Off-highway Innovators to Demo Digital Prowess at CES 2026

JLG and Caterpillar are among the equipment manufacturers demonstrating their intelligent systems and integrated digital platforms at the Las Vegas venue.

December 1, 2025

Ryan Gehm

The “first-of-its-kind concept” from JLG turns traditional lift equipment into an autonomous robot capable of performing complex tasks like welding at height. (JLG)

As I’m wont to do come December, I like to take stock of upcoming venues for innovative product reveals and thought-provoking presentations on emerging trends and technologies. Come the first week of January, that means CES in Las Vegas .

Traditional equipment manufacturers have increasingly used the event to demonstrate to the broader public that they not only deal in metal but also the digital realm. For example, earlier this year at CES, John Deere revealed its second-generation tech stack featuring camera pods, Nvidia Orin purpose-built processors and Deere’s VPUs (vision processing units), along with four new autonomous machines including the 9RX 640 tractor for open-field ag operations. The company is exhibiting again this coming year.

“What we’ve done is we’ve taken mechanical intelligence and turned it into software intelligence,” Willy Pell, CEO of Blue River Technology, Deere’s Santa Clara, California-based subsidiary, said at a media event prior to CES 2025. “We’ve been moving the chess pieces for some years now where all the mechanical connections, all the electrical connections and all the communication connections have been built into the tractor cab awaiting this change.”

Read the full February 2025 cover story on Deere’s autonomy advancements here.

Each year the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) presents CES Innovation Awards. For 2026, JLG Industries has been awarded the Best of Innovation in Robotics for its boom lift with robotic end effector. JLG, an Oshkosh business and global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers, says that the “first-of-its-kind concept” turns traditional lift equipment into an autonomous robot capable of performing complex tasks like welding, inspection or installation at height.

“Think robotics and AI meeting real-world construction and industrial jobs,” a spokesperson stated in an email. The concept machine, which will be demoed live at CES 2026 (Oshkosh booth 4418, LVCC West Hall), also was recognized as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree in the Construction and Industrial Tech category.

JLG says its boom lift with robotic end effector combines robotic manipulators, AI-guided control and multi-sensor perception into a mobile platform that autonomously navigates, positions and performs work at height with precision, either independently or in coordinated fleets. The system reportedly integrates with digital twins and jobsite management platforms to create a scalable solution for connected, semi-structured outdoor environments.

The centerpiece of Caterpillar’s CES 2025 exhibit was a hybrid-electric demonstration retrofit of a 972 wheel loader. This time around the equipment manufacturer (booth 5019, LVCC West Hall) plans to unveil its latest developments in AI, machine learning and autonomous functionality, announcing new innovations, partnerships and investments.

The CTA also announced that Joe Creed, Caterpillar CEO, will be a keynote speaker at CES 2026, presenting on January 7 in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian. Creed and other company leaders in digital and technology will outline the company’s evolution in autonomous machines and the tangible impact of AI on the industry.

“CES is the place to showcase Caterpillar as an advanced technology leader in industrial equipment with expertise that extends beyond moving earth to include intelligent systems and integrated digital platforms that anticipate, evolve and optimize customer outcomes for a better tomorrow,” Creed said in a statement.

Kubota and Doosan are among other off-highway manufacturers who will begin the new year showcasing their intelligent, digital innovations – for 2026 and beyond.