Bauma 2025: Innovation, Automation & Industry Connections
- Thought Leadership
16/04/2025
Last week, members of the Hickman Shearer team, Managing Director Tim Howard and Director James Fox, attended Bauma 2025 in Munich, the 34th edition of the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles, and construction equipment.
Spanning several days and an impressive footprint, Bauma once again proved why it remains the global benchmark for innovation and industry insights. With thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the world, the event offered an invaluable look at the trends shaping the future of the sector, and a perfect opportunity to connect with both existing and future partners.
Shifting Focus: Automation over Green Energy
One of the most striking takeaways from this year’s Bauma was the clear industry pivot towards automation. While sustainability and green energy solutions certainly held space on the agenda, it was automation and digitalisation that dominated.
From autonomous construction vehicles and robotic machinery to AI-driven site planning tools, the message was clear: automation is no longer an emerging trend, it’s here. OEMs are investing heavily in autonomous capabilities, real-time monitoring, and data-driven maintenance systems, all aimed at improving productivity, safety, and operational efficiency.
This aligns closely with what we’re seeing across the asset valuation landscape. Automation is fast becoming a priority as businesses seek not only to streamline operations but also to future-proof their investments in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Connecting with Clients & Industry Partners
One of the true strengths of Bauma is its ability to bring together the global community. Over the course of the event, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with many of our clients, along with meeting new industry peers and tech innovators.
These conversations are always invaluable. They provide insights into the challenges businesses are facing, the solutions they’re exploring, and the direction in which the market is heading. From the evolving requirements of asset management and valuation to the latest compliance considerations, events like Bauma help us stay ahead, so we can ensure our advisory services remain sharp, relevant, and grounded in real-world industry knowledge.
Supporting Valuation with Better Data: OEM Collaboration
A particularly exciting aspect of Bauma was the opportunity to deepen relationships with OEMs and tech providers, many of whom are developing solutions that directly enhance the quality of our own asset data.
These collaborations directly feed into the strength of ValoxPro, Hickman Shearer’s digital asset valuation platform, ensuring that our clients receive the most accurate, real-time market insights possible. With new specifications, performance metrics, and lifecycle data now available from several manufacturers we met at Bauma, the updates will enhance both the precision and depth of our valuation reports.
In an industry where asset values fluctuate quickly, whether due to market conditions, technological advancements, or regulatory shifts; having direct access to the latest OEM intelligence gives our clients a significant advantage.

An Exceptionally Well-Organised Event
Bauma 2024 also deserves credit for its seamless organisation, especially given the sheer scale of the event. Spanning multiple halls and vast outdoor spaces, the layout made it easy to navigate and ensured that visitors could efficiently connect with exhibitors and explore the many tech showcases, demonstrations, and discussions on offer.
It’s events like this that highlight the value of face-to-face industry engagement, even in an increasingly digital world. From insightful talks on industry sustainability and future proofing to hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge machinery, Bauma reminded us that innovation is best experienced in person.
Looking Ahead
As the construction and industrial equipment sectors continue to evolve, automation, data integration, and cross-border collaboration will remain high on the agenda — and Hickman Shearer will be ready to support our clients at every stage.
If we didn’t get a chance to meet at Bauma 2025 but you’d like to discuss how the latest market trends might impact your asset strategy, valuation, or lifecycle planning, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
About Hickman Shearer
At Hickman Shearer, we specialise in delivering exceptional RICS and ASA certified capital asset valuation, management, and sales services. Our expertise span a wide range of global industries, ensuring that we provide tailored and insightful commercial valuations and equipment valuation services to meet your unique needs. With a strong track record of delivering robust and independent advice, Hickman Shearer is committed to supporting businesses in achieving their strategic objectives. Find out more here >> About Us
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