Caterpillar’s Joseph Creed Introduces Innovative AI Assistant Tool at CES 2026
Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed demonstrates the Cat AI assistant, discusses the effect of tariffs, and breaks down his strategy for 2026 on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Construction equipment giant Caterpillar has unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) tool aimed at enhancing job site safety and improving efficiency, particularly as the industry faces ongoing labor shortages.
During a recent appearance on FOX Business’ “The Claman Countdown” from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, Caterpillar CEO Joseph Creed introduced the company’s innovative Cat AI Assistant. He emphasized that this tool significantly reduces training time for new operators while simultaneously boosting productivity and safety.
Creed noted, “Some of the things I hear when I talk to customers are, ‘Hey, we have a shortage of operators, and we have new operators that aren’t skilled and experienced, so the training time is really hard.’ And then, most importantly, safety. So the Cat AI Assistant helps address all these things.”
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Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar Inc., speaks during the 2026 CES event in Las Vegas Jan. 7, 2026. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“It’s essentially a personal assistant for an operator in the cab or a technician that wants to fix the machine,” Creed explained.
Powered by NVIDIA’s Riva speech models, the Cat AI Assistant enables operators to ask questions in real time and receive customized recommendations regarding equipment operation, parts, and maintenance, according to Caterpillar.
During a demonstration at CES, Creed showcased how operators can interact with the machine to activate safety features instantly, including safeguards that help avoid overhead power lines.
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The Cat AI Assistant interface was displayed at the Caterpillar booth during the 2026 CES event in Las Vegas Jan. 7, 2026. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“These are power lines that you would see on a construction site,” Creed explained. “That’s a challenge for our customers. So, it’s a safety concern if the boom hits it. It also can set the job back by days or weeks.”
With voice commands, operators can inquire about available safety features and set height limits to prevent an excavator’s boom from rising too high, effectively helping crews avoid contact with power lines.
The technology can also identify individuals on job sites, ensuring their safety, Creed added.
“The Cat AI Assistant, paired with autonomy and autonomous systems that we can now implement on the edge through our partnership with NVIDIA, is truly a game changer for recognition and safety, ensuring that people return home to their families,” he stated.
A view of a Caterpillar excavator at CES 2026 Jan. 6, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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At CES 2026, Creed also took the keynote stage to highlight how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the next generation of heavy equipment.
Caterpillar and NVIDIA announced an expanded collaboration aimed at accelerating the integration of AI across machines and production systems, as detailed on the construction company’s website.
Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed demonstrates the Cat AI assistant, discusses the effect of tariffs, and breaks down his strategy for 2026 on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Construction equipment giant Caterpillar has unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) tool aimed at enhancing job site safety and improving efficiency, particularly as the industry faces ongoing labor shortages.
During a recent appearance on FOX Business’ “The Claman Countdown” from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, Caterpillar CEO Joseph Creed introduced the company’s innovative Cat AI Assistant. He emphasized that this tool significantly reduces training time for new operators while simultaneously boosting productivity and safety.
Creed noted, “Some of the things I hear when I talk to customers are, ‘Hey, we have a shortage of operators, and we have new operators that aren’t skilled and experienced, so the training time is really hard.’ And then, most importantly, safety. So the Cat AI Assistant helps address all these things.”
INSIDE ROBOTLAB: HOW TEXAS COMPANY IS HELPING BUSINESSES NATIONWIDE FILL LABOR GAPS WITH AI
Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar Inc., speaks during the 2026 CES event in Las Vegas Jan. 7, 2026. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“It’s essentially a personal assistant for an operator in the cab or a technician that wants to fix the machine,” Creed explained.
Powered by NVIDIA’s Riva speech models, the Cat AI Assistant enables operators to ask questions in real time and receive customized recommendations regarding equipment operation, parts, and maintenance, according to Caterpillar.
During a demonstration at CES, Creed showcased how operators can interact with the machine to activate safety features instantly, including safeguards that help avoid overhead power lines.
AMD CEO SAYS AI DEMAND IS ‘GOING THROUGH THE ROOF’ AS COSTS CLIMB
The Cat AI Assistant interface was displayed at the Caterpillar booth during the 2026 CES event in Las Vegas Jan. 7, 2026. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“These are power lines that you would see on a construction site,” Creed explained. “That’s a challenge for our customers. So, it’s a safety concern if the boom hits it. It also can set the job back by days or weeks.”
With voice commands, operators can inquire about available safety features and set height limits to prevent an excavator’s boom from rising too high, effectively helping crews avoid contact with power lines.
The technology can also identify individuals on job sites, ensuring their safety, Creed added.
“The Cat AI Assistant, paired with autonomy and autonomous systems that we can now implement on the edge through our partnership with NVIDIA, is truly a game changer for recognition and safety, ensuring that people return home to their families,” he stated.
A view of a Caterpillar excavator at CES 2026 Jan. 6, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
At CES 2026, Creed also took the keynote stage to highlight how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the next generation of heavy equipment.
Caterpillar and NVIDIA announced an expanded collaboration aimed at accelerating the integration of AI across machines and production systems, as detailed on the construction company’s website.
