Caterpillar (CAT) has expanded its partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of AI-enabled solutions across its product lines and manufacturing processes.
The collaboration aims to integrate advanced AI capabilities into CAT’s machinery, customer support systems and production environments.
At CES 2026, the company introduced the Cat AI Assistant, which allows users to interact with CAT’s digital tools and equipment through conversational interfaces.
Built using NVIDIA Riva open speech models, the Cat AI Assistant can answer queries and provide recommendations on topics such as equipment operation, maintenance and spare parts.
Voice activation also enables operators to adjust settings, troubleshoot issues and connect with resources from within the cab environment.
The information is supported by data from CAT’s Helios unified platform.
The company is also deploying the NVIDIA Jetson Thor platform across its construction, mining and power assets to enable real-time AI inference.
This step is intended to prepare machines for future autonomous operation and to offer enhanced in-cab experiences for operators.
These features include an operator assistant that delivers personalised insights, productivity coaching, safety alerts and real-time recommendations by processing large volumes of sensor data.
In addition, CAT is using its NVIDIA AI Factory infrastructure to upgrade manufacturing processes, aiming for improvements in forecasting and scheduling through automation.
By building digitally accurate representations of factories on the NVIDIA Omniverse platform and OpenUSD, CAT teams can simulate and optimise layouts before physical implementation.
Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed 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.”
Last month, Doosan Bobcat’s North American unit filed patent infringement lawsuits against CAT and dealer Holt Texas in several jurisdictions.
