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In early January, more than 140,000 people from over 150 countries gathered in Las Vegas to see 3,500 exhibitors showcasing what’s new and coming next in the technology landscape. From consumer gadgets to industrial breakthroughs, CES 2026 made one thing clear — the pace of innovation is accelerating. 

Beyond the impressive products and displays, some of the most compelling moments came from seeing how technology is moving from concept into real-world applications.

Across the show, there was a tangible sense that autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity and electrification are actively reshaping how essential jobs get done across industries. Here are our key takeaways. 

CES 2026 showcased AI in all its forms, from consumer-facing assistants to experimental applications. But the most meaningful conversations focused on AI as an invisible enabler, designed to support critical decisions in high-stakes, real-world environments.

In the booth, Oshkosh leaders highlighted how AI is being applied not to replace people, but to support them as they manage risk and make critical decisions. One example of this is the Oshkosh Collision Avoidance Mitigation System (CAMS). 

“We created CAMS with a clear mission: to provide an added layer of awareness for everyday heroes. CAMS utilizes AI to not only react to roadside hazards, but to help anticipate them,” said Jay Iyengar, executive vice president, chief technology and strategic sourcing officer, Oshkosh Corporation.

AI that helps manage outcomes for repeatable tasks, while aiding downtime and operator awareness delivers measurable value in industrial environments. That value is further supported when intelligence is paired with systems designed to act and promote safety. 

CES takeaway #2: Autonomy and robotics as a safety multiplier 

Autonomy and robotics were everywhere at CES, but the innovations that stood out most showed how powerful these technologies can be when they’re designed to support people. 

The Oshkosh booth featured several new technologies focused on the shift from enabling jobs using traditional equipment to executing jobs with autonomous, connected equipment. 

At Oshkosh, we believe autonomy isn’t about removing people from the equation, but instead, multiplying safety, precision and confidence for everyday heroes.

Skip ahead to 22:00 in this video to see the Oshkosh booth tour, including an in-depth interview on industrial realities with Jay Iyengar, executive vice president, chief technology and strategic sourcing officer, Oshkosh Corporation. 

CES takeaway #3: Connected systems create confidence, not complexity 

Another theme echoed across CES: smart ecosystems matter more than standalone technology.

Through Oshkosh Tech Talks, we explored concepts like “The Perfect Turn” and “airport of the future,” including a discussion with Kelly Watt, a consultant from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, on how they use Oshkosh AeroTech’s iOPS® technology to help manage day-to-day airport operations. 

The conversation focused on how iOPS technology, connects people, equipment and data to provide visibility across operations. 

When airport teams have clear insight into ground support equipment tasks, performance and maintenance, they’re empowered to replace reactive, fragmented workflows with proactive, predictive operations.

By bringing visibility and intelligence together, connected systems replace guesswork with clarity — giving teams confidence in task coordination and decision-making.

“Without visibility you can't be proactive or predictive,” stated Watt. “Connected systems allow us to make decisions that are good for the environment, good for the equipment and good for our passengers.” 

Interested in learning more? View all of the key technology pillars Oshkosh showcased at CES.

CES takeaway #4: Electrification that meets the demands of real work 

Electrification continued to gain momentum at CES, but Oshkosh conversations centered on a critical distinction: electrification must meet the demands of real work.

During the Tech Talk discussion on electric technology in airport emergency response, Andy Mathes, director and general manager for Oshkosh Airport Products, noted several key questions as the foundation of electrification advancement at Oshkosh.  

• What do everyday heroes need in the vehicle? 

• How can equipment best support the application or environment? 

• How can the vehicle and/or equipment help workers do their job efficiently?