LAS VEGAS—Power Systems Research (PSR) sent a team of analysts to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Show to talk with exhibitors and about the state of the industry and to learn more about new products.

You can read their impressions of the show, their takeaways from talking withexhibitors and attendees about the state of the industry, and the information they gathered about innovative new products.

Interestingly, the PSR team didn’t see big movement to battery power. They saw more hybrids and hydrogen power moving forward. Battery seemed to be relegated to smaller machines.

Another takeaway is that machines are getting smarter. Beyond the machinesthemselves, reports Jim Downey, Vice President-Global Data Products, many equipment manufacturers are investing heavily in software, telematics and connected platforms. This equipment gives contractors better insight into equipment performance and maintenance.

Artificial intelligence and operator-assist technology were seen in many spots across the show floor. Companies including Bobcat Company, Hitachi Construction Machinery and John Deere highlighted new in-cab systems designed to support operators and improve jobsite productivity. Bobcat demonstrated its voice-activated Jobsite Companion, Hitachi showcased its Assist Program, and John Deere Wirthgen Group detailed its SmartDetect and SmartDetect Assist technologies.

See more product information in the show Product Showcase here. PSR

This year’s show at the Las Vegas Convention Center drew an estimated 2,000 exhibitors and while attendance figures were not available as we prepared this report, observers said traffic was very heavy and attendance was expected to surpass the record 139,100 figure set at the last show in 2023.

Power Systems Research (PSR) sent a team of analysts to the show to talk with exhibitors and attendees about the state of the industry and to learn more about new products.

A list of the products that PSR representatives found interesting is available in the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Product Showcase later in this report.

There were several major exhibitor launches at the show, including John Deere’s introduction of 18 new products, including the 210, 230, and 260 P-Tier excavators. Komatsu: Debuted the HM460-6 (its largest articulated truck) and the D175AX-10 dozer. Liebherr: Displayed the LR 1700-1.0 Crawler Crane, the tallest and heaviest machine at the show with a 700-ton lifting capacity.

More innovative products are described in the CONEXPO Product Showcase below.

IMPRESSIONS

Several key impressions were obvious to members of the Power Systems Research team. This year’s show focused on the profitability of using the new systems of autonomous and connected technology that had been demonstrated in 2023.

One major trend we saw at the show was that equipment driven by hybrid power rather than a total electric solution seemed to be most favored. In 2023, there were a greater number of OEMs showing full electric powered prototypes; this year, while there were electric machines present, the focus seemed to be more on hybrid solutions utilizing a combination of IC engine and battery electric powertrain.

Our PSR team also came away with these observations:

• Smart Machines proactively offer problem solutions and fuel-saving steps; they don’t just identify and signal problems, they begin addressing them immediately.
• Alternative Power has become a reality in equipment power. Equipment at the show demonstrated battery power, hydrogen power, and diesel power.
• Using AI to increase safety and productivity is an important and developing management tool.
• Connected Technology where equipment fleets can be monitored from a central location to optimization equipment utilization, evaluate operator productivity and proactively monitor for any potential issues and help prevent downtime.
• Smarter Equipment. Beyond the machines themselves, many equipment manufacturers are investing heavily in software, telematics and connected platforms designed to give contractors deeper insight into equipment performance and maintenance. In other words, OEMs are increasingly positioning themselves as technology providers, not just equipment manufacturers.
• Artificial intelligence and operator-assist technology were especially prominent across the show floor. Companies including Bobcat Company, Hitachi Construction Machinery and John Deere highlighted new in-cab systems designed to support operators and improve jobsite productivity. Bobcat demonstrated its voice-activated Jobsite Companion, Hitachi showcased its Assist Program, and John Deere Wirthgen Group detailed its SmartDetect and SmartDetect Assist technologies. Designed to help operators stay focused, improve awareness and streamline tasks, these technologies reflect a growing emphasis on smarter machines that work alongside the operator.
• Operator Comfort Is a Growing Priority. As equipment becomes more advanced, manufacturers are also putting renewed focus on the operator experience inside the cab. The thinking is simple: a more comfortable operator is often a more productive operator. As jobsites push for greater efficiency, cab comfort is becoming more than a luxury—it’s a productivity tool.
• Across the show floor, companies highlighted upgrades designed to make long days on the jobsite more comfortable. From ergonomic seat designs to improved joystick placement and better visibility, cab design is becoming a central part of equipment development.
• CASE Construction Equipment, John Deere and DEVELON showcased joystick and control improvements, while Bobcat Company highlighted its new Pro line featuring heated air-ride seats.
• Autonomous Machines Target the Labor Shortage. Artificial intelligence appeared throughout the show, but autonomous and semi-autonomous equipment drew some of the biggest crowds.

