FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7. 2026 — Caterpillar is driving a major leap forward in autonomous technology, announcing the introduction of intelligent machines engineered to transform construction operations worldwide. These innovations represent the culmination of more than three decades of research, development and real-world deployment in automation and machine intelligence.
“By embedding autonomy into construction workflows, we’re reshaping the industry to achieve safer jobsites, better jobs and easy precision that redefines productivity for the modern jobsite,” said Caterpillar Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart.
Intelligent product lines will include:
· Excavators: Autonomous trenching, loading, grading and more.
· Loaders: Material handling and truck loading, powered by autonomous navigation and real-time data processing.
· Haul Trucks: Off-road machines that carry and distribute massive amounts of materials like rock, soil and minerals.
· Dozers: Precision grading and earthmoving for optimal efficiency.
· Compactors: Automated surface preparation, ensuring consistent quality and safety for construction.
· Site Optimization: Cat® VisionLink™ and Cat® MineStar™ site systems connect fleets and enable coordinated, intelligent operations across the jobsite.
Proven Performance
Caterpillar has been at the forefront of automation for more than 30 years. The company’s entry into autonomy began in the 1980s with a partnership with Carnegie Mellon, developing software, GPS and perception systems that led to Caterpillar’s first autonomous truck tests.
In the 1990s, Caterpillar teams advanced capabilities in sensing, positioning, and control that became the foundation of autonomous operations today. By the mid-2000s, the company advanced real-world testing under extreme conditions, and, as a result, the Caterpillar is one of the first to deliver Level 4 autonomy: machines that operate independently.
Today, Caterpillar’s autonomous mining fleet is one of the largest and most proven in the world, having safely moved over 11 billion tonnes of material and traveled more than 380 million kilometers.
Technical Breakthroughs and Machine Intelligence
Caterpillar’s autonomous solutions are built on a foundation of AI, machine learning, computer vision and edge computing that process sensor data in real time and serve as a digital nervous system for customers’ jobsites. Integrated LiDAR, radar, GPS, and high-resolution cameras provide a 360-degree, constantly updated digital view of the jobsite, enabling precise and reliable autonomous operations—even in complex and chaotic environments.
“Together with our customers, we’re transforming the industries we serve—one jobsite, one breakthrough, one bold idea at a time,” said Mineart.
The company’s autonomy journey into construction will also be spotlighted at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026.
Caterpillar CES 2026 Media Resources
About Caterpillar
With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Power & Energy – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels.
