Caterpillar Inc. is collaborating with FieldAI to advance physical AI, autonomy and robotics to help jobsites and factories operate safer and more efficiently. Physical AI helps improve decision-making, enhance safety and maximize the effectiveness of every worker and machine, the company said

“The future of our industries will be shaped by how effectively we combine human expertise with AI-powered machines,” said Jaime Mineart, Caterpillar chief technology officer. “Collaborations like this help accelerate the journey. We’re focused on applying AI where it matters most, helping customers improve safety, increase productivity and get more value from every operation.”

Earlier this year at CES, Caterpillar shared its vision for future jobsites: safer, more productive and easier-to-run operations powered by intelligent machines, connected workflows and digital insights.

Here comes the robots

This collaboration combines Caterpillar's deep industry expertise, engineering capabilities and operational data with FieldAI's AI-enabled robot foundation models to autonomously operate across complex jobsites and manufacturing environments, accelerating practical solutions that improve safety, productivity and operational efficiency.

Early applications include:

·                  Autonomous inspections to improve safety and operational visibility.

·                  Jobsite and facility digital twins that provide real-time insights into equipment, infrastructure and operations.

·                  Enhanced situational awareness to help identify potential risks sooner and support faster, more informed decision-making.

·                  Operational optimization that improves efficiency through simulation, automation and AI-driven insights.

“Modern manufacturing at Caterpillar is transforming how we work, from design to delivery, through advanced technology, digital innovation and a culture of continuous improvement,” said John Tuntland, Caterpillar senior vice president of Integrated Components Division. “These technologies give our teams greater visibility into how our facilities operate and help us identify opportunities to improve safety, optimize flow and make more informed decisions. As our people embrace new ways of working, we are building manufacturing operations that respond faster to change and perform at their best.”

Caterpillar selected FieldAI for its ability to deploy in complex, dynamic industrial environments where traditional automation often falls short. FieldAI’s robot-agnostic autonomy and foundation models can turn large volumes of operational and jobsite data into actionable insights — complementing Caterpillar’s manufacturing modernization and jobsite of the future initiatives.

"Caterpillar has shaped operations on jobsites and manufacturing facilities for over a century, and these are exactly the environments FieldAI excels in, with deployments spanning hundreds of sites worldwide," said Ali Agha, founder and CEO of FieldAI. "This collaboration brings leading physical AI capabilities to a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Together, we are shaping the next century of AI-enabled heavy industry."