From fleet management to fully autonomous machine operation, Cat MineStar™ technology has transformed the mining industry. Caterpillar provides building block technology packages that are scalable to meet the mining operation’s needs as it moves along the technology integration journey.

Visitors will be able to experience interactive engagement with MineStar fleet management solutions for both surface and underground operations at the exhibit’s conversation stations. A third station allows attendees to explore precision mining solutions dedicated to site optimization.

Every piece of equipment that will be on the show floor is infused with various levels of technology. In addition to the ultra-class 798 AC featuring Command for hauling, the R2900 XE LHD will be equipped with Cat MineStar Command for underground that enables remote machine operation. The diesel-electric LHD will also feature MineStar Detect for underground to safeguard against unintended unintended interactions between personnel and assets and enhance operator alertness, both enhancing operating safety. Optional technologies available for the Cat 995 wheel loader include Payload Overload Prevention, Operator Assist, Operator Coaching and Terrain for loading to further boost operator efficiency and productivity.

Caterpillar is set to launch two new technology offerings to the MineStar ecosystem at the show:

• Delivering the next layer of safety, Collision Awareness System (CAS) is a site-wide solution that uses the latest in technology advancements to enhance situational awareness by warning operators of potential machine interactions before they have a chance to happen. CAS will be highlighted on the 995 and 798.

• A new office application for Terrain Payload Management expands the payload tracking technology to Cat Electric Rope Shovels and Draglines.

Virtual reality experiences will allow attendees to “get into the cab” of the Cat 7495 Electric Rope Shovel and 6060 Hydraulic Mining Shovel. Showcasing the capabilities of Cat Command technology, two remote operating stations will give visitors the chance to operate a dozer or rotary blasthole drill located hundreds of miles away from the Caterpillar exhibit. A third station will offer simulations of Cat Command for underground, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and ease of use.

“Customers will experience our latest technology innovations and autonomous developments throughout the Caterpillar show floor at MINExpo,” says Sean McGinnis, vice president and general manager of technology and global sales support for Caterpillar. “Mine site automation makes significant impacts in operations and not just with autonomous haulage. Today, we have customers around the world utilizing our autonomous solutions for drilling, loading, dozing, hauling and underground, and we are working with many customers to develop the autonomous sites of tomorrow.”

The in-booth Caterpillar service bay and nearby displays will highlight options available to mining customers for maintaining the machinery and meeting production targets. Track pad displays for rope and hydraulic shovels and dozers will show the latest offerings designed to maximize undercarriage life.

Demonstrating the innovative ways Cat dealers keep machines operating with minimum downtime, attendees will be able to step inside a service van, which makes customized hose and couplings right on site. The van offers the capabilities of quickly returning a machine to service by making the necessary size and length of the hose for repair.

Conversation stations allow team members to engage with customers on a range of topics including, but not limited to: repair options, parts and component remanufacturing, machine rebuilds, various truck body options, and bucket choices. Also, a range of 3D printed parts will be on display along with multiple engine exhibits, including the Cat C32 Reman, C32 core, upgraded 3512 E and C175 cutaway.

Spanning machines to technology to services, Cat Job Site Solutions ties everything together with customized, scalable solutions that are results driven. Team members will meet with attendees to demonstrate how, working with the dealer, Cat Job Site Solutions provides a strategy with intended outcomes and a plan for action that meets the unique challenges of the mine site. Additionally, team members cover how Cat Customer Value Agreements (CVA) provide a custom services package to enable hassle-free ownership of equipment.

From projects in emerging markets to investing in established ones, Cat Financial finances deals globally and understands the mining industry’s cyclical nature and the uniqueness of the customer’s needs. Financial experts at the financing conversation station will be there to explain how Cat Financial is built to deliver customized solutions for the equipment’s lifecycle needs. From initial purchase to maintenance, repairs, rebuilds and technology upgrades, Cat Financial tailors solutions to maximize return on investment of the mining equipment.