Husco and Gravis Robotics win Next Level Awards at ConExpo

ConExpo 2026 was once again held in Las Vegas, US. Image: KHL

After three days of voting by visitors on the show floor, Husco’s GenSteer steer-by-wire system was chosen as the Contractors’ Choice for best equipment, while the Gravis Rack from Gravis Robotics won the Contractors’ Choice award for best technology.

The winners were announced on the Ground Breakers Stage by show chair Eric Sauvage and show director Dana Wuesthoff.

“This program is a snapshot of what our industry does best: we innovate, we build, and we keep raising the bar,” said Wuesthoff. “Congratulations to Husco and Gravis Robotics on their win. All 20 finalists exemplify the determination of our industry to push the limits and reimagine what’s possible.”

Steer-by-wire system

Husco’s GenSteer technology is designed to enable steer-by-wire control for off-highway machines, removing the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering system.

The company said the system uses an integrated architecture to provide fail-functional steering capability while avoiding complex duplication of hardware and software. The technology is intended to support the next generation of digitally controlled and automated wheeled construction machines.

Husco CEO Austin Ramirez said the technology addressed a long-standing challenge in off-highway vehicle development.

“GenSteer showcases Husco at its best: working collaboratively to bring innovative new ideas to the marketplace,” he said.

Turning machines into robots

The Gravis Rack system from Gravis Robotics is designed to convert conventional earthmoving machines into robotic platforms using sensors, cameras and onboard computing.

Inside the cab, the system acts as a digital co-pilot, providing operators with real-time cut and fill data, analytics, augmented-reality guidance and people detection.

The platform can also enable autonomous excavation tasks such as trenching, bulk excavation and truck loading, allowing operators to monitor and control multiple machines through a portable tablet interface.

The Next Level Awards recognise new equipment and technologies aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and efficiency in construction. Twenty finalists were selected by a judging panel before attendees voted for the final winners.