World of Concrete 2026 wrapped up in Las Vegas last month, and if you’re in the market for cordless power tools, the announcements were massive. Every major manufacturer showed up with serious hardware — new rotary hammers, concrete grinders, smarter batteries, and even a drilling robot. Here’s a brand-by-brand breakdown of everything that matters.
Milwaukee: Going Big on M18 FUEL and MX FUEL
Milwaukee came to WOC swinging. The headline announcement is a new MX FUEL 27 lb SDS MAX demolition hammer delivering 26.1 joules of impact energy — a serious piece of equipment for breaking concrete without a cord. On the M18 FUEL side, they rolled out an 18 lb SDS MAX demo hammer with 11.4 ft-lbs of impact energy, plus two new One-Key-equipped SDS MAX rotary hammers at 1-3/4″ and 1-9/16″ sizes.
Circular saws got a big refresh too. Milwaukee announced four new M18 FUEL circular saws, including a 7-1/4″ standard and rear-handle model, plus a notable first: a 10-1/4″ rear handle circular saw that pushes into territory previously reserved for corded tools. All of them feature One-Key connectivity for tool tracking and customized settings.
Other standouts include the M18/M12 Super Charger (model 48-59-1818), a 4-bay unit that charges four M18 FORGE 12Ah batteries in 90 minutes simultaneously, and a new battery-powered Roll-On Power Supply with 3,600W running power, 7,200W starting power, and 6 kWh of stored energy. Most of these products are expected to ship by June 2026.
DeWalt: POWERSHIFT and a Concrete-Drilling Robot
DeWalt made arguably the most futuristic announcement of the show: the world’s first downward-drilling, fleet-capable robot. Details are still limited, but the concept of autonomous drilling on concrete jobsites signals where the industry is heading.
On the more conventional side, DeWalt unveiled the next evolution of DEWALT POWERSHIFT — their system for heavy-duty cordless equipment. At the booth, they demonstrated cordless versions of a rammer, compactor, and backpack vibrator, all running on the POWERSHIFT platform. These are the kind of tools that have been stubbornly gas-powered for years, and DeWalt is pushing hard to change that.
New hand tools included the DCN910B 20V MAX XR Brushless Duplex Nailer and the DCCS1100B 20V MAX XR Concrete Chemical Sprayer — a specialized tool for applying sealers and curing compounds on fresh concrete. If you’re comparing DeWalt’s cordless ecosystem against Milwaukee’s, both platforms are clearly expanding well beyond drills and drivers.
Bosch: EXPERT Batteries and a Cordless Concrete Grinder
Bosch announced 60 new products total, but three concrete-focused tools stood out. The GBR18V-15S 5″ Concrete Surface Grinder delivers the equivalent of 13 amps of corded power with enhanced dust control and variable speed — that’s a big deal for surface prep work where you need cord-free mobility.
They also introduced the GDS18V-780N Mid-Torque Impact Wrench, packing 740 ft-lbs of breakaway torque in a lightweight body with auto bolt release. And the GLT18V-5000N Tower Light brings 5,000 lumens of cordless illumination to jobsites, extending up to 87 inches.
Perhaps more significant long-term is the new EXPERT 18V Battery Platform featuring tabless cell technology. The EXBA18V-40 and EXBA18V-80 batteries promise better power delivery and cooler operation under sustained load — the kind of improvement that makes every tool in the system perform better. Bosch also launched a new L-BOXX Contractor Storage System and an outdoor power equipment line including chainsaws and string trimmers.
Makita: XGT Motor Unit Steals the Show
Makita’s biggest announcement wasn’t a single tool — it was a platform. The new 40V MAX XGT Motor Unit is a fully electric, drop-in replacement engineered to match the performance of 25cc to 50cc gas engines. Expected in Summer 2026, this could be a game-changer for landscaping and light construction equipment that still runs on gas.
On the concrete side, Makita showed the XGT Vibrating Power Screed (VL001) for precision work on smaller pours, and the XGT 16 Ga. Rebar Tying Tool (GRT01) that delivers 65% stronger ties and up to 3,000 ties per charge. The XGT 3-Speed Hammer Driver-Drill (GPH03) pushes 1,590 in-lbs of torque through a brushless motor — a solid addition for anyone on the XGT platform.
Makita also introduced the XGT High Power Battery (BL4080H), delivering up to 35% more power while running 32% cooler thanks to tabless cell technology. Sound familiar? Both Bosch and Makita are betting heavily on this battery architecture.
What This Means for You
A few clear trends emerged from WOC 2026 that matter whether you’re a pro or a serious DIYer:
- Cordless is replacing everything. Rammers, compactors, concrete grinders, power screeds — tools that were corded or gas-only two years ago are going battery. If you’re building out a cordless tool collection, the ecosystem around your battery platform matters more than ever.
- Battery tech is the real battleground. Tabless cells from both Bosch and Makita, Milwaukee’s FORGE rapid charging, DeWalt’s POWERSHIFT — the brands are competing on energy density and thermal management as much as tool specs. Understanding motor and battery technology helps you evaluate which improvements are real and which are marketing.
- Smart features are becoming standard. Milwaukee’s One-Key integration across their new saws and rotary hammers, DeWalt’s fleet-capable robot — tool connectivity isn’t a gimmick anymore. It’s how crews track, customize, and manage equipment.
- Heavy-duty cordless is here. Milwaukee’s 27 lb MX FUEL demo hammer and 10-1/4″ circular saw, DeWalt’s cordless rammer and compactor — these aren’t hobby tools. Cordless has officially arrived for the heaviest jobsite work.
WOC 2026 made one thing clear: if you’ve been waiting for cordless tools to match corded and gas-powered performance, the wait is over. The question now isn’t if you’ll go cordless, but which platform you’ll commit to. We’ll be testing these tools as they hit shelves through the first half of 2026 — stay tuned.