Automation has become a major focus for equipment manufacturers as they look for ways to improve safety, productivity and precision on the jobsite. At the John Deere and Wirtgen Group booth, attendees gathered around the company’s 460 autonomous dump truck, one of the newest additions to its growing lineup of automated machines.

One driver behind this push is the industry’s ongoing labor shortage. A big chunk, nearly 40%, of the current workforce is approaching retirement age while fewer young workers are entering the trades.

Autonomous equipment isn’t expected to replace operators entirely, but it can help contractors complete tasks more efficiently with smaller crews. In some cases, technology may also appeal to younger workers who are more comfortable interacting with advanced digital systems and remote controls.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 PRODUCT SHOWCASE

More than 2,000 exhibitors showed off new products and services at CONEXPO-CON/AGG during the five-day show. The following is a listing of interesting products we saw, organized by equipment type, and listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer. Note that this list is not comprehensive, but we have selected some of the areas we thought would be of most interest to you.  We did not attempt to rate the products; our goal simply was to present to you some of most interesting products we saw.

AUTONOMOUS & ROBOTIC SYSTEMS

Bobcat Companion App. A central orchestration hub allowing a single site manager to supervise up to four autonomous skid steers simultaneously from a tablet. This “force multiplier” technology addresses the operator shortage by moving one worker from a seat to a supervisory screen.

Bomag Remote Roller. Enables high-precision soil compaction via a remote-control interface, removing the operator from high-vibration, high-dust environments into a localized, climate-controlled command center.

Caterpillar CS12 Self-Drive. A fully autonomous soil compactor utilizing satellite-independent path-finding to achieve 2cm pass accuracy without a cab operator. It uses LiDAR to navigate “GPS-denied” environments like deep canyons or urban alleys.

Hitachi AHS Rigid Dump. An advanced autonomous hauling system designed specifically for deep-pit mining and large-scale earthmoving. Its proprietary “Path-Finding AI” allows for fluid navigation around temporary jobsite obstacles without human intervention.

Komatsu Smart Quarry 2.0. A system-wide AI logic that dynamically reroutes autonomous haul trucks based on real-time crusher load and queue times. It optimizes the entire jobsite cycle rather than just individual machine performance.

Raymo R42Flex. Raymo offers a series of remote-controlled, autonomous electric mowers that are suited for areas that are low clearance or too risky for an operator such as slopes on highways and parks.  These mowers have a niche with municipalities, solar fields and highway departments.

EARTHMOVING & HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Case 580EV Production. The industry’s first mass-market electric backhoe, delivering a full 8-hour shift of performance with zero on-site emissions. This is the “Gold Standard” for contractors bidding on municipal and indoor utility contracts.

Case TV450B Heritage. A high-performance compact track loader featuring the highest torque-to-weight ratio in its class. Designed for aggressive grading and heavy lifting, it bridges the gap between compact agility and heavy-duty power.

Caterpillar Cat AI Assistant. A voice-activated “agentic” interface that allows operators to request real-time diagnostics and fuel-efficiency coaching mid-cycle. It acts as an in-cab mentor for less experienced operators.

Develon DX22-H Engine. A breakthrough multi-fuel engine designed for heavy excavators, capable of running entirely on direct hydrogen combustion. This allows firms to decarbonize heavy-duty operations without relying on battery weight.

