Video | 5 key takeaways from ConExpo 2026

There was so much innovation at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 in Las Vegas earlier this month, in terms of new product launches, new services, and new technology, that it all had the potential to get a bit bewildering.

That’s why on the Construction Briefing team, we produced a short video during the show to try and distil what we had seen into five key takeaways from the show. Watch our video above or read a transcript below:

1) Artificial intelligence is being embedded into construction

First of all, like it or not, AI is here to stay. Artificial intelligence is continuing to make its way into more jobsites, either through the software and services that construction companies use, or in the machines themselves.

One example was Caterpillar’s AI Assistant, launched at the show. A single, unified assistant that will ‘live’ in all of Caterpillar’s digital applications, the AI Assistant responds to the phrase “Hey, Cat…”, followed by natural language questions, such as queries about machine fuel efficiency, identifying underutilized machines, reviewing planned maintenance requirements, and checking manuals and technical information. Currently limited to cloud-based applications like Cat.com, VisionLink, and parts.cat.com, the aim is to eventually introduce it to Cat machines.

Similarly, Bobcat launched its Jobsite Companion in its Pro line of compact loaders, which responds to voice commands, allowing operators to do things like change machine speed settings or driving modes while still keeping their hands on the controls.

And there were plenty more AI innovations elsewhere, from systems that detect obstacles and people, before sounding alerts, slowing machines and bringing them to a stop. One example of that could be found in Develon’s E-Stop system, available on its Series 9 smart crawler excavators, which debuted in North America at ConExpo.

Meanwhile, Oracle introduced its Construction and Engineering Advisor for Safety at the show, which uses AI to predict when and where accidents could occur on contractors’ projects and produces a weekly report that lets companies focus on preventative measures.

And Trimble told us how agentic AI systems have started to connect the dots across every phase of projects – and those were just some of the AI announcements at the show. There were many more.

2) Intelligent machines can address the skills shortage

Many OEMs were keen to stress that they understand the struggle contractors have in finding skilled operators, as many start to age out of the industry. So there were plenty of machine control systems and machines with semi-autonomous features on show – far too many to mention them all.

Two examples were Volvo CE’s Active Control with Unicontrol 3D, which automates boom and bucket movements to make the digging process more efficient and accurate by setting the grade, and pushing a button.

And then there was Wirtgen Group’s suite of digital assistants which include the new Smart Comact Pro from Hamm – a system that uses ground-penetrating radar to measure asphalt density in real time and automatically adjusts the compaction performance in both drums, which the company claims leads to optimal asphalt quality regardless of an operator’s experience level or external conditions.

3) Technology may be getting more complex, but user interfaces are getting simpler

Despite all that innovation, not least in AI, there was one term that came up again and again when talking to construction technology companies at ConExpo: simplicity. That’s because the companies developing sophisticated new tools and services for construction companies also recognise that their users just need it to work and for it to be as easy to operate as possible.

In fact, Ivan de Federico, CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems, explained how 40% of the company’s engineering efforts are now dedicated to simplicity, embodied by its new Origo spatial‑positioning system for interior building layout. The handheld system mounts the scanner and controller to a single rover pole for easy movement on a job site and doesn’t require calibration or levelling.

Meanwhile, Dan Leaney, global managing director of Xwatch Safety Solutions (which sits under the Hexagon umbrella and whose products include height and slew restriction, rated capacity indication and advanced safety monitoring systems on construction equipment), told us how the company has focused on letting operators use its systems with just two or three presses of a button.

4) Making machines in the USA

It was also interesting to observe just how strong an emphasis exhibitors at ConExpo placed on their commitment to the US. Amid a tense and ever-evolving geopolitical environment, companies were keen to stress their enthusiasm and willingness to invest.

Volvo Group, for example, announced $1.2 billion in strategic investments in North America, designed to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and regionalise supply chains, including a $40 million investment in its Shippensburg, Pennsylvania facility, which brings production of excavators and four large wheeled loader models to the US.

Case made a more visual demonstration of its US manufacturing roots with a TV620B compact tracked loader and a 921G wheeled loader on display, both decked out in full Stars and Stripes livery and bearing “proudly built in the USA” stickers to highlight the company’s heritage.

And the first thing visitors to the Sany stand in the Festival Grounds saw, as the China-based company celebrates 20 years of operations in North America, was an entrance walkway bearing huge images of its 272-acre facility in Peachtree, Georgia.

5) Diesel engines are here to stay

While there appeared to be relatively few high-profile launches of electrified machines, there were plenty of diesel engine launches. Those included Cat’s new 3.6-litre, twin-turbo C3.6 engine for small- to medium-sized construction machines. John Deere Power Systems debuted its JD5 and JD8 industrial mid-range engines, both designed to meet Tier 4 and Stage 5 emission requirements, and both compatible with renewable diesel fuel and biodiesel blends.

And Perkins unveiled its new turbodiesel for small- to medium-size machines. Part of the 904 series, the Perkins 904J-E36TTA is a four-cylinder model that can develop 173hp (129kW) and also meets EU Stage 5, USA EPA Tier 4 Final, and Korea Stage 5.