Oshkosh Corporation’s Groundbreaking Innovations at CES 2025: Empowering Everyday Heroes with Advanced Technology
Oshkosh Corporation, a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, is unveiling a range of pioneering technologies aimed at improving the lives of everyday heroes and the communities they serve. These innovations, showcased at CES 2025, focus on electrification, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and connectivity. Oshkosh’s goal is to enhance the effectiveness and safety of individuals such as firefighters, soldiers, postal carriers, construction workers, and airport ground staff—those who often face the toughest challenges in their daily work.
Among the breakthrough technologies introduced are an all-electric refuse and recycling front-loader vehicle, AI-powered collision avoidance systems for fire and emergency vehicles, autonomous robots for on-demand refuse collection, and connected solutions for operations at airports and construction sites. Each of these innovations is designed with the core objective of not only improving operational efficiency but also reducing environmental impact and ensuring safer, more sustainable work environments for those performing vital tasks across various industries.
Empowering Everyday Heroes with Electrification, AI, and Autonomy
According to John Pfeifer, president and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, “Technology is only as valuable as the positive impact it has on our lives and within our communities.” He emphasized that Oshkosh works closely with customers to develop tailored solutions for challenging and dangerous jobs. These technologies leverage AI, autonomy, connectivity, and electrification to create a future that is safer, quieter, and more sustainable. From protecting firefighters to reducing pollution and improving operational productivity, Oshkosh’s innovations are designed to make a tangible difference.
Reimagining Waste Collection with Electrified, Purpose-Built Vehicles
Oshkosh is redefining urban and suburban neighborhoods with its advanced, purpose-built technologies that bring sustainability and efficiency to everyday operations. The company’s electrified vehicles are revolutionizing refuse collection, last-mile delivery, and emergency response worldwide.
One of the most notable innovations Oshkosh introduced at CES is the McNeilus® Volterra™ ZFL, an all-electric front-loader truck designed for commercial refuse and recycling collection. This vehicle offers a range of cutting-edge features, including an ergonomic design, an advanced driver assistance system, and integrated telematics for fleet management. With a full day’s work achievable on a single charge, the ZFL reduces emissions while optimizing operational efficiency.
Oshkosh also unveiled three market-leading environmental technologies designed to enhance refuse and recycling collection:
- AI-Enabled Bin Detection: Using AI and machine learning, the refuse vehicle can automatically detect waste bins. The operator can deploy the electric arm with a simple push of a button, reducing human error and speeding up collection times.
- Electrified Arm Technology: The new electric arm system enables faster operation while minimizing noise and saving up to 45 minutes per day in operation time. This innovation supports the servicing of more households each day.
- AI-Powered Contamination Detection: Oshkosh’s advanced technology enables real-time identification of contaminated recyclables directly on the vehicle. The system processes data on-site, which allows for faster detection and decision-making, without the delays associated with cloud-based systems.
These innovations help improve waste collection while minimizing the environmental impact, ensuring cleaner and more efficient neighborhoods.
On-Demand Waste Collection with Autonomous Robots
In addition to its electrified refuse trucks, Oshkosh is taking a bold step into the realm of autonomous systems with its Hail-able Autonomous Refuse Robot – Electric (HARR-E™). The HARR-E is an autonomous, electric robot designed to offer on-demand trash and recycling pickup. Users can request the robot via a smartphone app or voice assistant to collect waste from residential or commercial properties.
Equipped with AI-enabled navigation and advanced sensors, HARR-E autonomously navigates through neighborhoods, collects waste, and returns to its base for recharging. This prototype system enhances the efficiency of traditional refuse collection services while helping modern communities better manage waste and logistics in increasingly dense urban environments.
Enhancing Safety for First Responders with Collision Avoidance Systems
First responders such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics face numerous risks while on the job, particularly when they are operating on active roadways. Unfortunately, more than 250 first responders have lost their lives in the past four years due to being struck by vehicles during roadside operations.
Oshkosh is introducing a game-changing technology aimed at reducing these fatalities. The Collision Avoidance Mitigation System (CAMS) is the first-ever system designed specifically for emergency response vehicles to improve awareness and safety in roadside situations. CAMS uses advanced AI, camera technology, and autonomous driving sensors to detect the trajectory, speed, and proximity of oncoming vehicles relative to a stationary emergency vehicle.
When a potential collision is imminent, the system provides critical advance notice, giving first responders valuable seconds to take action. Additionally, the system records continuous video footage, which can aid in accident reconstruction and insurance documentation. This proactive approach has the potential to significantly improve safety for those who put their lives at risk to help others.
Revolutionizing Airport and Job Site Operations with Autonomous Vehicles
At CES 2025, Oshkosh also unveiled new autonomous vehicles designed to streamline operations at airports and construction sites—environments where efficiency, safety, and reliability are paramount.
The company introduced an autonomous, electric cargo handler designed for use at airports. This fully autonomous vehicle is capable of transporting luggage and cargo between designated locations on the airport ramp. Equipped with a combination of LiDAR, radars, cameras, and other sensor technologies, the vehicle can navigate the complex airport environment autonomously, providing a reliable and efficient solution for the travel industry.
Moreover, Oshkosh introduced several advanced technologies designed to improve productivity and safety at construction sites:
- JLG® Galileo: A versatile all-electric machine that combines a boom lift and a rotating telehandler, designed to improve productivity on job sites.
- Autonomous Mobile Charging Robot (AMCR): This concept robot brings wireless charging directly to equipment, optimizing uptime and ensuring that electric vehicles and machines remain operational throughout the workday. This system also supports Oshkosh’s ClearSky Smart Fleet™ technology, which helps manage and monitor fleets of connected, electrified machines.
These advancements make it easier for airports and job sites to transition to fully electrified, autonomous fleets, driving both environmental and operational improvements.
Integrating Cutting-Edge Technologies Across Industries
Oshkosh’s ability to seamlessly integrate next-generation technologies across its portfolio of purpose-built vehicles reflects its commitment to innovation and adaptability. By applying its electrified propulsion systems across a broad range of applications, including firefighting trucks, refuse vehicles, and last-mile delivery solutions, Oshkosh continues to demonstrate its leadership in developing sustainable and efficient solutions.
The company’s continued investment in R&D ensures that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements, positioning itself as a key player in driving the future of purpose-built, electrified, and autonomous vehicles.
Oshkosh Corporation’s CES 2025 showcase highlighted its unwavering commitment to empowering everyday heroes through advanced technology. From revolutionizing waste collection with electrified vehicles to enhancing the safety of first responders with cutting-edge AI and collision avoidance systems, Oshkosh is at the forefront of creating a safer, cleaner, and more efficient future. With continued innovation in autonomy, electrification, and connectivity, Oshkosh is poised to transform industries and make a lasting impact on the communities it serves.