Dynapac Seismic 2.0. An intelligent drum system that automatically detects soil density and adjusts vibration frequency in real-time. This prevents over-compaction, reduces fuel burn, and eliminates “drum bounce” damage.

Hyundai HX230 Next Gen. Features “See-Through Bucket” technology, using augmented reality and external cameras to project a transparent view of the dig site on the in-cab monitor. Dramatically increases safety and precision.

LIFTING & COMPACT EQUIPMENT

Bobcat introduced a new machine. The RX3 (Rogue), next generation, all-electric, and autonomous concept loader.

Case TL100EV. An ultra-compact electric mini track loader designed for interior demolition and night-time urban utility work. Its near-silent operation allows for extended working hours in noise-sensitive residential zones.  The mini loader offers a narrow width and can fit through 36-inch doors and gates.  The battery requires 5 hours of charging time (from 20% to 80%) but can run anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on the work application.

Scag 2500X . The new tracked dump buggy from Scag is designed for material handling, featuring high maneuverability and low ground compaction while hauling up to 2,500 pounds. The versatile hydra-drive dump buggy is powered by a Vanguard 23 hp commercial grade engine and offers front-pivot and swivel-pivot functionality for precise dumping on the jobsite. 

SENSORS, SOFTWARE, & IOT

Caterpillar VisionLink 2.0. A unified data ecosystem that utilizes open APIs to aggregate telematics from multiple competing OEMs into a single executive dashboard. It eliminates the need for toggling between different manufacturer portals

Flexco FXC Belt Repair. A rapid-response mechanical fastening system that allows operators to bridge conveyor belt tears and resume production in under 20 minutes. A critical tool for aggregate and quarry operations where downtime equals lost revenue.

Gefran TWIIST Sensor. A multivariable linear position sensor providing micron-level feedback for the high-precision automated hydraulic cylinders used in 3D grading. It is the “brain” behind the accuracy of the newest graders.

Hitachi Landros AI. A predictive maintenance platform that uses machine learning to forecast hydraulic component failures up to 50 operating hours before they occur, allowing for scheduled repairs rather than emergency shutdowns.

Ifm 3D Guard Cam. A specialized safety camera that uses AI to distinguish between inanimate jobsite obstacles (cones, barriers) and human workers, triggering automatic braking only when a person is detected.

Moasure 2 PRO. A motion-based measuring tool that allows users to map complex 3D jobsite volumes and perimeters simply by walking the terrain. Data is instantly exported to CAD software for rapid bidding.

Samsara Asset Tag G3. A low-profile, energy-harvesting GPS tag that provides real-time location tracking for non-powered assets like buckets, attachments, and trailers. It requires zero battery changes over its lifecycle.

TRAINING & SIMULATION

Iti VR-X Sim 5. A high-fidelity virtual reality simulator featuring haptic feedback that mimics the physical resistance of different soil types. It allows for safe, low-cost “seat time” before a trainee ever touches a live machine.

ENGINES

Hyundai. H2ICE. Hydrogen engine. In-line 6-cylinder, 11.1L displacement, Euro 6 (Zero-CO2), EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V.    PSR

São Paulo– This year’s Paving Expo, held Sept. 23–25 at São Paulo’s Distrito Anhembi, marked another record edition for Latin America’s largest event dedicated to paving, road construction, and infrastructure technologies.

With all exhibition space sold out, more than 300 companies showcased their solutions to an audience expected to surpass 20,000 industry professionals, while the technical congress (Paving Conference) attracted some 4,000 delegates.

The numbers reflect the sector’s growing dynamism: nearly 9,600 visitors attended on the opening day alone, and projections indicated up to 30,000 participants over the full three-day program. Last year’s edition closed with 24,000 attendees, underscoring the show’s consistent expansion.

The PSR South America Perspective
At the show, Heitor Aguiari and Fábio Ferraresi, from the Power Systems Research (PSR) South America team, gathered insights directly from exhibitors and visitors.

Overall, the sentiment was that 2025 has been a slow year for the market, constrained by economic uncertainty and cautious investment decisions. Some stakeholders said that despite the growing presence of advanced technologies—such as digital paving controls, smart compaction systems, and next-generation asphalt plants—a key bottleneck for productivity gains is the capacitation of the workforce, as operators are often not fully trained to exploit these machines’ potential.

