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What does this mean for workers? Caterpillar's moves touch 3 jobs, which together employ about 2.7 million people in the U.S. Across them, AI and robots already touch between 0m (mobile heavy equipment mechanics) and 5h 44m (heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers) of a typical 8-hour shift. A single company's move is an early signal for these jobs, and the time cards show how far the change has spread nationally.
Announced means the company said it would do this; nothing is running yet. Rolling out means it is in use and spreading to more locations or teams.
On the floor
- Caterpillar unveils Cat AI Assistant for troubleshooting and service
The Cat AI Assistant will give troubleshooting guidance, book service and show machine diagnostics, drawing on maintenance manuals, parts catalogs and purchase history. Caterpillar said it would launch in Q1 2026.
- Caterpillar autonomous trucks haul one million tons at Bull Run Quarry
Caterpillar and Luck Stone said autonomous Cat 777 trucks have hauled one million tons at Bull Run Quarry in Virginia, the first aggregates site to use them. The companies are exploring expansion to more sites.
Caterpillar · Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Jobs affected
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics0m of 8h touched · 177,000 workers · $66k · +6.7% by 2035
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers5h 44m of 8h touched · 2.1 million workers · $59k · +3.8% by 2035Where AI or robots show up most: Drive trucks with capacities greater than 13 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials (5h 1m a shift, robots)
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators5h 28m of 8h touched · 478,000 workers · $60k · +4.6% by 2035Where AI or robots show up most: Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes (1h 2m a shift, robots)