Collaboration and System Design: Designing Smarter Fluid Power Systems Together

Guest host Ben Brown records from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 show floor for the NFPA Fluid Power Forum podcast and interviews Chris Kolbe of HYDAC about show trends and HYDAC's exhibit. Chris describes a busy event despite marketplace uncertainty and notes a shift from electrification toward autonomy, automation, and user-assist functions. He explains how HYDAC is showcasing system solutions that combine filtration, valves, electronic controls, accumulators, and other components to enable steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire, including variable steering-rate functionality. HYDAC is also ranh live mini excavator and skid steer demos—electrified with hydraulics still central to work functions—to help OEMs evaluate integrated system design and collaboration. Learn more at hydac.com or connect with Chris on LinkedIn. #FluidPowerForum #Autonomy #SystemDesign #CONEXPO

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Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Chris Kolbe, at [email protected].

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