Construction as a Technology Leader

One of the defining moments of CES 2026 came during Caterpillar’s keynote address. CEO Joe Creed addressed a packed room with a question many may have been thinking: “Why is a construction equipment company delivering a keynote at CES?”

The answer became evident quickly. Modern construction equipment is no longer just mechanical—it is digital, autonomous, connected and powered by sophisticated technology stacks. Caterpillar announced five autonomous construction vehicles and demonstrated Level 4 autonomy capabilities. The shift underway is significant: Operators are transitioning from inside the cab to remote environments where fleets can be managed simultaneously. Perhaps the most notable unveiling was the CAT AI Assistant, scheduled to go live in Q1 2026. During a live demonstration, a simple voice command adjusted an electrical line warning height to 13 feet. The assistant integrates speech, text and image recognition—representing a move toward multimodal AI systems that assist real-time field operations. Construction is no longer simply adopting technology—it is helping define how technology is applied in the physical world.

A Connected Equipment Ecosystem

Across the LVCC West Hall, the evolution of heavy equipment was unmistakable.

Oshkosh and JLG showcased paired scissor lifts engineered specifically for lifting structural steel—an example of equipment designed around task optimization rather than generalized capability. John Deere continued expanding its autonomous ecosystem, reinforcing the trend toward intelligent fleet coordination.

Battery innovation companies, including Lyten, demonstrated advances in energy density and battery chemistry, highlighting that electrification is moving beyond experimentation and toward jobsitewide energy strategies.

Electrification discussions at CES 2026 extended beyond machines themselves. Charging infrastructure, energy management systems and power optimization software were part of the broader narrative. As cities push for lower emissions and reduced noise pollution, electric equipment is becoming a practical solution for urban and indoor projects.

It is no longer just about whether electric machines can perform—it is about how entire jobsites can be powered efficiently and sustainably.

Innovation from Startups: Solving Field-Level Problems

The Venetian’s Eureka Park, home to emerging startups, provided a view into construction’s next wave of innovation.

Autodesk demonstrated advancements in component modeling, reinforcing the growing integration between design intelligence and field execution. As digital models become more detailed and connected to real-world data, the gap between virtual planning and physical construction continues to shrink.

Cosito introduced AI-powered voice and sensor technology capable of automatically generating daily reports and field documentation. For an industry burdened by administrative paperwork, automation in this space could unlock significant productivity gains.

MIMO Detect presented underground pipe detection technology using ground-penetrating radar. While still in prototype phase and currently stronger in horizontal positioning than depth accuracy, the technology reflects ongoing efforts to reduce subsurface risk and prevent costly utility strikes. 

What stood out across the startup ecosystem was focus. Solutions were not speculative—they were targeted at real-world construction challenges: documentation, detection, visualization and efficiency.

Robotics and Spatial Computing

Robotics once again drew attention throughout the North Hall, with humanoid platforms, quadrupeds and service robots on display. However, the emphasis has shifted from novelty to application.

Exoskeleton technologies continue improving in wearability and ergonomic support, aiming to reduce strain injuries and extend workforce longevity. AI hardware companies such as DeepX demonstrated embedded processing systems powering autonomous vision and robotics applications. One particularly compelling development was spatial computing integrated through hard hat-mounted camera systems. By capturing and processing real-time visual data from a worker’s perspective, these systems aim to enhance hazard detection, progress tracking, and documentation. Robotics at CES 2026 felt less like spectacle and more like support—tools designed to augment skilled workers rather than replace them.

Workforce and AI Literacy

Technology alone does not build infrastructure—people do. Several CES sessions focused on preparing the workforce for rapidly evolving tools.

In the session “Next Gen Skills: Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Tech,” leaders from Amazon, Oshkosh, CTA, and Tech Access emphasized AI literacy as a foundational skill. Amazon has committed $2.5 million to certify students in AI education and pledged to prepare four million students to use AI by 2028. Apprenticeship models are expanding to support data center construction and advanced infrastructure projects.

Key themes included:

• Prompt engineering as an emerging skill
• Understanding how to work alongside AI agents
• Collaboration between industry and education
• Ensuring technology remains accessible

Construction faces ongoing labor shortages and safety challenges. With less than 5% of the workforce employed in construction but accounting for nearly 20% of safety incidents, AI-powered safety systems and automation could play a transformative role.

