In an exclusive interaction at IMME, Caterpillar highlights the key features of its latest innovations and technologies in Mining.

Can you talk about the solutions exhibited at IMME?

This year under the theme of “Together, We’re Mining Better”, we strategically showcased our digital and technology-related products and service offerings grouped under three areas: a)Operator safety, b) productivity improvement, and c) mine management solutions. This decision was deliberate as it is the need of the hour for many customers as they are looking for technology that can produce more at the lowest cost. We also showcased cutting-edge virtual reality system that allows users to interact with machines without physically being on them. Some of the highlights of the solutions displayed are as below-

Cat ® Driver Safety System: The Driver Safety System (DSS), a part of Caterpillar comprehensive fatigue risk management solution that intends to provide non-intrusive fatigue and distraction notifications to operators and site management. When DSS is combined with fatigue management, the system is proven to reduce the number of fatigue-related incidents and reduce the possibility of accidents during operations.

Cat ® MineStar™ Command for Underground: The MineStar Command for Underground that we showcased at the event has a combination of on-board computers, cameras, lasers, and operator station software enable the system to steer the machine autonomously during hauling. It prevents the machine from contacting drive walls while improving operators’ safety and reducing machine damages.

Cat® MineStar™ GUIDE: The Cat GUIDE system is integrated in Caterpillar earthmoving equipment. The GUIDE with 3D system uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to provide operators with accurate three-dimensional guidance. 3D Guidance can simplify complex projects by guiding the operator to the final project design. Computers and design software are used to produce accurate 3D models of project designs.

In the past, these models stayed in the office with the engineer. But now GUIDE 3D system brings the project design directly to the machine operator and can both guide and assist the operator in achieving the desired surface with cut or fill.

Virtual Reality (VR) Showcase: We have set up a VR showcase of the 6060 Hydraulic Mining Shovel. Customers and visitors were able to experience the machine by doing a walkaround, climb up the machine, view the cab, top & middle platforms, everything virtually.

What are the significant advancements brought to this product line?

We take the voice of our customers very seriously and the input that goes into our R&D is very extensive. For example, the MineStar Command for Underground that we showcased at the event has a combination of on-board computers, cameras, lasers, and operator station software enable the system to steer the machine autonomously during hauling. It prevents the machine from contacting drive walls while improving operators’ safety and reducing machine damages.

Also, we have technologies like semi-autonomous tractor system, which as the name implies, is a semi-autonomous solution where one operator can control up to three dozers from a remote workstation. Recently, we celebrated 5 billion tons of material being moved autonomously. We have roughly about 400 trucks operating globally with our autonomous solutions.

Caterpillar is one of the front runners in embracing cutting edge technology. We have the company’s second largest concentration of engineers in the world with more than 3,200 engineers working in Caterpillar Engineering and Design Centers (EDC) in India. The service offerings from the R&D center includes numerous engineering domains such as mechanical, hydraulics, electrical, electronic software technologies, autonomy and automations, digital solutions and many more. Caterpillar is committed to sustainability through integrated and differentiated solutions that help make our customers more successful using technology, financing and aftermarket offerings, designed to increase the value proposition of Cat equipment.

How does the technological edge of your product range assure fuel efficiency and performance?

Our priority is that our customers should make more money from their investment on our equipment. This objective is embedded in every aspect of our work. We always look for solutions to ensure that our customers get the best value possible, whether that means increasing productivity, using less fuel, or combination of both. Additionally, safety serves as the foundation for each of them. From a fuel-saving aspect, all our machines are essentially equipped to run on biodiesel, they can substitute 20 percent biodiesel right out of the factory. When biodiesel is a possibility that is a saving. The other thing is that if we want to go back to the primary storage or even the entire MineStar suite that we have available under the fleet arrangement, we have machine assignment or allocation algorithms that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each of those mines. These devices let the operators or miners keep tabs on what is happening with their equipment. All those things will eventually pay off if they are put into practice as better fuel per tonne of material.

How do you ensure constant support and supply-chain assistance for your customers nationwide?

Caterpillar works on a dealer model for the go-to-market function. Our long-standing Cat dealers, Gainwell Commosales India Pvt Ltd, and Gmmco Ltd, have all the technical information, training, access to the latest updates to provide reliable services to our customers across India. Caterpillar works with dealers to establish the best-in-class product support for our customers. Our dealers in India have a long track record of investing in people and technology to support our customer base. We will continue to work with them to make the right products available to our customers and to provide support for those products.