Haptics, Hydraulics, and the Future of Machine Operation

At the 2026 iVT Off-Highway Expo, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Ken Baker of Bailey International about trends and exhibits at iVT, noting the show's evolution from electronics toward full systems and a growing presence of hydraulics, valves, and subsystem valve suppliers. Baker highlights Bailey International's booth lineup, including standard controls, hydraulic products, and new closed-loop systems, plus an innovative software-driven concept joystick that provides haptic and mechanical feedback without fixed mechanical limits, enabling configurable detents and gearshift-like positions. He explains that advanced feedback can support functional safety by helping operators keep attention outside the cab while still receiving control cues. Listeners are directed to baileyintl.com and Bailey's sales and applications teams for technical support. Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected]. Connect with our guest, Ken Baker, at [email protected]. Learn more about Bailey International at baileyintl.com. 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.