Lifting and Rigging Trends for 2026: Industry Outlook
Learn the top lifting and rigging industry trends for 2026, including AI, energy infrastructure growth, inspections, automation, and workforce challenges.
Transcript
2026 Lifting and Rigging Trends Overview
– Happy New Year, it’s 2026. What trends can we expect to see within the lifting and rigging industry this year? What might drive success, what could cause concern? What changes might we see? Today, we’re going to take a look into the future and preview some of this year’s lifting and rigging trends.
My name is Ben, and this is The Lifting & Rigging Channel. Here at Mazzella, we spoke with several experts from the lifting industry to gain some insight into the trends, opportunities, and changes on the horizon for this year. Here is a quick summary.
How AI Data Centers Are Driving Power Demand
If 2025 could be defined by a buzzword, you might agree that that word was AI. AI this, AI that, and unsurprisingly, as we move into 2026, and AI is continually embraced, it’s going to have a massive impact on the lifting industry.
Let’s start with data centers. AI data centers are driving a huge power demand, which means a large increase in transmission line projects.
Energy Infrastructure Projects for AI and Data Centers
Also, due to the huge demand for power, our current energy infrastructure may not be sufficient to support many of these centers. Expect growth in energy projects for nuclear energy, solar, wind, although the policies surrounding wind have been mixed, as well as other alternative and conventional energy sources.
Many of these data centers will also be investing in building out their own on-site dedicated energy sources, creating more construction projects and a need for skilled and trained riggers and crane operators.
AI‑Driven Inspections and Predictive Maintenance Tools
How might AI be incorporated into everyday lifting and rigging practices and operations? We will see an expansion of AI-driven inspections and predictive maintenance tools. For example, tools like Scope, which are being used to inspect synthetic rope, are looking to expand into wire rope inspections.
Component‑Level Data, Sensors, and Smart Equipment
Data on the component-level will become essential for equipment, especially critical process equipment. You will see technology that keeps data on every piece, part, and system. Sensors and software will keep maintenance teams ahead of the curve on any potential issues with any component or part of their critical equipment.
The ability to “chat” with your manual to troubleshoot equipment use, or “chat” with your rigging handbook, will become common.
AI Safety Systems, Crane Automation, and Technician Skills
AI is being integrated into site camera systems to ensure workers comply with safety practices. With that, we can expect more advanced anti-collision and object detection systems for overhead cranes and mobile load handling equipment.
In the short term, crane operation may become easier, lowering the barrier to entry, as the skill load required for operation may become more automated. Long-term, you know those robots are coming for our jobs. AI will be used to potentially remove crane and mobile equipment operators entirely, making cranes fully automated or tele-operated from a distance.
As AI tools look to replace operators, the job of a crane technician will become much more valuable as future cranes will require deeper electronic knowledge and the ability to troubleshoot software, drives, and programs. Although mechanical skills will remain important, the electrical and software side will grow significantly.
It will also become increasingly challenging to work on cranes in-house, and outside technicians will become even more necessary. Crane technicians will need to become consultants, advising on how to best maintain the crane rather than just being the person who fixes it.
Digital Twins, Lift Planning Software, and Smart Rigging Gear
What else might be coming? AI-assisted lift planning and simulations? Lifts planned and rehearsed in software and digital twins? RFID tracking that predicts the useful life of gear, or flags overloads, in other words, “smart” rigging hardware? We will see AI start to impact nearly every aspect of lifting operations in some way.
Reshoring, Steel Mills, and Rare Earth Manufacturing Projects
We are going to see major projects bring manufacturing back to the United States. From major investments in steel to facilities built to process rare Earth materials. Lots of new construction as well as facility modernizations and upgrades.
With all of these new projects, there will be a need for more skilled riggers and operators, quality training will be paramount as new men and women enter the field.
Aging Workforce, Tribal Knowledge Loss, and Labor Shortages
A continuing challenge we can expect to see within the industry is the aging workforce and loss of the industry knowledge. Industry veterans with decades of experience will continue to retire, taking their tribal knowledge with them, while the pipeline for talent behind them is not sufficient to fully support the needs of the manufacturing industry. We will continue to see shortages of crane technicians and other skilled tradesmen as we work to correct the current labor shortage.