New roles are already emerging: fleet autonomy managers, digital twin specialists, AI operations coordinators and construction data analysts. Preparing for jobs that do not yet fully exist is becoming part of the industry’s responsibility.

Connectivity: The Infrastructure Behind Innovation

Discussions involving FCC and NTIA leadership highlighted another critical factor: connectivity. Universal broadband access, spectrum policy, 6G development and WiFi 7 readiness are not abstract regulatory topics — they are foundational to connected construction ecosystems. Autonomous fleets, remote equipment management, real-time drone processing and AI-driven safety systems all depend on reliable, high-speed networks. As infrastructure becomes smarter, connectivity becomes as important as concrete and steel.

Lingering Thoughts Towards a Shift in Equipment Design

In conversations with industry leaders, an intriguing idea surfaced: As autonomy advances, equipment design itself may fundamentally change. If machines no longer require operators in cabs, what happens to traditional controls? Do we eliminate joysticks, operator compartments, and certain mechanical components altogether?

Autonomy does not just change how machines operate—it may redefine how they are built.

Looking Ahead

CES 2026 demonstrated that construction technology is no longer niche. It is integrated across AI, robotics, electrification, manufacturing and policy.

The industry is entering a phase where digital intelligence and physical infrastructure are inseparable. One key takeaway resonated: Technology should be deployed to solve problems, not simply to showcase innovation. That principle applies directly to construction. Adoption must be strategic, measurable and outcome-driven.

Autonomous fleets, AI assistants, spatial computing, electrified equipment and workforce AI literacy initiatives are not distant visions—they are active deployments.

Construction is not standing on the sidelines of innovation. It is helping build it.

SEE ALSO: HOW MOBILE TOOLS ARE CAPTURING SAFETY DATA ON JOBSITES

The post Building the Future: Construction at the Center of Technological Innovation at CES 2026 first appeared on Construction Executive.

The morning session tackled artificial intelligence, not from the perspective of what’s trendy in Silicon Valley, but what’s implementable in real-world construction workflows. The afternoon panel shifted to workforce development, focusing on how to train, retain and uplift the people who build our world. 

One of the most exciting aspects of this forum was its open call for one-page innovation summaries. This wasn’t a call for polished academic papers; it was an invitation to share what attendees had done that made an actual difference. The audience heard from contractors who implemented new safety protocols, companies that developed prefab techniques that shaved weeks off projects and innovators whose work had real-world impact. This type of cross-pollination—where tradespeople, executives, academics and public-sector leaders talked with each other instead of past each other—proved to be exactly what the industry needed.

In an industry where deadlines are tight, labor is scarce and technology can sometimes feel like an answer looking for a problem, the WBC 2025 Industry Forum was a breath of fresh air. It was a chance to celebrate not just what’s possible, but what’s already happening—and to learn from the people doing it. The day left me hoping to see more events like this. But having experienced one great day, I’m already looking forward to what comes next.

The post Bridging Academia and Industry  first appeared on Construction Executive.

CES 2025, held from Jan. 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, spotlighted advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, automotive technology, health tech and sustainability. This year’s show brought together 140,000+ attendees representing over 150 countries. The 4500+ exhibitors, educational sessions and keynotes were spread throughout 12 venues, grouped into three campuses: Las Vegas Convention Center, Venetian and Aria.

TECHNOLOGY IMPACTING CONSTRUCTION

Understanding the sheer size and overall footprint of the event is a crucial factor for when it comes to planning where to go at CES. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and mindlessly enthralled with all the flashy technology. Fortunately for those mostly interested in technology impacting the construction industry, CES offered a ‘Construction Tech’ filter when searching for exhibitor booths.

Construction technology made its impact known as innovators unveiled groundbreaking solutions poised to transform the building industry. From autonomous machinery to end-to-end software solutions, the event highlighted how cutting-edge technologies are redefining construction processes, enhancing efficiency and addressing critical challenges like labor shortages and sustainability. Key themes included the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics for precision and safety, and digital twin technology for project planning and management. As construction increasingly embraces innovation, CES 2025 showcased the potential of smart tools and connected systems to build smarter, greener and more resilient infrastructure for the future. Below are just a few highlights of the vast amounts of technologies poised to impact the construction industry:

VEHICLE AUTOMATION, ELECTRIFICATION, DIGITAL JOBSITES AND REMOTE OPERATIONS

John DeereJohn Deere has continued to develop its autonomous technology through its second-gen kit that includes computer vision, AI and cameras to help navigate their environment. Much of this technology is interchangeable throughout its autonomous fleet, including the 460 P-Tier Autonomous Articulated Dump Truck.

