How Machines and People Shape Our World

Caterpillar, a giant in the machinery world, is making big moves in tech. With a huge $64. 8 billion in revenue in 2024, they're involved in building infrastructure, energy, and mining. Their work is everywhere, from hospitals to data centers, powering and shaping modern life. At the heart of this tech push is Jaime Mineart, the company's chief technology officer. She started as an intern at 18 and has spent her whole career with Caterpillar. Now, she's leading the charge in developing advanced tech for their machines, focusing on autonomy, automation, productivity, and safety. She believes their work directly impacts how we live. Mineart's journey with Caterpillar began in college. As a mechanical engineering student, she was unsure about her path. Her internship at Caterpillar changed that. Working on large engines and power systems gave her a sense of purpose. She moved through various roles, from design engineering to sales, always learning and growing.As CTO, Mineart oversees both physical and digital tech. Her team works on machine safety, autonomy, and advanced power systems. She collaborates closely with other tech leaders at Caterpillar, focusing on how technology can help customers succeed. She emphasizes that technology alone isn't enough; it's about integrating it into real-world operations. Caterpillar has been a leader in machine autonomy for over 30 years. Mineart highlights that the key is not just the tech, but how it's used in the workplace. They focus on aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver real results. This customer-centric approach guides their innovation, with a strong motivation to solve real-world problems together. Looking ahead, Mineart sees huge potential in robotics, AI, and digital twins. Data is at the core of these advancements. Caterpillar's Helios data platform and partnerships with tech companies like NVIDIA are enabling these innovations. She believes they're at a unique intersection of experience and technological capability, ready to shape the future.