Companies that are working to build structured training pipelines and investing in training younger or new employees will be better positioned for the future.
Digital Transformation, Smart Lifting Systems, and Cybersecurity
For those producing lifting and rigging equipment, customers are going to start expecting more technological advancements. This is a slow-moving dinosaur of an industry, but as our customers become more advanced, the lifting industry is going to need to keep up to better support them.
Customers will increasingly expect providers to understand and support AI, automation, and smart initiatives. However, with increased connectivity and software integration, the industry will also need to prioritize cybersecurity to protect these advanced systems from new vulnerabilities.
2026 Lifting and Rigging Outlook Wrap-Up and Viewer Predictions
What other trends are you seeing in the industry? What changes can we expect? Drop them in the comments. Let us know your predictions, or if we missed anything.
If you found this video useful, informative, entertaining, or you just feel like being friendly, then hit that Like button, so we can get this information out to everyone who needs it. Remember, safe rigging is smart rigging. My name is Ben, stay safe out there.
The lifting and rigging industry is no stranger to change, but the pace of transformation heading into 2026 is different.
Forces that once felt distant or theoretical are now reshaping how facilities are built, how equipment is inspected, how work is performed, and what customers expect from their lifting and rigging partners.
From artificial intelligence and automation to massive energy infrastructure investment and a growing labor gap, the industry is approaching a tipping point. Companies that understand these trends and act on them early will be better positioned to support customers safely, efficiently, and competitively in the years ahead.
After speaking with our internal experts, this article looks at the most important trends shaping the lifting and rigging industry in 2026.
Table of Contents
- 2026 Lifting and Rigging Trends Overview
- How AI Data Centers Are Driving Power Demand
- Energy Infrastructure Projects for AI and Data Centers
- AI‑Driven Inspections and Predictive Maintenance Tools
- Component‑Level Data, Sensors, and Smart Equipment
- AI Safety Systems, Crane Automation, and Technician Skills
- Digital Twins, Lift Planning Software, and Smart Rigging Gear
- Reshoring, Steel Mills, and Rare Earth Manufacturing Projects
- Aging Workforce, Tribal Knowledge Loss, and Labor Shortages
- Digital Transformation, Smart Lifting Systems, and Cybersecurity
- 2026 Lifting and Rigging Outlook Wrap-Up and Viewer Predictions
- AI and Automation Will Have Major Impacts on Jobsites
- Energy Infrastructure Will Drive Unprecedented Demand
- Increased Investments in American Steel Production
- Changing Skill Requirements for Overhead Crane Technicians
- Workforce Shortages Remain the Industry’s Biggest Challenge
- Greater Emphasis on Digital Asset Tracking
- Inspections Are Shifting Toward Predictive Models
- What Industrial Customers Will Expect in 2026
- Final Thoughts
AI and Automation Will Have Major Impacts on Jobsites
In 2026, we will see companies continue to deploy AI into safety work systems, inspection workflows, and overhead crane systems. Rather than replacing people outright, AI is being used to improve safety, consistency, and decision making.
One of the most immediate impacts is in inspection and monitoring. AI-powered inspection tools like Scope are gaining traction in high-risk applications such as transmission lines, where failure can have catastrophic consequences. These systems allow inspectors to collect better data, identify issues earlier, and reduce reliance on subjective visual assessments alone.
AI is also expanding into jobsite safety. Computer vision systems are already being used in some facilities to confirm proper use of personal protective equipment, monitor designated walkways, and identify unsafe behaviors in real time. Looking ahead, similar technology is expected to be integrated into overhead crane systems to detect obstructions, machinery, and human presence within operating zones.
We’re also seeing AI used heavily in warehousing management for pallet racking design and efficiency.
While AI is not eliminating the need for expertise, it is raising expectations for accuracy, documentation, and proactive safety management.
Energy Infrastructure Will Drive Unprecedented Demand
Few trends will impact the lifting and rigging industry more than the rapid expansion of energy infrastructure. The growth of data centers, driven largely by AI adoption, is placing enormous strain on the existing power grid.
Consequently, the United States is entering a period of aggressive investment in power generation and transmission.
