Media Day at CONEXPO 2026 offered a first look at breakthrough technologies shaping the modern jobsite, from efficient heating systems to smarter tracking solutions.
This year we got a firsthand look at some of the latest and most innovative products at CONEXPO being revealed. From a multi-use backhoe loader to a tiny industrial grade tracking device designed to keep your assets safe, there were plenty of exciting products to be seen. In this guide we break down the six products we found most impressive and changing how we build the world around us.
Huddig 1370
Huddig 1370 with various attachments installed showcasing it’s flexibility for work.
The Huddig 1370 is a powerful backhoe loader that serves as a multi-tool on the construction site. It is designed for contractors who need to do several different jobs without hauling five different machines to the site. This model is especially useful for people working on railroads, electrical grids, and telecommunications because it can move quickly and handle heavy loads in tight spaces.
What makes this machine unique is the new Huddig Lift 2000. This specialized attachment gives the operator more reach and strength than ever before. It allows a team to install overhead power lines or dig deep trenches with the same piece of equipment. The cabin has also been completely redesigned to be more comfortable, which helps operators stay focused during long shifts in difficult weather.
The 1370 is built for precision jobs and moves around rugged terrain with ease. It uses an articulated steering system that lets it turn in small spaces where a standard tractor would get stuck. The machine is also ready for a more sustainable future, as it is compatible with eco-friendly fuels. This balance of power and flexibility makes it a top choice for utility crews who need to be ready for anything.
Samsara Asset Tag and Asset Tag XS
The Samsara Asset Tag and Asset Tag XS helping construction firms track equipment theft and loss.
Samsara has introduced new industrial-grade tracking devices that help construction companies prevent the theft and loss of expensive tools and heavy machinery. These devices are perfect for fleet managers who need a reliable way to find their equipment in record time. By attaching these small tags to everything from large excavators to handheld saws, companies can keep a digital eye on their entire inventory.
This system uses a Bluetooth signal to connect to millions of other devices and track an asset’s location in real time. If a piece of equipment goes missing, the system uses a special theft workflow. This includes a tool called Compass Mode that uses high-tech signals to lead a manager directly to the exact spot where the item is hidden.
There are two different sizes to fit various needs on the jobsite. The Asset Tag XS is an ultra-compact version with a three-year battery life, making it small enough to fit on tools like drills or saws. The standard Asset Tag is designed for larger equipment and provides up to six years of battery life without maintenance. These tags are built to survive the rugged conditions of a construction site while providing constant peace of mind.
Thermal Intelligence Basecamp
BASECAMP flameless heater on site with light tower ready to use.
Thermal Intelligence is solving the problem of working in freezing weather with its BASECAMP system. This smart, portable machine provides both heat and power for remote jobsites and extreme winter conditions. Designed for construction, mining, and oil and gas operations, the system replaces the traditional setup where multiple indirect fired heaters, generators, and light towers run at the same time.
The BASECAMP stands out because it combines several pieces of equipment into a single unit. Instead of running multiple heaters and support machines, one BASECAMP can replace roughly 2.5 indirect fired heaters, one generator, and one light tower. By consolidating equipment this way, contractors can reduce the number of machines required on site while lowering both fuel consumption and operating costs.
Another advantage is how efficiently the system runs compared to traditional heaters. BASECAMP is a third party verified flameless heating system that produces up to 60 percent lower emissions while delivering up to 60 percent fuel savings compared to conventional indirect fired construction heaters. Contractors using the system have documented savings of more than $10,000 per month per heater by cutting diesel usage and reducing the number of machines required on site.
With hundreds of deployments across Canada and the United States, the system is already being used by contractors looking to reduce fuel costs, simplify site logistics, and provide safer, more reliable heat for crews working in extreme conditions.
