At Bauma 2025, CASE New Holland (CNH) introduced its latest concept: the Impact, an electric wheel loader with a futuristic, sharp-edged design that ditches the traditional operator cabin in favor of remote or autonomous operation. Though still in the concept stage, the Impact shows promising potential, with CNH’s history of turning concepts into reality adding credibility to the ambitious design.
CASE’s cabin-less electric wheel loader is intended to provide enhanced operational flexibility, particularly in extreme environments and challenging weather conditions. The design allows for 24/7 operations, even in remote locations or during disaster recovery and rescue missions. The ability to log in from various time zones means operators can seamlessly transition between shifts, further boosting productivity.
More notably, the Impact aims to advance inclusivity in the industry. CASE highlights that the new design opens up opportunities for operators with motor impairments or other disabilities, enabling them to work without the physical limitations of a traditional operator cab. This step forward could represent a significant shift toward greater accessibility in construction and heavy machinery.
Equipped with artificial intelligence, an array of sensors, and built-in autonomous capabilities, the Impact offers a glimpse into a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future for the industrial sector. With the industry facing a growing operator shortage, exacerbated by an aging workforce and limited new talent, the concept of remote and autonomous operation could play a critical role in filling the gap.
By making the machinery more accessible to operators of varying physical abilities and allowing remote access, the Impact could enable older workers who were forced out due to injury to return to the workforce. It also opens the door for younger operators from around the world, providing opportunities for those eager for a job in a field where the demand for skilled labor is high.
While the Impact is still a concept, its debut at Bauma suggests that CASE is paving the way for a future where technology not only improves efficiency but also increases inclusivity and sustainability in the construction and industrial sectors.
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