KubotaOn full display was the KX38-4e electric compact excavator. The built-in lithium-ion battery technology allows for up to five hours of continuous operation. The onboard DC fast charger also means it can be quickly recharged.

KomatsuKomatsu highlighted their efforts in keeping construction sites connected throughout every phase of the project. Their Smart Construction suite provides a one stop solution for design documents, 3D machine guidance, fleet management, base/rover controls, drone data processing and more.

CATCaterpillar had their CAT Command set up and ready for anyone to demo. The remote-controlled technology allowed full control of an excavator that was set up on a remote jobsite in Tinaja Hills, Arizona.

JLGJLG brought along their fully electric Galileo multi-use mobile elevating work platform along with an autonomous mobile robot. A demo simulated the work platform running low on battery and prompting the AMR to drive to the equipment and plug in to charge.

ROBOTICS AND EXOSKELETONS

There was absolutely no shortage of robotics on full display at CES. Up to this point, the majority of the construction workforce may not have had the opportunity to stand alongside a robot assistant on a construction site. Several of the companies at CES showcased a reminder that robot assistants come in all shapes and sizes.

Deep RoboticsDeep Robotics showcased a full roster of diverse robots. Anywhere from humanoid/bipedal robots to the X20 quadruped robot made for carrying scanning/surveying-based payload solutions.

ULS RoboticsExoskeletons and human augmentation devices had a large presence at CES. ULS Robotics unveiled their AI lumbar exoskeleton, which is capable of lifting up to 66 pounds.

UnitreeUnitree showcased some of its most advanced robotics based around quadrupedal, wheel-leg and humanoid technologies. Similar to other ground-based robotics, these robots are capable of carrying reality-capture based payloads like lidar scanners and 360 cameras.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SMART VISION

Artificial intelligence at CES was hard to hide from. Most products had mention of AI in their booths—“Powered by AI”, “Next Gen AI”, or “AI [insert product name here]”. The excitement and hype surrounding AI only seems to be gaining momentum, allowing companies to continue to push innovative use cases.

KomatsuSeveral autonomous vehicle and technology companies were highlighting technology somewhat similar to what Komatsu had on display—smart-vision based AI to track proximity to machines and ensure safety. Another example currently on the street in today’s market is from the self-driving company Waymo.

TimekettleW4 Pro Earbuds powered by Babel that interpret and translate in real time whether online or in person. To date, the device can translate 40 languages and interpret 93 accents.

DeepXA full display of AI-powered hardware from DeepX’s various partners. One example is from Hyundai, where they showed off hardware powering face authentication vision and autonomous robot vision.

CES 2025 showcased groundbreaking innovations that promise to revolutionize the construction industry. From advanced robotics and AI-driven project management tools to sustainable materials and energy-efficient building systems, the event highlighted how technology can make construction smarter, safer and more efficient.

For professionals in the field, these advancements mean faster project delivery, reduced costs and a stronger focus on sustainability. The integration of smart sensors, IoT devices and autonomous machinery can help improve jobsite safety while optimizing resource use. As the construction sector adopts these innovations, it will be better equipped to meet the demands of modern infrastructure, sustainability goals and urbanization challenges.

Ultimately, CES 2025 reaffirms that the future of construction lies at the intersection of technology and innovation, inspiring a new era of possibilities for builders and designers worldwide.

OTHER RESOURCES

About CES

By the Numbers

Maps and Locations

SEE ALSO: WITH GREAT TECH COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY: ABC’S 2024 JOINT TECH SUMMIT

The post The Most Powerful Construction Technology in the World first appeared on Construction Executive.

The possibilities may sound endless, but as an industry traditionally looking from the outside in at technology, we must first step back to educate ourselves on the basics. This paper is meant to function as a starting point in your journey to understand AI and its potential impact on the construction industry. By reading through definitions, construction use cases and considerations, the reader should walk away with a base level of knowledge to ensure they can actively participate in future conversations on AI in construction.

DEFINITIONS

Artificial Intelligence: Per the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020: “A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.”

Machine Learning: Application of AI that allows a system to automatically learn and improve from experience. In other words, machine learning helps computers do tasks like recognizing colors, finding pictures of cats on the internet or even suggesting what to watch on TV. It’s like teaching the computer to be smart and make decisions by looking at several examples and learning from them. One common example of this is large language models.

