There were some successes to report. A milestone is the release of the test tool and the database. Manufacturers can now register their machines in the database after a successful test run, and users can research and compare. As a result, construction companies and machine users benefit from always receiving the data in a uniform format with consistently the same meaning of data values – regardless of the manufacturer and across machines. What construction companies do with the data afterwards remains their responsibility. All MiC 4.0 work is always and exclusively based on the ISO standard 15143. The most important topic areas are:

• ISO 15143-3: Fleet Management (cumulative data only)
• ISO 15143-4: Topographical Data and Registration with the Site Management System (SMS)
• ISO 15143-5: Data acquisition via use cases/tasks, acquisition of individual areas, order data to and from the machine (VIS)

MiC 4.0 pursues various architectural approaches, for example, backend-to-backend, attachment interface, and assistant interface. This led to the ISO committee becoming aware of the work and offering the working group a collaboration. MiC 4.0 is now a liaison partner of ISO TC 127 SC3 WG 5 and participates in all meetings, but does not have voting rights.

Here's the full report on the event. Mark your calendars now: the next event will take place in 2027.

The MiC 4.0 guide compactly summarizes how cross-manufacturer standards facilitate digital communication on the construction site – practical, understandable, and user-oriented.

The Working Group MiC 4.0 – a joint initiative of leading companies from the VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) and the HDB (German Construction Industry Federation) – aims to simplify communication between machines, attachments, and systems through open, digital standards.

The focus is on the concrete benefits for users: more transparency, higher compatibility, and increased efficiency on the construction site.

The guide clearly presents key developments and applications, including:

• MiC 4.0 TestToolMachine manufacturers (OEMs) can check if their machines meet the requirements of ISO 15143 – an important step towards interoperability.

• Open MiC 4.0 DatabaseIt shows which manufacturers have tested which machine types and which data is available.

• MiC 4.0 BUS for AttachmentsThe standardized data protocol enables automatic detection of attachments – without additional hardware, software, or displays.

This means the following for machine operators, construction companies, and system providers:

• Simplified changeover of machines and attachments

• Improved Data Integration

• Clearly defined interfaces for networked construction processes

The MiC 4.0 guide and other results and publications are available here for free download.

Process data only unfold their full potential when their added value becomes concretely understandable for users. For this reason, MiC 4.0 is now taking the next step: The process-related data for attachments are being further developed and described in detail.

Some machine users are already successfully using the data transmitted via the MiC 4.0 BUS protocol. To make the benefits, practical utility, and especially the efficiency in connection with specific work processes even more transparent for all users, the respective process data of the individual attachments will now be comprehensibly processed.

The goal is clear: the MiC 4.0 BUS protocol should be understandable and practical for all users – offering real added value for daily work on the construction site. The structured description of relevant data aims to make the use of attachments even more efficient, safer, and user-friendly.

The digital networking of construction machinery is a crucial building block for the construction site of the future. But how can machines from different manufacturers communicate efficiently with each other? That's precisely the question we're asking ourselves at MiC 4.0 – and discussing it together with the industry.

I am October 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM Are we on the Construction Equipment Forum I'm Coreum in Stockstadt am Rhein represent. In an exciting panel discussion, our CEO Dr. Darius Sosdorf Explain how we are developing a common, cross-manufacturer „language“ for construction machinery with MiC 4.0.

Our vision: standardized digital communication on the construction site, enabling efficiency, transparency, and seamless collaboration between all machines and stakeholders. Because only when machines speak the same „language“ can digital processes fully realize their potential and benefit users and manufacturers alike.

We look forward to sharing our approaches and experiences with our colleagues and advancing the future of the construction site together.

Join us and discuss how we can shape digital construction site communication together!

With practical feedback, cloud integration, and a focus on Version 1.2, Cluster 7 remains the engine for digital standards around attachments. The commenting phase of MIC 4.0 BUS Protocol Version 1.1.0 is providing valuable feedback. Cluster 7 is evaluating this feedback and integrating it into future work – particularly within the scope of the next CAN BUS & Safety Expert Meeting.

Version 1.2 in preparation
Looking ahead, the cluster is focusing on the upcoming protocol version 1.2. The first draft is scheduled for early 2026. The new version is intended to support significantly more attachment types and expanded functionalities.

Cloud solutions as drivers of innovation
In parallel, work is being done on the cloud integration of attachment data. The goal is a smarter, digital use of attachments—directly transferable into everyday machine operations.

On September 22, 2025, the construction machinery industry and its various topics will be the focus for a whole day at the VDMA House in Frankfurt.

Industry representatives who are interested are cordially invited to get informed and to engage in conversation and discussion with us and the other guests. Program items include site digitization, emissions regulations, current standardization topics, latest research findings, international market information, and important news and information on the EU Machinery Regulation.

Register now for the event.

MiC 4.0 at the „Construction Machinery Technology Day 2025“ in Berlin

On June 5, 2025, Berlin will focus on digitalization and sustainability in construction – at the „Construction Equipment Technology Day 2025,“ organized by Bauverlag BV GmbH. MiC 4.0, as a growing working group for the standardization of machine data, was present.

Sebastian Siegmund showed the experts with his presentation „MiC 4.0: Standardized Construction Machine and Process Data – The Path to the Connected Construction Site“ It's impressive how uniform data formats create the foundation for the digital construction site of the future.

Ralf Lüddemann, a member of the Management Board of STRABAG AG, opened the event with a technical presentation that set the thematic framework.  Dirk Siewert moderated by the Main Association of the German Construction Industry (HDB). The HDB is a strategic partner of the MiC 4.0 working group and supports the initiative in achieving its goals.

A special highlight was the presentation of the „Equipment List 2025“, a practical industry compendium that is updated every five years and serves as an important reference for the construction industry.

The MiC 4.0 team is delighted to have been part of this industry meeting.

Image source: Bauverlag BV GmbH

MiC 4.0 – Member of the ISO Committee

The work of MiC 4.0 is attracting increasing attention and is also of great interest to the ISO-15143 group. For this reason, MiC 4.0 was asked whether a liaison membership in ISO TC127/SC3/WG5 would be conceivable. This request was positively received by all ISO member countries, and MiC 4.0 participated in an ISO meeting of the group for the first time. The results achieved so far were discussed with great interest, further joint actions were agreed upon, and it was decided that MiC 4.0 will participate in the upcoming revision of 15143 and relevant parts.

MiC 4.0 very much welcomes this cooperation, is pleased about the very good working atmosphere in this group, and looks forward to a fruitful collaboration.

What does Machine Communication 4.0 look like in practice?

A good start: Our video of the bauma with Darius Soßdorf – Watch now!
🎥 To the video

On our YouTube channel Find more brief insights on MiC 4.0:
youtube.com/@mic4.024

👉 Watch and subscribe now!

At bauma 2025, the team was present in Hall LAB0 with live demonstrators, allowing visitors to experience the technology up close. The „One Digital Language“ concept enables manufacturer-independent and machine-crossable combination and switching of attachments and carrier machines while maintaining all functionalities of the MiC 4.0 BUS.

Numerous visitors took the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the data interface and the database. Many manufacturers showed interest in participating in the concept. The trade press also took the opportunity on the first day of the trade fair to gather information during a specially organized guided tour of the booth.