The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has revealed five key trends, identified by AEM subject matter experts, that are positioned to impact equipment manufacturers in 2026.

AEM leadership noted:

• Farmers will use cost-effective ways to upgrade capabilities, such as adding GPS guidance, variable-rate technology, or aftermarket sensors to existing machines. (Austin Gellings, senior director of agricultural services).
• Data insights will continue to shape the construction sector. (Dormie Weber, construction services manager).
• Manufacturing’s defining workforce priority is the human-machine handoff: As robotics and generative AI become standard on the shop floor, humans’ role will trend towards oversight, troubleshooting, and data-driven decision-making. (Julie Davis, senior vice president of people)
• Surface transportation reauthorization will remain front of mind for equipment manufacturers. (Kate Fox Wood, vice president of federal affairs).
• Global political concerns are driving policymakers to consider drastic methods to lower costs and relieve their voter’s economic insecurities.(Jason Malcore, senior director of safety and product leadership).