The construction industry grew by around 2.5% in 2025, underpinned by housing programs, renewable energy projects, and road concessions. Cement consumption, a proxy for construction activity, has risen steadily this year, showing increases above 5% compared to 2024 and even with the positive drivers, the investment in equipment was low due to conflicting political and economic signs.

Looking ahead, exhibitors expect 2026 to bring a temporary upswing, driven mainly by the elections and the traditional increase in public spending that accompanies them. Still, this is seen as temporary increase of sales rather than a structural, long-term driver, even with the demand of infrastructure investment in Brazil and the positive impact it would bring in the Equipment Supply Chain and overall economy, underlining both the opportunities and the fragility of demand cycles in Brazil’s paving and construction equipment markets.

Economy Analysts forecast an average annual growth rate of nearly 4% for construction between 2026 and 2029. Brazil’s government projects GDP expansion of 2.4% in 2026, slightly slower but still supportive of infrastructure demand. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research
Heitor Aguiari is Senior Analyst at Power Systems Research

The Electric & Hybrid Marine Exhibition 2025 held June 24 – 26, 2025, featured increased corporate collaboration and demonstrated a focus on sustainability, the adoption of immersive technologies, and enhanced connectivity.

These development trends were built on a collaborative approach to maritime electrification and decarbonization and reflect incremental improvements as well as a strategic shift toward smarter, greener, and more autonomous marine operations.

The show was held at the RAI Amsterdam complex and lasted three days. About 200 exhibitors participated, including leading companies in electric and hybrid marine technology, propulsion, and charging infrastructure.

Representatives of Power Systems Research attended the show to collect data on new products and to talk with exhibitors and attendees about industry trends.

The 2025 Exhibition emphasized port electrification, alternative fuels, and infrastructure development.

The next exhibition will be held in Chicago, August 20 – 21, 2025, indicating that this clean marine movement is growing worldwide. The Electric & Hybrid Marine Exhibition is becoming a key place for sharing new ideas, working together, and aiming for cleaner oceans and greener shipping.   PSR

Download the complete Show Report here.

Natasa Mulahalilovic is Marine Pleasure Boat Analyst-Europe for Power Systems Research

Agrishow 2025, held April 28-May 2, 2025, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, confirmed Brazil’s leadership in Agricultural innovation. The show spotlighted sustainable tech, automation, and digital solutions, with both business and attendance increasing since the last show in 2024. The focus: boosting productivity, reducing environmental impact, and preparing for a tech-driven ag future.

Four representatives of the Power Systems Research South America Office representatives attended the 30th edition of Agrishow, Latin America’s premier agricultural technology fair. The event showcased cutting-edge machinery, sustainable solutions, and the latest in precision agriculture.​

Agrishow 2025 show drew 197,000 visitors, up slightly from 195,000 in 2024, and the 800+ exhibitors matched last year’s count. This year’s show floor covered 520,000 square meters, down slightly from 530,000 square meters in 2024.

However, business deals reportedly hit R$14.6 billion (US$2.6B), a 7% rise over 2024’s R$13.6B.

Important Insights

The Power Systems Research (PSR) representatives who attended the show spoke with many Agricultural Equipment Executives to get their perception on the business environment in the Agricultural segment. After a challenging period with a nearly 37% contraction between 2022 and 2024, there is a positive expectation for recovery on Brazil’s agricultural machinery industry. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research

This year’s theme, “Energizing a Sustainable Industry” with a sharper focus on AI, automation, and sustainability. More than 127,000 visitors from 150 countries attended the show and more than 4,000 exhibitors, similar to 2024, participated. There was a significant increase in Canadian participation (225 exhibitors in 2025 vs. 83 in 2024).

There also was a notice change in AI, as the technology moved from hype to practical deployment, with generative AI, digital twins, and industrial data fabrics dominating discussions and product launches.

