The Next Level Awards at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 recognized two standout innovations transforming construction equipment and jobsite technology. During a ceremony held on the Ground Breakers Stage, show organizers announced Husco’s GenSteer™ as the Contractors’ Choice Award winner for best equipment and Gravis Robotics’ Gravis Rack as the Contractors’ Choice winner for best technology.

The winners were selected by construction professionals attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, one of the world’s largest construction trade shows. Over three days, from March 3 to March 5, attendees explored the 2.9-million-square-foot show floor to review the finalists’ technologies before casting their votes.

The Next Level Awards program celebrates breakthrough innovations that improve productivity, safety, sustainability, and efficiency across the construction industry. The winners were announced by CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Chair Eric Sauvage and Show Director Dana Wuesthoff, highlighting the role of emerging technology in shaping the next generation of construction jobsites.

Husco’s GenSteer™ steer-by-wire (SbW) system represents a major advancement in machine control technology for off-highway equipment. Steer-by-wire technology eliminates traditional mechanical steering linkages, replacing them with electronic controls that enable greater automation, precision, and safety.

GenSteer introduces a fail-functional architecture that provides system redundancy without the need for duplicated hardware and software. Instead of relying on complex replication, the system uses smart integration and simplified design to maintain performance and safety.

The technology is designed to support the next generation of wheeled construction and off-highway equipment, enabling improved automation, machine control, and digital integration. By enhancing safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, GenSteer helps manufacturers and contractors move toward more advanced and connected construction equipment.

The Gravis Rack by Gravis Robotics brings automation and robotics capabilities to conventional earthmoving machines. The system integrates 3D sensors, cameras, and onboard computing, enabling machines from various manufacturers to operate with intelligent guidance and advanced monitoring.

Inside the operator cab, the platform functions as a co-pilot system, delivering real-time information such as cut-and-fill visualization, analytics, augmented-reality guidance, and worker detection for improved jobsite safety.

The Gravis Rack platform also supports autonomous earthmoving operations, including trenching, bulk excavation, and truck loading. Operators can monitor and control multiple machines simultaneously through a portable tablet interface, improving productivity and enabling more efficient fleet management.

The 20 Next Level Awards finalists were selected by a panel of industry experts from a competitive group of established manufacturers and emerging technology companies. The finalists represent innovations that are pushing the boundaries of construction automation, digital transformation, sustainability, and equipment performance.

First introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, the Next Level Awards continue to highlight technologies shaping the future of construction. Previous winners include Holcim’s ECOPact Low-Carbon Concrete, which was recognized for advancing sustainable building materials.

By showcasing breakthrough solutions like GenSteer and Gravis Rack, the Next Level Awards program reinforces CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s role as a global platform for construction innovation, where contractors and technology leaders collaborate to develop safer, smarter, and more efficient jobsites.

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