Covering more than three million square feet with booths from more than 2,000 exhibitors, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 was gigantic.

The March 3 to 7 trade show in Las Vegas attracted more than 140,000 construction professionals from 128 countries

Along with up-close looks at the latest innovations in machinery, a major theme at this year’s CONEXPO was machine automation and AI integration. Companies like Komatsu, Bobcat and CASE weren’t just showing off their new equipment, they were displaying new technological solutions to go along with them.

CASE 221G and 321G compact wheel loaders

One of CASE’s big announcements at this year’s show was the 221G and 321G compact wheel loaders.

The 221G and 321G cabs were upgraded from the previous CASE F Series and include control upgrades, an ergonomic seat-mounted joystick and new intuitive instrumentation buttons.

The 321G has an operating weight of 6,184 kilograms and a hinge pin height of 133.7 inches. It also has a 74-horsepower engine with no regen or DEF required and can reach a roading speed of 25 miles per hour.

Advanced hydraulics use flow sharing and load sensing capabilities for adjustable hydraulic flow to improve efficiency and overall fuel consumption.

BOMAG’s Asphalt Manager System

BOMAG offered a look at the company’s rollers, as well as the accompanying technology helping them work better: Asphalt Manager.

As opposed to conventional systems with preset amplitudes, Asphalt Manager continuously auto-adjusts compaction performance based on current conditions. It can do this with its infinitely variable amplitude.

“So, if you have a soft asphalt layer behind the paver, then it’s hitting the layer with a big amplitude to get the compaction,” said Frank Reinartz, product manager, heavy tandem rollers for BOMAG. “But after some passes, if the stiffness gets higher, the amplitude will be reduced to avoid overcompaction.”

Komatsu’s PC220LCi-12 excavator

Komatsu’s new PC220LCi-12 excavator includes IMC 3.0, Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control system. The PC220LCi-12 features factory-integrated 3D boundary control, which allows operators to set a work-restriction surface for height, depth, front, back and side boundaries.

“When you look at where we are today with our recently launched PC220LCi-12 and the LC-12, you’re really looking at years of deliberate focus on engineering, real world testing with customers and an innovation around what operators are looking for when they spend their careers in this type of equipment,” said Paul Moore, Vice President, Products, Marketing and Service for Komatsu.

Safety features on the new model include rollover avoidance alerts, a KomVision 360 camera for enhanced bird’s-eye views and people and object detection alert mode.

Bobcat’s Classic and Pro Machines

Bobcat was introducing new machines and technology during a presentation at its booth. The company is now realigning its lineup into two distinct categories: Classic and Pro.

Classic machines include either selectable joystick controls (SJC) or optional hand and foot controls, plus two-speed travel, automatic ride control, keyless ignition and a deluxe display with optional integrated rear camera.

Pro machines include four drive modes with enhanced control software tailored to operator preference: Balanced, Agile, Dynamic and Charged. Pro machines also feature strategic weight reductions and structural optimizations, redesigned electrical systems, refreshed interiors, heated air‑ride seats, added storage and an intuitive 8‑inch touchscreen display with infotainment and an integrated rear camera.

MEC Aerial Work Platforms

MEC Aerial Work Platforms had a full suite of new machines on display at this year’s show.

The booth lineup was anchored by four key machines: the CD-9T carry-deck crane, a prototype of the MAX 46-RJ Hybrid telescopic boom lift, the MME30 vertical mast lift, and the recently announced PLUS (+) slab electric scissor lift upgrades.

The CD-9T diesel carry-deck crane is MEC’s entry into the crane category. Powered by a Deutz 74 hp Tier 4F engine.

A key component of the CD-9T is its side-mounted engine, which provides clear sightlines and quick, ground-level maintenance.

On rubber, the 8,981-kg CD-9T has a maximum lift capacity of more than 5,000 kilograms (227 kg at maximum reach of 12.19 metres), while its maximum sheave height is 14.2 metres/2,018 kg.

With outriggers deployed, the maximum lift capacity increases to 8,165 kg (635 kg at maximum reach of 12.19 metres), while its maximum sheave height remains 14.2 metres/2,767 kg.

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