Caterpillar Inc. is signaling a major shift in the future of heavy equipment, unveiling a new generation of AI-powered and autonomous technologies while committing significant resources to the workforce that will support them. During a keynote presentation at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the company detailed how artificial intelligence, autonomy, and edge computing are converging to reshape construction, mining, and infrastructure development.
Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed appeared on stage alongside Chief Digital Officer Ogi Redzic and Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart to outline the company’s vision for what it calls the “next frontier” of industrial technology. The presentation emphasized how machines are evolving into intelligent, connected systems capable of transforming how work is performed across jobsites worldwide.
Building the Digital Backbone of Heavy Industry
As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, Caterpillar highlighted the often-overlooked physical foundation that supports digital transformation. The company’s equipment plays a critical role in mining materials for semiconductors and batteries, as well as constructing roads, bridges, data centers, and energy infrastructure. At CES, Caterpillar demonstrated how it is advancing Industrial AI by embedding intelligence directly into the machines that make modern technology possible.
The company emphasized that its strategy goes beyond software overlays, focusing instead on deeply integrated systems that connect machines, data, and decision-making in real time.
Cat AI Assistant Brings Data to the Jobsite
A central announcement at CES was the introduction of the Cat AI Assistant, a new conversational AI tool designed to unify Caterpillar’s extensive portfolio of digital applications and data streams. Built on the company’s Helios unified data platform, the assistant draws from trusted Caterpillar data to deliver context-rich insights to customers.
The Cat AI Assistant is intended to simplify daily operations by helping users interpret machine performance, maintenance needs, and operational trends. Caterpillar said the tool will initially support customers from the office to the jobsite, with plans to eventually integrate the assistant directly into machine cabs.
Expanded NVIDIA Collaboration
Caterpillar also announced an expanded collaboration with NVIDIA, aimed at accelerating AI-driven innovation across its products and manufacturing systems. The partnership will focus on deploying onboard AI features, scaling AI agents across Caterpillar’s equipment portfolio, and improving production efficiency through safer and more resilient systems.
By combining NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure with Caterpillar’s decades of experience in heavy equipment, the companies aim to set new benchmarks for industrial automation and digital transformation.
Autonomy Moves from Mining to Construction
Building on more than 30 years of experience deploying autonomous equipment in mining environments, Caterpillar revealed plans to bring that expertise more fully into the construction sector. The company previewed five autonomous construction machines designed to operate safely and reliably in complex, dynamic jobsite conditions.
Caterpillar executives emphasized that lessons learned from autonomous mining operations are now informing the development of construction equipment capable of improving safety, productivity, and consistency across large-scale projects.
Investing in the Workforce of the Future
Alongside its technology announcements, Caterpillar underscored its commitment to people as a core component of industrial innovation. The company pledged $25 million over five years to support workforce development through a new global innovation prize.
The initiative aims to identify, test, and scale solutions that equip workers with the skills needed to succeed in increasingly digital and autonomous environments. The investment reflects Caterpillar’s broader effort to ensure that employees and customers can adapt as new roles emerge alongside advanced technologies.
Caterpillar noted that it has invested $30 billion in research and development over the past two decades and plans to increase digital and technology investments by 2.5 times through 2030. Company leaders said those investments are focused on delivering practical, scalable solutions to address customers’ most complex operational challenges.
A replay of Caterpillar’s CES 2026 keynote and additional details about its AI and autonomy initiatives are available at caterpillar.com/ces.
Originally reported by Caterpiller.
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