Caterpillar Expands Remote Control And Semi-Autonomous Offerings

Drawing from more than 30 years of equipment autonomy experience, Caterpillar announces the expansion of Cat® Command to a broader range of construction machines. Cat Command is now launching a line of remote control and semi-autonomous technologies, ranging from operator-assisted compaction to remote control loading, dozing and excavating operations.

Scalable technologies built to flexibly meet customer needs, Cat Command helps to enhance safety and increase productivity for a variety of applications. Remote control provides full machine maneuverability from a safe distance when working in potentially hazardous environments. By removing the operator from the cab, it also eliminates machine vibration feedback felt by the operator, reducing fatigue. Helping to address current and future labour shortages, the technology expands machine operation to a larger pool of potential operators, through its “virtual cab,” which offers easy access to accommodate those with physical limitations.

A single operator can quickly and easily control multiple machines, one at a time, or change jobsite location without traveling from the office to the machine, significantly improving operating efficiency and reducing travel time and costs. Remote control affords continuous production immediately following a disruptive process, like blasting or weather conditions which would normally stop an operation.

Precise remote control

Cat Command Console and Station controls are fully integrated with the machines’ electronic and hydraulic systems for quick response and smooth control. Operating commands are sent directly to the machine’s electronics through a dedicated radio transmitter/receiver, resulting in real-time control. Since the system is a dealer-installed kit fully designed and integrated into the machine, not an aftermarket add-on, Cat Command can be quickly switched between similar machines to give the customer increased machine flexibility.

The line-of-sight Cat Command Console comes complete with a lightweight, compact control console supported by a comfortable shoulder harness. Controlling all machine functions, the Command Console allows the operator to work safely and comfortably away from the machine, while remaining onsite and in direct visual contact with the equipment. This solution requires no onsite communications infrastructure and is ideal for short-term and emergency use when encountering a potentially hazardous work area.

The Cat Command Station offers the flexibility of being located onsite for line-of-sight operation or positioned miles away for non-line-of-sight applications. The station includes a modular, customized “virtual cab,” where the operator is comfortably seated in front of machine controls and displays similar to those inside the operator’s cab. Offering an improved working environment, the Command Station allows operators to work for longer periods of time without fatigue, and one operator can remotely operate multiple machines, one at a time, from a single station.

Remote controlled Cat Next Generation 320 excavator

Assisted compaction

The semi-autonomous Cat Command for Compaction technology automates soil compaction to help contractors meet high compaction quality standards. By automating the process, it allows operators of all experience levels to deliver consistent compaction results. Command for Compaction is available as a dealer-installed kit on new and B-Series Cat soil compactors.

With no back-office design required, the operator simply uses the intuitive in-cab display with touchscreen interface to quickly map the boundaries of the area to be compacted. The operator then enters compaction parameters and sets the machine to auto. The system automatically controls compactor propulsion, steering, vibration and compaction overlap. To supplement an operator’s safety awareness, an integrated object detection system alerts the operator of an obstruction in the roller’s path.