Caterpillar’s Vision for the Future to be Featured at CES 2025
As Caterpillar Inc. gears up to celebrate its centennial milestone, the construction and heavy equipment giant is making waves with a bold and forward-thinking exhibit at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
Titled “The Next 100 Years: Experience What’s Possible,” the showcase will highlight Caterpillar’s evolution over the last century while unveiling cutting-edge technologies designed to drive the next era of construction innovation.
This exhibit isn’t just a retrospective—it’s a glimpse into the transformative strides Caterpillar is taking toward sustainability, electrification, and advanced digital solutions. From electrified job sites to remote operation capabilities, the event promises to be a highlight of CES 2025.
A Century of Innovation
Caterpillar’s journey began in 1925, rooted in a commitment to innovation and problem-solving for industries worldwide. Over the past 100 years, the company has solidified its place as a leader in construction and energy solutions, evolving alongside its customers to meet ever-changing demands.
“Caterpillar was founded in 1925 with an innovative spirit, aimed at helping our customers overcome practical problems and challenges,” said Rob Hoenes, Senior Vice President of Caterpillar’s Electrification + Energy Solutions division. “Over the past 100 years, the company has built on a revolutionary legacy—creating industry-leading products, technologies, services, and solutions.”
CES 2025 will serve as the official kickoff for Caterpillar’s centennial celebrations, with an exhibit that blends history and future-forward vision. Visitors will walk through the Centennial Corridor, an immersive experience showcasing key milestones from Caterpillar’s past while setting the stage for its future contributions to sustainability and technology.
Electrifying the Job Site
At the heart of the Caterpillar exhibit will be the 55,000-lb. Cat® 972 Wheel Loader, showcasing an Extended Range Electrified Machine hybrid retrofit. This demonstrator is a ground-breaking step toward decarbonisation in construction, offering a solution that merges diesel and battery-electric technologies for enhanced flexibility.
“What sets this demonstrator apart from other Cat battery electric machines is an additional power source,” explained Rob Janssen, Vice President and General Manager of Caterpillar’s Electrification + Energy Solutions division. “In this case, it’s a conventional diesel generator running AC power to a rectifier, which converts energy from AC to DC. The energy created is used to charge the battery, drive the machine, or both.”
Key Features of the Hybrid Demonstrator:
- End-of-Life Machine Retrofit: Older Cat machines can be rebuilt and repowered to align with low-carbon initiatives, extending their operational life.
- Dual Modes of Operation: Can run on 100% zero-emission battery power for several hours or switch to hybrid mode with an onboard generator for extended use.
- Practical Charging Options: Charges overnight on a standard utility grid connection at 240V, eliminating the need for extensive electrical infrastructure.
This approach offers a practical pathway for customers seeking to reduce emissions without committing fully to battery-electric systems, making it a flexible option for the transitional phase of electrification.
The Future in Action
Visitors to the exhibit will step into a virtual job site of the future, gaining insights into how electrified job sites function within the Caterpillar ecosystem. From charging schedules to the complexities of interconnected machinery, the exhibit highlights how Caterpillar envisions seamless integration of technology and sustainability.
Additionally, attendees can experience Cat Command, a remote operation station enabling them to control real equipment at Caterpillar’s Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center in Arizona—over 400 miles away. This hands-on demonstration underscores the company’s leadership in automation and remote operations, key components of tomorrow’s job sites.
Harnessing the Power of Data
Caterpillar’s technological advancements extend beyond equipment to include cutting-edge software solutions like VisionLink®, a cloud-based fleet management tool. By delivering actionable performance insights directly to desktops or mobile devices, VisionLink® enables operators to maximise productivity, minimise downtime, and make data-driven decisions.
“Our industry-leading digital capabilities convey a distinct competitive advantage,” Hoenes added. “Our customers have autonomous haul trucks working 24/7 around the world and have moved nearly 9 billion tonnes. We also offer autonomous dozers, drills, wheel loaders, and compactors.”
These digital innovations highlight Caterpillar’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability on job sites worldwide.
A Glimpse into the Past and Future
The Centennial Corridor at CES 2025 invites attendees to take a walk down memory lane. This immersive journey showcases Caterpillar’s impact over the past century, from revolutionising construction techniques to contributing to global infrastructure development.
Yet the corridor doesn’t just stop at history; it serves as a reminder of the company’s ongoing mission to build a better, more sustainable world. By blending nostalgia with forward-thinking innovation, Caterpillar demonstrates its unwavering commitment to progress.
Key Takeaways for CES 2025 Visitors
Caterpillar’s presence at CES 2025 isn’t just about celebrating 100 years of achievements—it’s about looking ahead to the next century of innovation. Highlights of the exhibit include:
- A focus on electrified job sites, showcasing hybrid and fully electric solutions.
- Interactive demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies like VisionLink® and Cat Command.
- A commitment to sustainability, with solutions designed to reduce emissions and extend equipment life.
- An immersive journey through Caterpillar’s storied past and visionary future.
Embracing Tomorrow
As Caterpillar prepares to celebrate its centennial, the company’s message is clear: innovation is a journey, not a destination. By embracing emerging technologies, prioritising sustainability, and focusing on customer needs, Caterpillar is paving the way for a more efficient and eco-friendly future in construction and beyond.
CES 2025 promises to be a defining moment for the brand, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the power of Caterpillar’s vision firsthand. The next 100 years? They’re just getting started.