Moog Construction Adaptive Electrification System
Moog Construction Adaptive Electrification System
Moog Construction is helping machinery manufacturers move away from diesel with its Adaptive Electrification Management System, or AEMS. This patent-pending system is designed for OEMs looking to electrify, automate, and digitize heavy equipment using a more standardized platform. It is already being featured in machines such as Bobcat’s Rogue X3 and can be applied across a wide range of equipment, from 6-ton compact track loaders to 25-ton excavators.
At the center of the system is a compact modular electronics platform that sits inside the vehicle like a bookshelf. It combines a configurable controller, DC/DC converter, high-voltage distribution, and single- and dual-axis inverters into one universal setup. Because each module uses a standardized part number, OEMs can apply the same electrification platform across multiple vehicle lines while reducing part counts and inventory complexity.
AEMS also helps simplify the physical design of the machine. Its high-voltage busbar and shared coolant manifold reduce cables and hoses by 30%, which can make assembly easier, lower costs, and reduce maintenance complexity. If a module needs service, teams can replace it on site instead of carrying out longer vehicle repairs.
According to Moog, the platform can reduce testing and configuration time by up to eight hours, and in one recent OEM project, full system programming was completed in under 15 minutes. It also supports over-the-air software updates after production, giving manufacturers more flexibility to add features over time.
Husco GenSteer
GenSteer™, its patent‑pending Steer‑by‑Wire (SbW) technology for off‑highway machines.
Husco has developed a new steering technology called GenSteer that makes digital steering safer than ever before. This steer-by-wire system is designed for the next generation of smart, self-driving machines, in which a physical steering column is no longer used.
In most digital systems, you need expensive backup batteries and extra computers in case the power fails. GenSteer is different because it uses the operator’s physical movement to power steering. If the machine loses power, the steering wheel acts like a small generator. As the operator turns the wheel, they generate enough electricity to keep the steering system operating. This means the operator always stays in control, even during a total electrical failure.
Because this system is digital, it can be updated with new features just like a smartphone. Contractors can add features such as lane guidance or haptic feedback, which vibrates the wheel to warn the operator of obstacles. It is designed to fit into the same space as old-fashioned steering parts, making it easy for manufacturers to upgrade their current machine designs.
Prinoth Panther T23r with PowerForce Undercarriage
Prinoth Panther T23r in rugged terrain with PowerForce Undercarriage.
The Prinoth Panther T23r is a massive rotating crawler carrier that can haul huge loads through mud, swamps, and steep hills. It is the perfect machine for contractors who need to move material in remote areas where standard trucks would get stuck. Even though it is a giant machine, it is designed to be gentle and agile on the ground.
The biggest breakthrough on this model is the PowerForce undercarriage. This system uses a special suspension that allows the tracks to move independently over bumps and rocks. Instead of the whole machine bouncing around, the suspension absorbs the impact. This keeps the ride smooth for the operator and helps the tracks stay in constant contact with the ground for better grip.
The T23r can carry a massive payload of 22.5 short tons, yet it is still narrow enough to be moved easily on a trailer. It also uses an oval-shaped track design that reduces energy loss by 50% while the tracks are turning. This helps the engine work more efficiently and saves a significant amount of fuel over a long work week.
Bottom line
From tool tracking to a new way of steering, the innovations seen at CONEXPO 2026 show that the construction industry is leaning into precision and sustainability. These new products prove that companies no longer have to choose between high-performance power and being environmentally friendly. Companies are finding clever ways to use software and sensors to make every gallon of fuel or kilowatt of battery go further.
The future of construction looks connected and clean. For those on the ground, this means working in safer, more comfortable environments, with technology handling the most dangerous and repetitive tasks. As these breakthroughs hit the market, they will help the entire industry build the infrastructure of tomorrow with more confidence than ever before.
Further reading
- Trimble to showcase innovation and connectivity at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
- CSC Robotic Engineering brings DRILLCORPIO to CONEXPO 2026
- First look: Hitachi Construction Machinery at CONEXPO 2026
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