Transmission line construction and inspection are expected to increase significantly. Utilities and contractors are under pressure to expand capacity while maintaining safety over populated areas, highways, and critical corridors. This makes advanced inspection methods and properly maintained stringing and lifting equipment more important than ever.
Power generation itself is also diversifying. Nuclear, solar, hydro, and other energy sources are all part of the conversation. Recently, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, acquired a clean energy firm for their AI push.
In some cases, large facilities such as data centers are investing in their own dedicated power generation to reduce reliance on the grid. This shift creates long-term demand for cranes, rigging, inspections, and specialized lifting expertise across multiple energy sectors.
Increased Investments in American Steel Production
Like the energy sector, the United States is seeing increased resources poured into domestic steel facilities. Responding to major tariffs, which increased the price of imported steel, major steelmaking titans have responded by upgrading current facilities and building new ones.
Recently, US Steel out of Pittsburgh unveiled a multi-year plan to spend $14 billion on U.S. growth capital. This includes $11 billion towards its domestic facilities with a focus on manufacturing, research and development, and product innovation by the end of 2028.
Nucor is investing $4 billion into a large sheet mill in West Virginia, along with other mills and plants planned in the Pacific Northwest, Utah, Indiana, and Alabama.
Lifting and rigging companies who have the resources and experience to serve the steel sector will see increased opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
Changing Skill Requirements for Overhead Crane Technicians
Automation continues to advance in crane systems, but its impact is often misunderstood. While certain operator tasks may become more automated over time, the overall demand for skilled crane technicians is not going away.
In fact, the opposite is happening. Modern crane systems require a deeper knowledge of electrical components, drives, software, and diagnostics. Mechanical skills alone are no longer sufficient. Technicians must understand how hardware and software interact, how systems communicate, and how to troubleshoot increasingly complex equipment.
In the short term, automation may reduce barriers for operators by assisting with positioning, movement, and safety controls. In the long term, it will increase the importance of highly trained technicians who can install, maintain, inspect, and repair these systems.
Workforce Shortages Remain the Industry’s Biggest Challenge
Experienced professionals are retiring, and the pipeline of new talent is not keeping pace.
This loss of institutional knowledge affects nearly every role, from service technicians and inspectors to rigging specialists, salespeople, and operators. Many people do not enter the workforce with lifting and rigging as a career goal, which means most expertise must be developed through hands-on experience and training.
Companies that invest in structured training programs, mentorship, and long-term career development will be better equipped to manage this transition. Training will be a core business requirement and recruitment advantage rather than a bonus.
Greater Emphasis on Digital Asset Tracking
Digital tracking of rigging and lifting equipment has existed for years, but widespread adoption has been limited. Early systems were often too complex, labor intensive, or difficult to maintain.
That may be changing. Advances in mobile technology, automation, and data management are making digital asset tracking more practical. RFID tags and scanning tools can now store inspection histories, usage data, and serial information in a way that is easier to access and manage.
While not every operation will adopt these systems immediately, digital tracking is likely to gain momentum as it becomes more user friendly and better integrated with inspection and maintenance workflows.
Inspections Are Shifting Toward Predictive Models
Inspection practices are also evolving. While visual and operational inspections remain essential, the industry is moving toward more data-driven and predictive approaches.
Transmission lines are a clear example, but similar concepts are emerging for wire rope and other critical components. The ability to assess internal conditions, predict remaining service life, and address issues before failure could significantly reduce downtime and improve safety outcomes.
As inspection technology advances, customers will increasingly expect insight, not just pass or fail reports.
What Industrial Customers Will Expect in 2026
By 2026, many industrial customers will expect more from their lifting and rigging providers than equipment sales or inspection services alone. They will look for partners who can support advanced technology, provide meaningful training, and help navigate a rapidly changing operational landscape.
This shift will not happen overnight, but the groundwork is being laid now. Companies that invest in education, innovation, and long-term relationships will be best positioned to meet these expectations.
Final Thoughts
2026 will be an interesting time for the lifting and rigging industry. Companies willing to invest time and resources into internal training programs, digital asset tracking, and automation will be better prepared for the changes ahead.
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