This year’s iVT Expo USA once again provided insight into the trends shaping the design of off-highway equipment, such as excavators and tractors, as well as the components and systems which enable their operation.
Some of the key trends which stuck out to me this year included:
- Automation continues to be a top design priority – construction, agriculture and other industries continue to face labor shortages. In addition, those working in these sectors desire improvements in productivity, all of which is driving the need for automated functions and eventually, fully autonomous operation.
- Cybersecurity will be a greater concern going forward – the continued connectivity of components and systems, due to automation and other design trends, is placing a greater emphasis on the need to ensure their security. New regulations in Europe, and just general awareness about cybersecurity will drive the need to consider it at the design stage from now on.
- Increased emphasis on system solutions – not a new concept by any means, but the need to provide system solutions is becoming increasingly important. Engineering teams are strapped for time and staff, and technology is changing quickly, making it easier for many OEMs – especially small- to medium-sized manufacturers – to work with someone who can provide a fully designed and validated system so they can focus on their core competencies.
- Electrification remains a design focus for off-highway machinery – despite the slowdown in electric vehicle development in many sectors, it is still a priority area for many mobile equipment manufacturers as evidenced by discussions I had at iVT Expo and conference sessions I attended. Hybridization is the more likely route in this sector in the immediate term, offering opportunities to reduce fuel use and maintenance for machine owners.
Be sure to check out the iVT Expo show coverage page on our website for more news and insights from the event. And a big thank you to HYDAC for sponsoring our coverage of this year’s show.
Did you be attend iVT Expo USA 2026? If so, what trends or technologies stuck out to you at this year’s event? Feel free to reach out and let me know your thoughts at [email protected].
Sara Jensen, Editor, Power & Motion
