Technology trends to watch for at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 and beyond
Automation, integration & data, data, data
The civil construction space is rich with technology solutions promising seamless communication and data sharing. Yet the gap between promise and practice remains surprisingly wide — not because the technology isn't powerful, but because making different platforms work together seamlessly remains a challenge.
Following are key areas where we expect to see integration progress, each addressing a different layer of the connectivity challenge, from how teams collaborate to how machines communicate to how data moves from capture to action.
Accelerating accessibility
Advances in collaboration tools will continue to transform how teams work within common data environments (CDEs). Design conversations will increasingly take place directly within 3D models, enabling quicker iterations and stronger alignment throughout projects. This collaboration-first approach will extend into construction and operations, where CDEs will provide even more consistent access to documentation, context, and visualization, helping stake-holders move from concept to reality with greater speed and confidence.
Digital-to-physical continuum
In today's construction environment, project teams often have the necessary digital tools but struggle to connect them for actionable insights. The evolving digital ecosystem streamlines this process, shifting from merely describing past events to accurately predicting outcomes and recommending optimal actions. This transition supports proactive decision-making and problem-solving, rather than reacting after issues occur.
AI and automation
The opportunity of artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction space is massive. Current and emerging AI solutions range from tools that automatically detect and count symbols on construction drawings to drive more streamlined workflows, to ones that automate the point cloud-to-BIM process.
Fleet interoperability
ISO recently introduced the ISO/TS 15143-4:2025 worksite data exchange standard for earthmoving machinery and mobile road construction equipment. The defined common data formats and communication protocols will further enable true plug-and-play interoperability for improved office-to- field workflows.
Capturing reality
User-friendly tools are already supporting comprehensive data collection and in-field treatment for faster decision-making. In 2026, these capabilities will continue to expand, with AI and cloud-based platforms making reality capture an even more common visual language for all stakeholders to align efforts, identify issues quickly and make informed decisions on the spot. Capture capabilities will expand, ensuring rich spatial data becomes a working asset throughout the project life cycle.
Subscription models
The construction hardware and software subscription model is expected to see significant maturity in the coming year. These subscription services are a low risk way to try technology (lower barrier to entry) while offering greater scalability, allowing contractors to better leverage integrated workflows across their entire technology stack while benefitting from lower upfront costs and more predictable ongoing expenses.
Tech allows contractors to focus on what matters
Together, these advances mean contractors can spend less time hunting for information, reconciling data between systems or managing technology workarounds — and more time building. The result: tighter schedules, better cost control, and fewer surprises.
At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, contractors will see how these evolutionary changes come together to solve real-world connectivity challenges facing the industry, seamlessly linking today's sophisticated technologies to unlock new levels of efficiency and insight.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Heavy Equipment Guide.
