Caterpillar is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence and automation into its construction machinery through a strategic partnership with semiconductor leader Nvidia. The move aims to enhance operator support, improve site efficiency, and leverage data-driven insights to transform how construction projects are managed.
At CES 2026, Caterpillar showcased its AI-assisted system, Cat AI, currently being piloted in the mid-size Cat 306 CR Mini Excavator. Built on Nvidia’s Jetson Thor physical AI platform, Cat AI employs a fleet of AI agents to support machine operators on the job. The system can answer questions, provide access to operational resources, offer safety guidance, and schedule maintenance — all without requiring operators to leave the field or consult a computer.
“Most of our customers don’t spend their days in front of a laptop; they live in the dirt,” said Brandon Hootman, Caterpillar’s Vice President of Data and AI. “Cat AI delivers actionable insights while operators are doing their work, which is critical for productivity and safety.”
Beyond real-time assistance, Caterpillar is piloting digital twins of construction sites using Nvidia’s Omniverse simulation platform. These virtual replicas allow teams to test scheduling scenarios, optimize workflows, and calculate material requirements with unprecedented precision. Caterpillar’s machinery already sends roughly 2,000 messages per second back to the company, feeding the data-driven models that power these simulations.
The initiative builds on Caterpillar’s experience with fully autonomous vehicles in the mining sector, marking a significant step toward broader automation in construction. By combining AI, automation, and digital simulation, Caterpillar is positioning itself at the forefront of a data-enabled construction revolution, where operators, machines, and digital platforms work seamlessly together to enhance efficiency, safety, and project outcomes.
