Waukesha, Wis. (February 25, 2026) — Husco just solved an issue that has been holding back digital innovation in farming, construction and other industrial vehicles for years.
They did it by identifying an untapped source of emergency backup electric power: The person holding the steering wheel.
Husco today unveiled its new GenSteer™ platform, a groundbreaking solution that promises to unlock the digital future of industrial vehicles. GenSteer, a patent-pending breakthrough that recently was named a finalist for a prestigious industry award, solves significant cost, complexity and safety issues that have been roadblocks to technological advancements in these vehicles – until now.
Industrial vehicle manufacturers have long wanted to implement Steer-by-Wire technology, which replaces traditional mechanical or hydraulic steering systems with a digital system that sends signals from the steering wheel to the wheels on the ground. With Steer-by-Wire serving as a digital copilot, farmers and construction workers could operate vehicles more safely, precisely and efficiently.
But what if something goes wrong? That’s where Husco’s latest innovation changes the game.
Instead of relying on expensive and complex backup systems that previously made Steer-by-Wire cost-prohibitive for vehicle manufacturers, GenSteer’s solution is a small motor/generator unit attached to the steering wheel.
When the system is operating normally, the motor simulates steering feedback for the driver – much like a video game controller that shakes to simulate action in a game. If the system fails, the motor instantly becomes an electrical generator, turning the driver’s continued steering movements into enough electrical power to keep the system running.
“This innovation from Husco will unlock the next generation of vehicles that serve as the backbone of some of the world’s most essential industries,” said Austin Ramirez, Husco’s president and CEO. “GenSteer represents the very best of Husco. Every day, our team is collaborating to bring forward new ideas that lead to groundbreaking solutions for our customers.”
Industry Impact
Husco’s GenSteer is a finalist in the equipment category at the 2026 Next Level Awards, which are presented in conjunction with CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026 – the construction industry’s largest annual trade show. The awards recognize innovations that advance safety, performance, and productivity in the construction and off-highway industries.
“What the Husco engineering team has done is take a few steps back and consider ‘how do we make this all simple’,” said Simon Yardley, Director of Business Development & Corporate Marketing at Husco. “Complex systems are difficult to make safe and hard to upgrade. GenSteer, and its recognition by the Next Level Awards judges, signals a shift toward simpler, safer digital steering.”
Off-highway industries represent over $300 billion in global equipment sales annually, and steering systems are core to nearly every wheeled machine. By removing cost and complexity barriers, GenSteer accelerates the industry’s shift to digital steering and autonomy.
GenSteer is engineered for broad use across off-highway markets, including construction, agriculture, mining, and material handling. Its compact footprint fits standard machine envelopes for loaders, haulers, tractors, graders, combines, and more. Simplified integration minimizes machine modifications and lowers system costs for OEMs, while enhancing operator comfort and overall capability.
“The GenSteer platform is designed to start simple and scale with you,” said Ben Holter, Product Director, Husco. “Vehicle manufacturers don’t need every automation feature on day one to justify the investment. Begin with a compact, compatible steering platform, then add capabilities like lane guidance, return-to-center, and haptic feedback as your needs evolve. It’s a practical on-ramp to Steer-by-Wire—without the heavy bill.”
Key Benefits
- Safety: Maintains control through faults. No surprises, no downtime.
- Cost: Eliminates redundant controllers, batteries, and complex harnesses.
- Future-Proof: Ready for software-driven feature drops without hardware changes.
- Sustainability: Fewer components mean less material waste and e-waste.
- Workforce: Digital performance tuning reduces fatigue and enhances operator safety.
“We call it ‘redundancy without replication,’” Holter said. “A cleaner, smarter architecture that keeps machines moving and unlocks autonomy-ready control. In short, GenSteer™ delivers safety you can generate yourself.”
