Caterpillar CES 2025 Booth Will Celebrate Its Centennial with Hybrid Machines and High Technology

CES has become a big deal for construction equipment manufacturers. In fact, Caterpillar just announced it’s using the show as a launching pad to celebrate 100 years and beyond in 2025. Last year was our first time attending, and it was pretty eye-opening. The Consumer Electronics Show (now just called CES) is an annual tradeshow organized by the Consumer Technology Association. The event is absolutely enormous. It not only takes over Las Vegas’ main tradeshow venue (the biggest in America) but all the hotels in town. Every type of industry is exhibiting at CES now, showcasing everything from AI bipedal robot toys to electric private jets that take off vertically. Next-gen construction equipment is also being unveiled. Caterpillar will spotlight “The Next 100 Years” at its CES 2025 booth Jan. 7 through Friday, Jan. 10.

From the press release:

“Caterpillar was founded in 1925 with an innovative spirit, aimed at helping our customers overcome practical problems and challenges. Over the past 100 years, the company has built on a revolutionary legacy — creating industry-leading products, technologies, services and solutions,” said Rob Hoenes, senior vice president of Caterpillar’s Electrification + Energy Solutions division.

Now Cat’s planning another century of great products.

The Caterpillar CES 2025 Booth: The Next 100 Years

Caterpillar is set to celebrate its monumental 100-year legacy at CES 2025. It will host an exhibit that blends history, technology and the future of construction. This year marks the second time the construction giant has participated in the world’s largest tech event. We cruised the booth last year. You can see some of it in this video we produced. Once again, the booth promises to be a must-see for both construction professionals and technology enthusiasts alike. The exhibit is titled “The Next 100 Years: Experience What’s Possible.” It will demonstrate Caterpillar’s ongoing evolution through innovative solutions in response to the energy transition and modern construction challenges.

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Explore Cutting-Edge Hybrid Technology

At the heart of the exhibit will be a standout piece: a 55,000-lb. Cat 972 wheel loader retrofitted with a technical demonstrator showcasing an Extended Range Electrified Machine hybrid retrofit. This breakthrough technology enables the loader to perform at or above the level of traditional diesel machines. This is without the need for DC charging. The retrofit offers a glimpse into the future. It allows jobsites to reduce their carbon footprint without significant changes to existing electrical infrastructure. From the press release:

“What sets this demonstrator apart from other Cat battery electric machines is an additional power source,” said 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.”

Visitors will learn how Cat machines nearing the end of their life cycle can be repowered, extending their operational lifespan while contributing to a more sustainable future. The hybrid retrofit runs on 100 percent zero-emissions battery power for several hours, then switches to hybrid mode, powered by an onboard generator. For construction pros exploring ways to reduce emissions while maintaining performance, this is an essential opportunity to see what’s possible.

Cat’s Virtual Jobsite of the Future

In addition to the hybrid machine, Caterpillar will take visitors inside a virtual jobsite of the future, powered by a full ecosystem of electrified solutions. Attendees will experience firsthand the challenges and opportunities of operating a jobsite where everything from equipment to charging schedules must be considered to ensure smooth operations.

Key Technologies on Display

CES visitors will also get the chance to explore cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping the industry, including:

• Cat Command: A remote operating station will allow attendees to control real-time Cat machines located 445 miles away at the Caterpillar Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center in Green Valley, Arizona. The Compact Equipment crew actually operated Cat Command this summer from our offices. Watch the video above! Command highlights Caterpillar’s advancements in remote operations and autonomy, crucial for increasing safety and efficiency on jobsites.
• VisionLink: Caterpillar’s cloud-based fleet management software provides critical data that empowers contractors to optimize their fleet performance and productivity. With actionable insights available on both desktop and mobile devices, construction pros can make data-driven decisions that enhance their bottom line.

Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation

CES 2025 will also feature a Centennial Corridor, where visitors can take a step back in time and explore Caterpillar’s first 100 years of innovation. From building the world’s infrastructure to shaping the future of construction technology, this section will showcase the significant impact Caterpillar has had in creating a more sustainable, productive and connected world.

Don’t Miss Out on the Caterpillar CES 2025 Booth

Caterpillar’s exhibit at CES 2025 promises to be one of the big highlights of the show, offering a glimpse into the future of construction equipment and technology. Whether you’re a construction professional looking for ways to integrate new technologies into your fleet or a tech enthusiast interested in the next wave of innovation, the Caterpillar booth (West Hall, #6416) is a must-visit. CES 2025 runs from January 7–10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Caterpillar team is eager to showcase what’s next for the construction industry. Go find them.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.