Skip to main content

Caterpillar demonstrates remote control capabilities

From its Gold Lot stand, Caterpillar is remotely operating a D8T dozer situated 1,700 miles away in Peoria, Illinois. The CAT Command remote control system offers a choice of two operator interfaces - a portable operator console designed for line-of-sight use and an ergonomically-designed operator station that can be located remotely.
March 7, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Caterpillar D8T Dozer

From its Gold Lot stand, 178 Caterpillar is remotely operating a D8T dozer situated 1,700 miles away in Peoria, Illinois.

The CAT Command remote control system offers a choice of two operator interfaces - a portable operator console designed for line-of-sight use and an ergonomically-designed operator station that can be located remotely. When the dozer is equipped with the Command Vision System and wireless connectivity it enables the operator to work from a remote location, enhancing site and operator safety.

According to Brad Van De Weer, CAT Market Professional, heavy equipment, the system feels as though you are actually operating from the cab.

“Although we are 1,700 miles away, we have full controllability of the machine,” he said. “If I turn the throttle up and release the park brake I can raise the blade up and down, turn it right and left, I can raise and lower the ripper and control the travel controls on the left hand side of the controls.”

“It’s as if you were in the machine itself, very little time delay with operation, it’s very controllable, smooth and productive. The camera systems are placed in areas to simulate the operator’s view from the cab, but you actually gain in terms of perspective. The features and benefits are focused on safety - we don't want operators putting themselves in danger.”

“The system was initially developed for mining applications being installed on our D10 and D11’s. Now that it’s been made available on our construction line, there’s a lot of demand for it on our D8T. We are focused on dozers for now but we’re looking to implement this technology in wheel loaders and excavators soon.”

“Visitors to the stand will be able to operate the machine let it track around the course and to get an idea of how the controls feel and operate,” he said.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • US asphalt and quarry show highlights new technology
    May 8, 2015
    New technology was one key focus area for the World of Asphalt/AGG1 event run recently in the US city of Baltimore - Mike Woof writes Technology has been a major focus for the combined World of Asphalt and AGG1 2015 exhibition and conference held in Baltimore. The exhibition area attracted 450 exhibitors and covered a larger area than for previous events, while over 10,000 education season tickets were bought by those wanting to attend the presentation sessions. The event was held from March 17th- March
  • Protest storm over new US$0.5bn Nevada highway
    August 20, 2012
    The most expensive highway ever built in Nevada will open before the end of August to a storm of protest. The new 13.7km Interstate 580 three-lane motorway, which is reported to have cost more than US $0.5 billion to construct, has been dubbed a vanity project by local politicians.
  • Caterpillar redesigns Cat M318F and M320F Wheel Excavators
    January 12, 2015
    Operator comfort, improved durability and easier maintenance head the list of new features on Caterpillar’s extensively redesigned M318F and M320F Wheeled Excavators. The machines also have lower operating costs coupled with improved operator safety features, according to Caterpillar. But they retain the best features of predecessor models, including the Cat Smartboom, ride control, load-sensing hydraulics, dedicated swing pump, hydraulically driven cooling fan, large working envelope and configuration/work
  • Key developments are changing the face of the machine control market
    April 4, 2013
    Various business moves are changing the face of the machine control sector - Mike Woof reports An array of developments, both business moves and new technologies, are changing the focus for the machine control segment of the construction equipment sector. For a long time three firms, Leica Geosystems, Trimble and Topcon, have dominated this segment. The three are retaining their strong positions in the market but are seeing additional competition from Hemisphere and MOBA. Arguably the biggest news is that T