After five jam-packed days of innovative product launches and major company announcements, enlightening education sessions and countless networking opportunities, CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 have come to a close, but not before taking the construction industry to the next level.

The show crushed expected attendance numbers, drawing over 139,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from March 14-18, 2023 – making it the largest trade show in North America with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over 3 mnsq ft of exhibit space.

“The innovations in the construction industry unveiled at the show will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth,” said Phil Kelliher, Senior Vice President, Caterpillar, and Show Chair, CONEXPO-CON/AGG. “Live events in the construction industry are important, because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed across the show floor.”

This year’s show emphasised how the construction industry is evolving in many ways to adapt to sustainable technologies, products and practices. Show attendees were treated to sustainability in action, from electric and hydrogen powered construction equipment, to more recyclable materials and waste reduction opportunities. Across the show floor, sustainable technologies, products and practices included:Volvo Construction Equipment bringing several electric and autonomous pieces to its stand in the Festival Lot, including its EC230 electric excavator pilot, its Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and its HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler. Also, Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48-600 volts.

Highlights from the expo

Honda showcased the new capabilities of the latest generation of its prototype Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) to improve construction industry and worksite efficiencies. Interested construction entities had an opportunity to learn more about field testing the rugged off-road platform at their worksites.

For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that need to jumpstart development programmes and accelerate speed to market for new products, Perkins exhibited a new range of comprehensive integration, mechanical, electrical, software and controls engineering capabilities. Designed to help customers continuously explore new ways to optimise their equipment’s performance, efficiency, and power density using conventional, hybrid and next-generation energy sources, the company’s offerings are helping deliver smarter solutions to advance sustainable power.

The Italian Pavilion at ConExpo covered an impressive 6,400 sq ft and showcased more than 25 top Italian companies in the construction industry. Organised by the Italian Trade Agency with the support of three major Italian Industrial Associations – Unacea, ANIMA, and UCoMESA – the pavilion presented a comprehensive display of construction equipment, from earthmoving tools to customised components and advanced fuel solutions.

TVS Eurogrip, a fast-growing global brand in powered two-wheeler and three-wheeler tyres, and off-highway tyres, has been making significant investments in technology, products, and capacity expansion of its off-highway tyres for the construction, industrial and agricultural sectors. On display were products from the construction and industrial range apart from the recent agri radial and steel belted flotation radial tyres.

Volvo CE provided the first look at a pre-production model of its new EC500 excavator with improvements across cab design and operator interface, safety and productivity. A successor to the Volvo EC480E, the EC500 is a new 50-tonne crawler excavator for the toughest applications, from building and construction, road construction, utilities, quarrying and aggregates to agriculture and landscaping and is the ideal partner for the Volvo A25G to A35G hauler.

Sany Group displayed more than 30 equipment at the expo under the theme “Made for America Raised in Georgia” including its newest electric-powered excavators and loaders.

Caterpillar announced the introduction of Cat Compact ESS, a new mobile battery energy storage system that supplements traditional mobile power solutions to reduce noise and enable the deployment of renewable energy sources.

JCB unveiled its new port fuel injected, 4.8L inline-four hydrogen combustion engine (448 ABH2) – the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.

The Chicago-based North American business unit of Japan’s Komatsu displayed several pieces of machinery at the event. Perhaps of interest to demolition contractors and scrap recyclers alike was its PC900LC-11 excavator, which it portrays as a rugged and versatile machine.

XCMG Excavator, a subsidiary of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group, recently staged the grand launch of 17 new excavators that are specially designed and customised for the high-end North American market.The U-Series excavators, covering all tonnage levels, drew significant attention at the trade show due to its impressive performance, maneuverability, and quality.

Demonstration show floor

CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE also featured a wide range of educational opportunities, including 190 expert-led sessions on topics such as construction safety, equipment technology, and sustainable building practices. “The success of the show is a testament to the resilience and strength of the construction and fluid power industries, which has continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years,” said Marcia Klein, Treasurer,Casappa Corp, and Show Chair of IFPE. “We are proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build.”