The 2026 World of Concrete event in Las Vegas showcased groundbreaking advancements in battery-powered tools, with leading manufacturers unveiling innovations that are reshaping the construction landscape.
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center-the upcoming venue for ConExpo 2026-the exhibition was bustling with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) presenting their latest technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of cutting-edge products from industry giants.
Among the highlights, DeWalt introduced a pioneering robotic drill designed specifically for data center construction, while Bosch launched an advanced battery platform. Milwaukee Tool impressed with a novel battery-operated cooling fan integrated into a hardhat, alongside a lightweight, foldable utility knife. The sheer volume of innovations was vast, but here are 15 standout tools and technologies that captured attention.
Revolutionizing Power: Bosch’s Expert 18V Battery System and Tool Expansion
At the forefront of Bosch’s display was the new Expert 18V battery platform, offered in capacities of 4Ah, 6Ah, 8Ah, and a robust 15Ah pack. The 4Ah and 8Ah batteries incorporate tabless cell technology, enhancing thermal management for cooler operation, while the 15Ah pack features a triple-layer configuration of high-capacity 21700 cells, each rated at 5Ah.
Key features across all battery packs include:
- Push-button activation for effortless battery changes.
- A recessed central base for secure tool attachment.
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) edges that improve grip and absorb shocks.
- Multi-functional battery indicators displaying charge status and cell balance health.
Bosch also expanded its outdoor power equipment lineup with the GKE18V-40 16-inch chainsaw, delivering a chain speed of 41 feet per second. Safety enhancements include an electronic motor brake and kickback protection, elevating operator security.
In addition, Bosch introduced a suite of concrete-focused tools such as the GLT18V-5000N tower light, the GDS18V-780N mid-torque impact wrench, and the GBR18V-15S 5-inch concrete surface grinder. The surface grinder, boasting power equivalent to a 13-amp corded model, features variable speed control, a low-profile design for tight spaces, and an adjustable dust shroud to optimize dust management during surface preparation.
DeWalt’s Leap into Automation and Enhanced Cordless Tools
DeWalt unveiled a revolutionary autonomous drilling robot developed in partnership with Hong Kong’s August Robotics. This first-of-its-kind downward drilling robot is tailored for the rapidly growing data center construction sector. It drills concrete floors up to ten times faster than conventional methods, achieving pinpoint accuracy of 99.97% in both location and depth across more than 90,000 holes during pilot testing.
Applications include precise drilling for server rack mounts and structural supports for overhead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations. DeWalt reports that deployment with a major global tech “hyperscaler” has shortened construction schedules by an impressive 80 weeks after ten project phases.
Alongside this innovation, DeWalt enhanced its cordless tool range with the DCPS966AG2 1-1/8-inch hex demolition hammer. Constructed with a durable all-metal housing, it delivers 45 joules of impact energy while reducing vibration by 20% through the Shocks Active Vibration Control system, minimizing operator fatigue.
Another highlight was the DCPS612AG2 12-inch cordless cut-off saw, touted as the most powerful in its class. It cuts up to 4-3/4 inches deep into concrete and can make 156 cuts on #5 rebar per full battery charge. The saw features integrated base wheels for easy positioning and an electric brake that halts the blade within three seconds after trigger release.
Hilti’s Nuron Series: Power and Precision in Cordless Demolition
Hilti expanded its Nuron heavy-duty cordless tool family with two new demolition hammers and a powerful cut-off saw. The 14-inch DSH 900-22 ATC cut-off saw rivals the speed of a 90cc gas-powered model, weighing 32.8 pounds with dual B 22-290 batteries and a 360mm blade.
Safety is enhanced by 3D active torque control, which halts kickback in under one second, and a blade brake that stops rotation in less than four seconds. Designed for ground-level cutting tasks, this saw balances power and operator control.
Hilti’s larger demolition hammer, the TE 3000-22, delivers 62.7 foot-pounds of impact energy at 840 blows per minute, capable of breaking down approximately 1.8 tons of concrete per battery charge. It incorporates active vibration reduction, dual decoupled handles for comfort, and a soft start feature to prevent sudden tool movement.
The smaller TE 1000-22 hammer offers 18.2 foot-pounds of impact energy with up to 2,040 impacts per minute, demolishing around 550 pounds of concrete per battery cycle. It features force control technology that adjusts power output based on user-applied pressure and includes Hilti’s vibration reduction sub-chassis system.
Makita’s Diverse Innovations: From Rebar Tying to High-Powered Batteries
Makita introduced over a dozen new tools, with the 40V max XGT 16-gauge rebar tying tool (GRT01) standing out. Marketed as the first of its kind at 40V max, this tool produces ties that are up to 65% stronger and can complete up to 3,000 ties per battery charge.
Complementing this, Makita launched the tabless 40V max XGT 8.0Ah high-power battery pack (BL4080H), which delivers 35% more power and operates 32% cooler than its predecessor, the BL4080F.
Additional new Makita products include:
- The 40V max XGT Vibrating Power Screed (VL001) with a 6-foot vibrating bar producing 11,000 vibrations per minute and up to 90 minutes runtime on a 4.0Ah battery.
- The 40V max XGT 3-Speed ½-inch Hammer Driver-Drill (GPH03), offering 1,590 inch-pounds of torque with a brushless motor and three-speed transmission.
- The 40V max XGT Rebar Cutter (GCS01ZK), capable of up to 250 cuts of #5 rebar per 4.0Ah battery charge, featuring a 360-degree rotating cutting head and 40% faster cutting speed.
Milwaukee Tool’s Robust Demolition Hammers and Innovative Cooling Solutions
Milwaukee Tool showcased more than 25 new products, including two powerful demolition hammers. The MX Fuel 27-pound SDS Max hammer delivers 26.1 joules of impact energy powered by MX Fuel Redlithium Forge batteries. It can chip through 1.5 tons of material per charge, cut a 63-foot trench at 4 inches deep, or sustain 33 minutes of continuous trigger use.
Operator comfort is enhanced by an anti-vibration system and the VACLINK wireless dust control, which allows dust extractors to be activated directly from the tool.
The M18 Fuel 18-pound SDS Max hammer features a Powerstate brushless motor producing 11.4 foot-pounds of impact energy. Designed for precision demolition, it offers multiple speed settings, a chisel lock, and Milwaukee’s anti-vibration technology to reduce fatigue.
Milwaukee also introduced the Roll-On 7200W/3600W 6.0kWh power supply, equipped with two 20A GFCI duplex outlets, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port, enabling simultaneous charging of multiple devices. It provides 7,200 watts of surge power and 3,600 watts of continuous power.
One of the most distinctive innovations was Milwaukee’s Bolt Redlithium USB cooling fan for hard hats. This compact fan delivers airflow at 15 mph, powered by a USB 3.0 battery offering six hours of runtime. It mounts easily using Milwaukee’s Bolt system and includes three interchangeable air ducts for customizable cooling.
Noteworthy Addition: Benchmade’s Lightweight MangaCut Bugout Knife
While not battery-powered, the right pocketknife remains an essential tool on any jobsite. Benchmade previewed a prototype of its upcoming MangaCut Bugout folding knife, which is 33% lighter than previous models due to its milled aluminum frame, weighing only 1.72 ounces.
The knife features a 3.24-inch drop point blade with a flat grind and a non-reflective Cerakote coating. When closed, it measures 4.22 inches, extending to 7.46 inches when open, combining portability with durability for everyday use.
