Cat expands collaboration with NVIDIA on physical AI and robotics

The news came as Cat’s CEO Joe Creed delivered a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, yesterday (7 January).

Caterpillar said that the NVIDIA Jetson Thor platform enables “real-time AI inference” on its construction, mining and power equipment.

What that means is that the system is able to analyse incoming sensor, video, audio, or machine data quickly enough to make decisions and predictions that influence operation of the machine. According to Caterpillar, it lays the foundation for next-generation autonomy and intelligent in-cab experiences.

In practical terms, the tie-up with NVIDIA promises:

• In-cab AI features, with an intelligent operator assistant providing operators with personalised insights, real-time coaching, productivity tips and safety alerts.
• Construction and mining machines equipped with AI-driven recommendations, “capable of processing billions of data points in milliseconds” to navigate complex, variable jobsite conditions.
• A “digital nervous system” for customers’ jobsites, with machines powered by AI, machine learning and computer vision.

Caterpillar has also debuted the Cat AI Assistant at CES, which was built using NVIDIA Riva open speech models that use lifelike voices to answer questions and provide personalised recommendations on equipment, parts, and maintenance. In the cab, it will use voice activation to enable settings, guide troubleshooting, and connect users to resources across Cat apps and websites.

Meanwhile, the company is also using NVIDIA resources to transform its manufacturing and supply processes. The company said it is using NVIDIA AI Factory, which is an integrated software and hardware framework that allows industrial companies to develop, train, deploy, and improve AI models at scale across their operations.

Cat said it would use the technology to automate and accelerate manufacturing processes, including forecasting and scheduling.

Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar, said, “As AI moves beyond data to reshape the physical world, it is unlocking new opportunities for innovation — from job sites and factory floors to offices.”

“Caterpillar is committed to solving our customers’ toughest challenges by leading with advanced technology in our machines and every aspect of business. Our collaboration with NVIDIA is accelerating that progress like never before.”

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, added, “For a century, Caterpillar has built the industrial machines that shaped the world. In the age of AI, NVIDIA and Caterpillar are partnering across the full spectrum – from autonomous construction fleets to the AI data centres powering the next industrial revolution.”