Hydrogen and electrification were more prominent, with over 300 companies showcasing hydrogen and fuel cell innovations. PSR

The complete Hannover Messe 2025 Show Report will be available for downloading soon.

São Paulo – (April 22 – 26, 2025) Automec 2025 reaffirmed its standing as Latin America’s premier trade fair for automotive parts, equipment, and services. Hosting more than 1,500 brands and over 90,000 visitors, the key theme of the events were sustainable mobility, digital transformation, and the professionalization of the repair chain.

Accelerated Electrification. Exhibitors at Automec 2025 focused heavily on supporting this transition with products such as High-efficiency EV charging modules, Battery cooling and heating solutions, and Modular platforms and retrofitting kits for fleet conversion​.

Component Innovation. Multiple players showcased system-level improvements including Enhanced thermal management systems, Scalable battery pack architectures, and Power electronics adapted for multi-voltage applications.​ PSR

Power Systems Research (PSR) sent a team to Bauma to research new products and developing industry trends. This report was produced by analysts in the team using AI tools to research and compile information.

The 2025 show saw a strong rebound, with 3,601 exhibitors from 57 nations and around 600,000 visitors from over 200 countries—nearly matching the pre-pandemic 2019 figures (3,684 exhibitors, 627,603 visitors) and posting a significant gain from the 2022 show, which had 3,200 exhibitors and 495,000 visitors. The show covered 614,000 square meters, the same size it was in 2022.

These figures highlight a significant increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers in 2025 compared to 2022, reflecting the industry’s strong recovery and growth. Another indicator of industry optimism is the return this year of major manufacturers that skipped the 2022 show, such as Volvo and CNH.

The 2025 show emphasized climate neutrality, alternative drive concepts (hydrogen, electric), networked construction, and sustainability—reflecting a sharper focus on decarbonization and digitalization compared to previous years. PSR

The complete Bauma Germany 2025 Show Report will be available for downloading soon..

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The Bauma CHINA 2024 trade show, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from November 26-29, showcased a significant evolution in the global construction machinery industry. The event expanded to 330,000 square meters, featuring 3,542 exhibitors from 32 countries and attracting 281,488 visitors from 188 nations, a remarkable recovery from the pandemic-impacted 2020 edition.

This year’s exhibition highlighted trends such as electrification, sustainable technologies, digital innovations, and intelligent system integration. Chinese manufacturers like Dingli, LGMG, and Sinoboom demonstrated dominance, presenting groundbreaking products in new energy and hybrid solutions, while the presence of Western manufacturers was notably reduced.

The trade show introduced dedicated zones for intelligent management and new energy technologies, reflecting a pivot toward green and digital solutions. Key product launches included electric and hybrid machinery, hydrogen-powered systems, and cutting-edge equipment from major players like Sany, XCMG, and Zoomlion.

Conferences focused on sustainability, new energy collaborations, and digital transformation underscored the industry’s shift towards environmentally friendly practices and global market integration. The Bauma CHINA 2024 effectively underscored China’s growing influence in the sector, signaling a transformative phase for the construction machinery market. PSR

Jack Hao is Research Manager-China at Power Systems Research
Dalibor Sablic is Director, Business Development-Europe, at Power Systems Research

For more information on the OEM products market, visit OE Link, the Power Systems Research proprietary OEM products database.

The 35^th MOVIMAT show brings together the entire integrated logistics chain for Latin America. Held in conjunction with the 2024 Fenatran International Road Cargo Transport Show in São Paulo, Brazil, the event attracted a diverse range of exhibitors, including buyers from industries such as distribution, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce, as well as the latest integrated solutions focused on Industry 4.0.

Over the five days of the fair, MOVIMAT provided an opportunity to explore new product launches, establish connections, and gain deeper insights into the forklift segment, particularly in terms of production and sales levels.

Notably, there was significant attention on the rapid growth of Lithium-Ion battery technology in the region. The South America Power Systems Research (PSR) team attended the event to learn more about these developments and the companies that are making them happen. PSR

Heitor Greco Aguiari is Analyst – Industrial and Off Highway at Power Systems Research