January 9, 2026 - Caterpillar Inc. recently unveiled a set of AI-powered and autonomous innovations that mark a major step forward for heavy industry, transforming machines into intelligent, connected systems that help customers build and power the world’s critical infrastructure.

Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed took the stage at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, along with Chief Digital Officer Ogi Redzic and Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart, for a future-facing keynote that showcased how AI, autonomy and edge computing are converging to create the next generation of heavy equipment — and committed $25 million to the future workforce who will help build it.

Building the invisible layer of the tech stack

As AI accelerates transformation across industries, it depends on the physical world — an invisible layer of the tech stack that provides the foundation for modern technology. Caterpillar builds, powers and now makes more intelligent the machines that enable that progress, from the equipment that mines for critical minerals used in semiconductors and batteries to machines used to construct roads, bridges, data centers and energy systems. At CES 2026, the company demonstrated how it is advancing industrial AI, moving it from vision to reality.

Introducing Cat AI Assistant: Turning data into decisions at the job site

 

Caterpillar has now introduced Cat AI Assistant, a powerful AI solution that unifies Caterpillar’s diverse portfolio of digital applications and high-quality data into one simple, conversational experience. Using Caterpillar’s own trusted data stored on the Helios unified data platform, the Cat AI Assistant provides customers with reliable, context-rich information that makes daily work easier. The goal is to help customers stay one step ahead, from the office to the job site, and soon even into the cab of the machine.

Expanded collaboration with NVIDIA: Where AI meets the physical world

Caterpillar also announced an expanded collaboration with NVIDIA aimed at accelerating an AI-enabled future with on board AI features, AI agents at the scale of its products and industries, and safer, leaner, more resilient production systems. The collaboration leverages NVIDIA AI infrastructure and Caterpillar’s century-long history of building and maintaining the physical world to set a new standard for industrial innovation.

Caterpillar’s leadership in autonomy paves the way forward

At CES 2026, Caterpillar highlighted how its decades of leadership in autonomous mining equipment, now strengthened by support from AI, will revolutionize the construction industry. After more than 30 years of deploying autonomous machines in some of the world’s most demanding mining environments, Caterpillar is expanding that expertise to the yellow iron seen on everyday construction sites. The company previewed five autonomous machines designed to operate safely and reliably in a variety of complex construction environments.

Building the future starts with people

While technology is transforming operations, Creed reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the most important part of the invisible layer of the tech stack: people. To ensure both employees and customers are equipped to use the latest advanced technologies, Caterpillar is pledging $25 million over five years to launch a global innovation prize. The initiative will identify, test and scale solutions that help workers with the skills needed to thrive as new roles emerge in an increasingly digital and autonomous environment.

With $30 billion already invested in research and development over the past 20 years and plans to increase investment in digital and technology by 150% through 2030, the company is delivering advanced technology solutions to help solve its customers’ toughest challenges.

For more information or to watch a replay of the keynote, visit the Caterpillar website.