Article: CONEXPO 2026 - Autonomy & AI Power A Blue Collar Industry, Construction Moves Beyond Oil & Metal, To Silicon, Bits & AI

Published: March 8-16, 2026 | Forbes

Xpanner was featured as one of the key examples illustrating the transformation of the global construction industry in a two-part CONEXPO 2026 series by Sabbir Rangwala published in Forbes, alongside companies such as Caterpillar, John Deere, and Komatsu.

In the first article, “CONEXPO 2026 - Autonomy & AI Power A Blue Collar Industry,” the author highlights how the construction industry—while still rooted in iron and heavy machinery—is rapidly integrating silicon, computing, tele-operations, and autonomy. Major OEMs including Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Liebherr, Kubota, Bobcat, and Epiroc are discussed as leading this shift, leveraging sensors, data, and automation technologies to address productivity, safety, and labor shortages.

The second article, “Construction Moves Beyond Oil & Metal, To Silicon, Bits & AI,” expands this perspective by framing the shift as a structural transformation of the industry itself. Construction is moving beyond oil and metal toward a data- and AI-driven ecosystem, with increasing adoption of autonomy and the emergence of SaaS and Autonomy-as-a-Service business models. Alongside in-depth coverage of John Deere and Caterpillar’s data and AI strategies, the article also introduces technology players such as Ceres Holographics and Eastman, illustrating the broader expansion of the construction technology ecosystem.

Within this context, Xpanner is featured as a company actively deploying automation in real-world construction environments, working with major industry players such as Mortenson, Black & Veatch, and Qcells. The article highlights Xpanner’s early achievement in introducing autonomy to pile-driving machines used in solar construction, as well as its latest advancement demonstrated at CONEXPO—panel lifting automation.

Xpanner’s flagship product, the X1 Kit—comprising the Mango automation controller, sensor fusion module, AI module, and software—is described as an equipment-agnostic solution that can be deployed across different machines. Its business model, combining upfront integration with Automation-as-a-Service over the project lifecycle, is also noted. The article further references performance improvements observed in field deployments, along with Xpanner’s strong revenue growth and profitability.

Through this series, Forbes positions Xpanner as a company that is not merely developing technology, but actively applying Physical AI to real construction workflows—delivering measurable outcomes through automation, customer deployment, and data-driven performance. As such, Xpanner is presented as a meaningful player in the broader transformation of the construction industry.

Meanwhile, Xpanner participated in CONEXPO 2026, held in Las Vegas from March 3 to 7, with an 84㎡ booth. The company attracted approximately 2,000 visitors and showcased its automation solutions on-site. Following the event, further collaborations progressed, including a site visit by Obayashi Corporation to Xpanner’s automated project in Arizona, as well as a confirmed PoC with Black & Veatch.

For more details, please refer to the full articles at the links below.