Deep Learning: Per IBM: “Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, which is essentially a neural network with three or more layers. These neural networks attempt to simulate the behavior of the human brain—albeit far from matching its ability—allowing it to ‘learn’ from substantial amounts of data. While a neural network with a single layer can still make approximate predictions, additional hidden layers can help to optimize and refine for accuracy.” Deep learning has achieved remarkable success in various applications, including self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, recommendation systems and more. Its power lies in its ability to automatically learn and adapt to new data, making it an innovative technology in the field of AI and data analysis.

Generative AI: A type of AI that can create new data or content, such as images, text, music or even videos, by learning patterns and structures from existing examples. It works by understanding and mimicking the patterns and styles it has seen in the data on which it was trained. The most publicly recognized tool in the last years is ChatGPT, built by the company OpenAI. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that can process natural human language and generate a response. It has revolutionized how we interact with computer systems and has influenced the evolution of AI. Other generative AI tools include Meta’s Llama 3.1, Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s PaLM 2, Amazon’s Bedrock and Dall-E 3, also from OpenAI.

Predictive AI: A type of AI that uses data and machine learning algorithms to forecast future events or trends. It helps businesses and organizations make informed decisions by analyzing historical data, identifying patterns and making predictions based on those patterns.

PROJECT LIFECYCLE IMPACTS

PRECONSTRUCTION

Predictive Analytics: Analyze historical project data and current conditions to optimize construction schedules, resource allocation and task sequencing.

Optimized Design Development: Allow project stakeholders to identify the best design for a building based on real-world data; rapidly create and explore a variety of unique design options.

Supply Chain: Throughout the procurement process for self-performing contractors, artificial intelligence will empower the purchasing team to quickly identify availability and best pricing within a certain region.

Contract Review: Empower legal teams to quickly identify critical risk factors in construction contracts.

CONSTRUCTION

Autonomous Equipment: Enables existing equipment to run at full utilization every day of the year, in any weather, without an operator and with 360-degree safety technology preventing any accidents.

Project Management: Ability to optimize resource allocation. AI can analyze various factors like workforce availability, equipment usage and materials supply, to ensure that resources are utilized efficiently.

Computer Vision/Intelligent Site Monitoring: Through machine learning, video footage is trained to detect the number of workers entering or exiting the jobsite, workers in proximity of heavy construction machinery and even safety violations, such as the lack of face protection while saw-cutting concrete. “The possibilities may sound endless, but as an industry traditionally looking from the outside in at technology, we must first step back to educate ourselves on the basics.”

Jobsite Mapping: Mapping applications use artificial intelligence to process images. Drones use machine learning to decode images and find patterns that are invisible to the human eye.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Energy Management: Analyze energy usage patterns and optimize HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and overall costs.

Predictive Maintenance: Through the expanded use of building automation and control networks, AI can predict when building equipment is likely to fail, allowing for a proactive response.

HR OFFICE CONSIDERATIONS

Per insights from Littler Mendelson, ABC’s general counsel, consider the following when drafting interoffice AI policies. Please also note that “insights” do not constitute legal advice.

Clearly define the purpose of the AI usage policy, which AI technologies are covered and how it applies to employees and/or outside stakeholders.

The policy should include a purpose or mission statement, and an explanation on if AI is able to be used, how it can be used and who can use it.

Designate point persons to oversee AI usage, troubleshoot problems and approve of AI use.

Clarify a policy that instructs employees that programs like ChatGPT still make several mistakes and that these programs should be used to assist employees and not serve as a substitute.

Consider an overall approach that monitors AI use and encourages innovation but ensures that AI is only used to augment internal work and with proper data.

AI has been in the background of some of our everyday technologies, but in the last few years has come closer to the surface thanks to strategic marketing and perhaps a more consumer-friendly approach. There are still a lot of unknowns on what the impact will be and what the technology could look like in the future.

The future of AI in construction is promising, with advancements that could revolutionize the industry. By staying informed about AI developments and adopting these technologies, construction workers can ensure they are well prepared for the future and continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

This resource was originally published on abc.org. Parts of the guide have been reworked to be published in this report. Read the full AI Resource Guide here.

SEE ALSO: GENERATIVE AI FOR CONSTRUCTION IS MORE THAN ONE-DIMENSIONAL

The post AI in Construction: What Does It Mean for Our Contractors? first appeared on Construction Executive.