAG has integrated collision-avoidance systems into select roller models to reduce the risk of accidents. These systems use sensors and cameras to detect obstacles, personnel, and other machines in the roller’s vicinity, providing visual and audible alerts to the operator. In some configurations, the system can automatically slow or stop the machine if a collision risk is detected and the operator does not respond in time. This technology is particularly valuable on congested job sites where multiple pieces of equipment operate in close proximity.
Remote Roller Operation Simulator
One of the most notable demonstrations at BOMAG’s CONEXPO 2026 booth will be a roller simulator that allows attendees to remotely operate a BW 177 model located off-site. This technology showcases the potential for remote operation in hazardous environments or situations where placing an operator in the cab is impractical. The simulator also serves as a training tool, allowing new operators to develop skills in a controlled environment before operating real equipment. For contractors facing operator shortages, remote operation and simulation-based training offer pathways to expand their workforce capabilities without compromising safety or productivity. Understanding compaction and road construction equipment rollers pavers and asphalt machinery for durable pavements helps contractors evaluate how these training technologies fit into broader equipment management strategies.
BW 177 BVO-5 PL: Gradeability and Performance
The BW 177 model that will be featured in the remote operation demonstration is part of BOMAG’s single drum roller series designed for demanding soil compaction applications. Key specifications and capabilities of this model include:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating Weight | Approximately 10,000 kg (22,000 lb) |
| Drum Width | 2,130 mm (84 in) |
| Centrifugal Force | Up to 200 kN (high amplitude) |
| Gradeability | Up to 60% in forward and reverse |
| Compaction Modes | Vibration and oscillation |
| Measurement System | TERRAMETER (standard) |
| Drive System | Dual pump with self-locking differential |
The BW 177’s dual pump system combined with its self-locking differential allows the machine to achieve up to 60% gradeability in both forward and reverse, making it suitable for steep terrain projects such as dam construction, slope stabilization, and infrastructure work in hilly regions.
Highway-Class Paver Updates and Asphalt Technology
In addition to compaction equipment, BOMAG will present significant updates to its highway-class paver lineup at CONEXPO 2026. These updates reflect the company’s focus on improving operator experience, paving accuracy, and overall productivity for large-scale asphalt projects.
CR Series 2 Paver with Integrated Screed Controls
The CR Series 2 paver represents a major step forward in BOMAG’s paving technology. The updated model features integrated screed controls that allow operators to manage all screed functions from a single interface, reducing the complexity of paver operation and improving paving consistency. The revised human-machine interface (HMI) provides clearer displays, more intuitive navigation, and quicker access to frequently used settings. Key improvements in the CR Series 2 include:
- Fully integrated screed control system with single-interface operation
- Revised HMI with enhanced display graphics and touchscreen capability
- Improved material delivery system for more consistent mat quality
- Enhanced operator visibility to the screed and material hopper
- Diagnostic and troubleshooting features accessible from the operator station
Pneumatic Tire Rollers for Asphalt Compaction
BOMAG’s pneumatic tire rollers use a series of rubber tires to provide kneading action that seals the asphalt surface and improves density. Unlike steel drum rollers that apply point contact, pneumatic tire rollers distribute compaction force across a wider area, creating a smooth, tight surface that resists water infiltration. These rollers are especially important for achieving specified density in intermediate and finish asphalt layers. BOMAG’s pneumatic tire roller lineup at CONEXPO 2026 will highlight the role these machines play in complete paving operations alongside vibratory tandem rollers and highway-class pavers.
Integrated Paving Solutions for Higher Productivity
When pavers, pneumatic tire rollers, and tandem rollers work together as an integrated paving train, productivity improves significantly. BOMAG’s focus on compatibility across its equipment lineup means contractors can build complete paving solutions from a single manufacturer, reducing training requirements and parts complexity. The company’s emphasis on streamlined workflows reflects a broader industry trend toward integrated construction equipment ecosystems that leverage shared technologies and data platforms.
Electric Equipment and the e-PERFORMANCE Line
Electrification is one of the most significant trends reshaping the construction equipment industry, and BOMAG is actively developing solutions that reduce emissions, noise, and operating costs. The company’s e-PERFORMANCE line includes electric machines designed for applications where zero emissions and low noise are critical requirements.
BP 18/45 E Electric Vibratory Plate
The BP 18/45 E is BOMAG’s electric vibratory plate compactor designed for trench work, site preparation, and confined-space compaction applications. As a fully electric machine, it produces zero exhaust emissions and operates at significantly lower noise levels compared to its gasoline-powered counterparts. This makes the BP 18/45 E suitable for indoor use, nighttime work in noise-sensitive areas, and projects with strict environmental compliance requirements.
BW 120 AD E-5 Electric Tandem Roller
The BW 120 AD E-5 is BOMAG’s electric tandem roller, representing a significant step toward zero-emission asphalt and soil compaction for smaller-scale projects. This machine is designed for applications such as parking lots, bike paths, residential streets, and repair work where electric operation offers clear advantages over traditional diesel-powered rollers. The transition to electric compaction equipment mirrors broader trends in construction technology. Just as how the pandemic reshaped smart home technology and buyer expectations, the shift toward sustainable construction practices is reshaping contractor equipment purchasing decisions.
Benefits of Electric Compaction Equipment
The advantages of electric compaction equipment extend beyond environmental compliance. Contractors evaluating electric rollers and plates should consider the following operational benefits:
- Lower total cost of ownership through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses
- Improved operator comfort due to reduced vibration and noise levels
- Ability to work in enclosed or ventilation-limited spaces without exhaust concerns
- Compliance with increasingly stringent emissions regulations in urban areas
- Reduced carbon footprint for projects pursuing green building certifications
- Simplified maintenance with fewer moving parts and no engine oil changes
As battery technology continues to improve, the range and runtime of electric compaction equipment will expand, making these machines viable for an increasingly broad range of applications. The current e-PERFORMANCE lineup addresses the most common use cases where electric operation provides immediate benefits, while BOMAG’s ongoing development efforts suggest further expansion of the electric product line in coming years. This technological evolution parallels the way how smart home technology is transforming modern residential construction and home automation, where connectivity and efficiency are driving fundamental changes in how systems are designed and operated.
What CONEXPO 2026 Means for Contractors
BOMAG’s CONEXPO 2026 exhibition offers contractors a glimpse into the near future of compaction and paving technology. Several takeaways are relevant for construction professionals planning their equipment strategies:
- Data integration is becoming standard. Systems like TERRAMETER and BOMAP demonstrate that compaction equipment is evolving from simple machines into data-collection platforms that improve quality control and documentation.
- Operator training is being redefined. Remote operation simulators and collision-avoidance systems are making it possible to train operators more safely and efficiently while reducing on-site risks.
- Electric options are expanding. The e-PERFORMANCE lineup shows that electric compaction equipment is moving beyond niche applications and becoming a practical choice for a growing number of projects.
- Integrated solutions reduce complexity. BOMAG’s focus on paver-roller compatibility and shared technology platforms simplifies equipment selection, operation, and maintenance for contractors who standardize on a single manufacturer.
For contractors attending CONEXPO 2026, BOMAG’s booth will provide hands-on opportunities to evaluate these technologies and discuss how they can be applied to specific project requirements. The combination of smart compaction systems, advanced safety features, and electric equipment options represents a significant step forward in construction equipment technology.