Caterpillar has entered the AI revolution with in-cab voice assistance for construction equipment operators.
Like Siri or Alexa, the operator need only say, “Hey, Cat” and a command. The system can respond with everything from how-to information to helping perform functions like preventing the boom from hitting overhead powerlines.
In the video above, Cat demonstrated how its AI Voice Assistant works on a 306 compact excavator at the CES 2026 show in January.
The company says the Voice Assistant is designed to address the challenge of finding experienced operators, and the new AI technology will make operating machines safer, easier and more efficient for operators of all skill levels.
To that end, the demonstration on the CES showroom floor centered on a simulated jobsite with overhead powerlines. The Cat rep in the cab says, “Hey, Cat” and informs the voice assistant of the powerlines and asks how to avoid hitting them. From the in-cab monitor, the assistant walks the operator through setting an E-ceiling that stops the boom from extending beyond a specified height below the lines.
The assistant also demonstrated responses to basic requests, like how to get started operating the excavator.
The operator asks about maintenance information, such as the machine’s status. The voice responds with info about runtime, fluid levels, idle time. It also tells what preventive maintenance the excavator needs next and when it is due.
If a part is needed, the assist enables the operator to order it from Cat’s e-commerce site.
Other functions include accessing service manuals, owner manuals, troubleshooting guides, how-to videos.
It also monitors the operator’s work and offers tips to improve speed and safety.
Most of the Cat AI Assistant features will be available beginning in 2026, while in-cab applications are in the final phase of validation testing, the company says.
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00:00:00:12 - 00:00:30:23
Speaker 1
And let's face it, that is one of the number one challenges facing the construction industry today is finding experienced operators. Today, we're going to show you right now with the new intelligent in Cab category. Assistant is going to make operating machines safer, easier and more efficient for operators of all skill levels. All right. Hey, you said when you first get into the cab that you want to get comfortable with the controls.
00:00:30:25 - 00:00:33:21
Speaker 1
How can the cab AI assistant help with that?
00:00:33:23 - 00:00:47:05
Speaker 2
Yeah. I mean, it's really easy. And once I get in the cab, I can safely say, hey, Pat. Hey, that. How do I get started?
00:00:47:07 - 00:01:00:03
Speaker 3
You are an excavator. Control pattern. Stick and swing are controlled with your left joystick and boom and bucket with the right machine. Travel is controlled with the travel levers in front of you. Let me know if you need anything else.
00:01:00:05 - 00:01:05:25
Speaker 2
I mean, it's not easy. I know I'm in standard excavator control panel right there.
00:01:05:27 - 00:01:18:28
Speaker 1
The in cab patios. This is a TV for that operator. Making them a better a better operator and more comfortable. Hayden, what if you weren't familiar with this particular model? What if you had other questions about the machine?
00:01:19:01 - 00:01:43:09
Speaker 2
So with the system, once I'm in the machine, I've got access to service manuals, owner operator manuals, troubleshooting guides, privately videos. I've got a wealth of knowledge to help me understand this machine. Additionally, I assistant it will monitor my working and it can give me some operational tips for the job I'm doing. It helps me get the job done faster on site.
00:01:43:16 - 00:01:49:23
Speaker 1
That's great. A real life coach. Okay. How about maintaining your machine and keeping it running?
00:01:49:25 - 00:02:02:08
Speaker 2
Yeah. So maintenance is key. It can do a lot. I can ask it several things about maintenance. Hey, Cat, what's my machine status?
00:02:02:11 - 00:02:23:02
Speaker 3
This machine has 937 hours with average daily run time of 6.6 hours, with 31% idle time for the last seven days. System checks are complete and fluid levels are normal. There are no outstanding health events. However, I recommend you fasten your seatbelt before operation.
00:02:23:04 - 00:02:38:19
Speaker 1
He's already got that signal on. And hey, one moment just for anyone over here. Some of you might not be able to see, but there's a monitor right behind hated. That is the monitor that he's interacting with. And he's seeing the responses on in real time.
00:02:38:21 - 00:02:49:25
Speaker 2
I know the question I can simply ask is. Hey, Pat. Hey, Pat. When's my next service due?
00:02:49:27 - 00:03:00:08
Speaker 3
You were due for an oil filter replacement in 63 hours. I see you placed an order for the preventative maintenance kit. It is scheduled to arrive next Tuesday.
00:03:00:11 - 00:03:01:07
Speaker 2
That's it.
00:03:01:09 - 00:03:28:06
Speaker 1
This is great information to help. You know, Hayden. Water replacement parts, you water attachments. Right inside the cab with integrated e-commerce features. Right with the API assistant. Okay, let's get back to the number one priority on the jobsite. And that is safety. We are on it. We're on a simulated jobsite here that has some power lines overhead. And this is something that these contractors face.
00:03:28:06 - 00:03:41:23
Speaker 1
They're oftentimes in tight city areas. Maybe it's not power lines. It could be low overhanging buildings. It could be traffic on the side people. So hey, how are you going to operate around an obstacle like these power lines? Yeah.
00:03:41:26 - 00:04:05:03
Speaker 2
Really carefully. I don't want to hit them. I bet a lot of operators are coming in and they're very nervous. May be working around these kind of close water obstacles. So something they can do with the AI assistant is simply ask you to house. Hey, can I see power lines overhead? How can I avoid hitting them?
00:04:05:05 - 00:04:15:29
Speaker 3
This machine has any ceiling feature that can limit machine movement overhead. I can help you set the ceiling height directly, or use your current boom height as a reference point.
00:04:16:02 - 00:04:24:23
Speaker 2
So there we go. There's an E ceiling feature, and he's told me that exactly if I move my boom flat, I don't want it to go past so he can just spot me.
00:04:24:29 - 00:04:26:11
Speaker 1
All right, let's show how it works.
00:04:26:11 - 00:04:29:17
Speaker 2
And tell me when I'm close to about it. Okay, right from those lines.
00:04:29:21 - 00:04:34:12
Speaker 1
I got your. Hey right about there. You're getting very close. Right there is.
00:04:34:12 - 00:04:51:29
Speaker 2
Good. Okay, so normally if I want to set any ceiling, I can do it in the control panel here. Or I can just ask the AI assistant for me. Hey, you can set a new ceiling.
00:04:52:01 - 00:04:54:05
Speaker 3
The ceiling has been turned off.
00:04:54:07 - 00:05:16:21
Speaker 2
The ceiling has been turned on. I can see in my control panel there I have a green line, so I know it's working. But of course, first I'll give it a slight test to make sure. What it will do is make sure that my thing doesn't go past that point that I set. And you can see if you look at the controller here, I can happily just pull it straight back and it will not go past that point.
00:05:16:23 - 00:05:22:19
Speaker 2
It makes the job for me a lot safer. I can be a lot more efficient to get the job done in that timely manner.
