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 Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Additionally, we're launching Fluid Power Forum Plus, offering premium, members-only content designed just for our listeners. When you sign up on the NFPA website, you'll unlock a host of rewards, ranging from exclusive content to live panels and networking receptions. Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected]. Connect with our guest, Chris Kolbe, at [email protected]. Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.