Seven reasons why FIRSTGREEN is already ahead of the industry

After five intense days in Las Vegas, the team of FIRSTGREEN Industries returns from CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 with one clear conclusion. The shift toward fully electric construction machines is accelerating, and many of the capabilities the industry is only starting to discuss are already a reality within the FIRSTGREEN portfolio.

CONEXPO CON AGG is the largest construction trade show in North America. During the event, our global and US teams welcomed visitors, partners and suppliers at the FIRSTGREEN booth and presented the latest generation of fully electric machines, including MiniZ, Walleat, Elise 700, Elise 1200 and Rockeat, which was also nominated among the Top 10 finalists of the Next Level Awards at CONEXPO.

Visitors could explore the machines up close, discuss real applications with our team and compare different solutions across the growing FIRSTGREEN portfolio.

Throughout hundreds of conversations with contractors, rental companies and industry professionals, several recurring themes emerged. These discussions confirmed that the industry is moving in a direction that FIRSTGREEN has been building toward for years.

Here are 7 key insights that stood out during CONEXPO.

1. The electric race has started

Almost every major diesel manufacturer presented electric or hybrid machines at CONEXPO.
In many cases, however, these were still prototypes or early concept models.

2. Technology and data are becoming as important as the machines themselves

CONEXPO made one thing very clear: the future of construction equipment lies in the combination of hardware, software and services.
Machines are no longer isolated devices. They are becoming digitally connected systems that transform how companies manage fleets, maintenance and operations.

3. AI, automation and teleoperation are entering real practice

Remote operation, automation and teleoperation were among the most discussed topics across the show floor.
Manufacturers are increasingly exploring solutions designed to address operator shortages while improving safety in hazardous environments.

4. Sustainability is becoming a business driver

At CONEXPO, sustainability was no longer presented primarily as an environmental goal.
It is increasingly becoming a business decision.

Manufacturers highlighted technologies that reduce emissions, energy consumption and overall operating costs. Companies are adopting these solutions not only because of ESG requirements, but because they improve efficiency and competitiveness.

5. The connected jobsite is becoming reality

Another clear trend was the evolution of the connected jobsite.
Machines are becoming part of digital ecosystems that share operational data, monitor performance and enable predictive maintenance.
These capabilities allow companies to optimize fleet utilization, improve planning and reduce downtime.

6. Components and technologies are driving innovation

CONEXPO also highlighted the growing importance of advanced technologies such as electric drivetrains, intelligent control systems, sensors and automation ready architectures.
These components are the foundation for the next generation of construction machines.

7. The conversations confirmed the shift

Beyond the machines themselves, the strongest signal came from the conversations.
During the five days of CONEXPO, more than 139,000 professionals from 128 countries visited the show, and many stopped by our booth to discuss electric machines, efficiency and remote operation.

What stood out was the change in mindset.

The question is no longer whether electric machines belong in construction.
The real discussion is how they can solve real challenges on specific projects and jobsites.

What these insights mean

For FIRSTGREEN Industries, the conversations at CONEXPO confirmed something important.

All these trends discussed across the show floor are not new concepts for us. Teleoperation, remote diagnostics, no emissions, low operating costs and ESG are already fundamental elements of FIRSTGREEN machines and part of everyday operation across our portfolio.

While many of these technologies are only now appearing as prototypes or early concepts across the industry, our machines have been proving their value in real applications for years.

The next steps are already underway. We are currently working on the next phase of automation and semi automation of our machines. At the same time, we will soon share more about new AI technologies that are already being integrated into our machines.

Think electric. The future is already here.