Caterpillar Unveils AI Tools, Autonomous Equipment and New Rental Brand at CONEXPO 2026

Caterpillar Inc. used the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 trade show in Las Vegas this week to announce a series of technology products, customer programs and new business lines, including its first autonomous soil compactor and a rental brand refresh.

The announcements, made across three exhibit halls and a 70,000-square-foot outdoor stadium at the Las Vegas Convention Center, center on AI-assisted equipment operation, fleet connectivity and a new customer-facing brand called Cat Compact, designed for small contractors.

Among the technology showcases is the Cat AI Assistant, a tool Caterpillar says allows operators and managers to interact with equipment and digital platforms using natural language. The company also highlighted an expanded partnership with fleet telematics firm Geotab Inc., integrating on-highway vehicle data into Caterpillar's existing VisionLink platform. The combined system is intended to give customers a single dashboard for managing both Caterpillar and third-party equipment.

On the autonomy side, Caterpillar demonstrated the Cat CS12, its first autonomous soil compactor, alongside Collision Mitigation, a new addition to its Cat Detect safety product line. The company also presented updates to its remote operation capabilities, with live demonstrations streamed from sites across the United States.

Cat Compact, debuting at the show, is a service model that combines online research tools with in-person dealer support, targeting contractors who work with smaller equipment. The offering allows customers to buy, rent and arrange servicing through a single channel. Separately, Caterpillar announced a refresh of its Cat Rentals brand and an updated digital platform for locating and managing rental equipment.

On the services side, the company introduced an upgraded Services Commitment that includes next-day parts delivery, two-day repairs and a credit program for instances where those commitments are not met. The Cat Rewards program and the Cat Commercial Account financing option were also updated as part of the announcement.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG, held every three years, is one of the largest construction trade shows in the world by attendance and exhibit space. Caterpillar has used previous editions of the show to launch major product lines, including earlier generations of its machine control and telematics systems.

CEO Joe Creed and Construction Industries Group President Rod Shurman delivered a keynote on Wednesday, March 4, alongside Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart and Chief Digital Officer Ogi Redzic. The executives are also scheduled to participate in a fireside chat with investment bank Jefferies on Thursday, March 5.

The show also served as the venue for Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge Finals and the inaugural Global Dealer Technician Challenge, both held at the outdoor Operator Stadium on Tuesday, March 3.

Caterpillar reported 2025 sales and revenues of $67.6 billion. The company, which has operated for more than a century, manufactures construction and mining equipment, engines, gas turbines and locomotives, and distributes products through an independent dealer network backed by Cat Financial.