The Airport Where Construction Is Going Digital

Building a mega airport is no small task. But at Singapore’s upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5, the construction site itself is becoming a testing ground for a smarter way of building. Komatsu has introduced its Smart Construction digital solutions to Singapore through the project’s first full-scale deployment. The technology combines construction equipment with digital tools and real-time site data to help teams track earthwork, integrate machinery and make faster, data-driven decisions.

Spanning approximately 1,080 hectares, Terminal 5 is expected to initially accommodate 50 million passengers annually, with the potential to expand to 70 million. Construction began in May 2025, with completion targeted for the mid-2030s. Among the solutions being deployed are 3D Machine Guidance, which uses machine-position and design data to improve accuracy; 3D Machine Guidance Flex, which extends the technology across different equipment types; and the SC Dashboard, which brings construction progress and site information together for easier monitoring and decision-making. Komatsu has already delivered numerous construction machines for the project and previously implemented Smart Construction solutions during specific phases.

Globally, the company has deployed more than 9,000 3D Machine Guidance systems and over 22,000 intelligent Machine Control machines.

As construction becomes increasingly connected, Changi Terminal 5 offers a glimpse of what tomorrow’s building sites could look like, where machines don't just build, but become part of a digital ecosystem that helps people build smarter.

Source: Komatsu Global Newsroom, Komatsu introduces “Smart Construction” to Singapore with a landmark deployment at Changi Airport Terminal 5.