With Conexpo-Con/Agg 2026 (March 3–7) fast approaching, the construction industry’s “Big Four”—Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, and Hitachi—have officially pulled back the curtain on their exhibits. This year, the focus shifts from “prototype” to “production,” with a heavy emphasis on Physical AI and battery-electric machines ready for the jobsite.

Here is a guide to what these companies have announced for the show.

Caterpillar: Reshaping What’s Possible

Caterpillar returns with its massive Operator Stadium in the Festival Grounds (Booth F29929), expanding its total footprint to nearly 80,000 square feet. Their theme, “Reshape What’s Possible,” highlights a transition toward a fully autonomous and AI-integrated ecosystem.

• Electric Breakthrough: Cat will unveil its second high-drive electric drive medium dozer, designed to offer the productivity of traditional models with significantly lower service and maintenance costs.
• Machine Debuts: Key highlights include the new Cat 319 compact radius excavator and a first look at the next-generation Cat 150 and 160 motor graders, which notably offer a choice between traditional lever and joystick controls.
• Physical AI: Building on their CES 2026 Keynote, Cat will showcase VisionLink and Cat Command for remote and autonomous operations, alongside the new Collision Mitigation system within the Cat Detect portfolio.
• The Big Stage: The booth will host the finals of the third Global Operator Challenge, featuring nine of the world’s best operators competing in live “in-the-dirt” demos.

Sources: Caterpillar Official Press Release (Dec 2025); Construction Briefing Analysis.

John Deere & Wirtgen Group: “Never Idle”

In a massive show of force, John Deere and the Wirtgen Group will share an 80,000-square-foot joint exhibit in the Silver Lot (Booth SV2415) and West Hall (W40442). Their theme, “Never Idle: Tech Made Easy,”focuses on lowering the barrier to entry for advanced automation.

• World Premieres: Deere has promised a staggering 18 world premieres, contributing to a total of 24 market launches across the joint booth.
• Electrification: Featured machines include the 824 X-Tier Wheel Loader (diesel-electric) and the 310 X-Tier E-Power Backhoe (fully battery-electric), plus a prototype for remote jobsite charging.
• The Digital Hub: A two-story Innovation Center will showcase the John Deere Operations Center, demonstrating how 11 SmartGrade™-equipped machines feed real-time data into a single fleet management tool.
• Keynote Spotlight: John Deere CTO Jahmy Hindman will deliver the show’s opening keynote on the Ground Breakers Stage (March 3, 11:00 AM), focusing on “purpose-driven technology.”

Sources: John Deere Event Preview (Dec 2025); AEM Official Keynote Announcement.

Komatsu: Connected Performance

Komatsu is centering its exhibit (West Hall W41945) on “Connected Performance,” emphasizing how data and iron work together to achieve sustainability and productivity goals.

• Intelligent Machines: The headliner is the new PC220LCi-12 excavator, featuring the latest iMC 2.0 (intelligent Machine Control), which automates grading and excavation via integrated 3D design data.
• Efficiency Gains: North American debuts for the WA485-11 and WA475-11 loaders will highlight mechanical-hydraulic transmissions (HMT) that offer massive fuel efficiency improvements.
• Electric Alley: Look for the PC210E 20-ton electric excavator and the PC01E-1 micro excavator(powered by swappable Honda batteries), alongside a WA electric wheel loader prototype developed with Moog.
• Smart Construction: A dedicated zone will demonstrate the My Komatsu portal and Smart Quarrysolutions for back-office automation.

Sources: Komatsu Conexpo 2026 Event Page; Conexpo-Con/Agg Show Sneak Peek (Nov 2025).

Hitachi: The Road to LANDCROS

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas (HCMA) is using Conexpo 2026 to signal its most significant transition: the rebranding to LANDCROS (effective April 2027). They will occupy 45,000 square feet across West Hall W43321 and Festival Grounds F8813.

• Physical AI (HMAX): Hitachi will showcase HMAX, a suite of AI solutions designed for predictive maintenance and autonomous site optimization.
• Specialized Reach: The exhibit will feature the ZX250LC-7 and ZX350LC-7 SLF (Super Long Front)excavators, designed for deep utility and dredging work with reaches exceeding 70 feet.
• Alternative Power: Hitachi will display the ZX55U-6EB electric compact excavator, their first emission-free model for the North American market.
• Consite Agentic AI: An update to their Consite telematics suite will demonstrate “agentic AI” that can autonomously schedule maintenance and parts delivery.

Sources: Hitachi Corporate Strategy “New Year’s Greetings” (Jan 2026); ForConstructionPros: Hitachi Conexpo Appearance Details.

Comparison at a Glance

Conexpo-Con/Agg 2026 runs March 3–7 in Las Vegas. Be sure to download the official show app to track these live demonstrations!