Caterpillar Inc. announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Luminar Technologies to use the latter’s LiDAR technology in its upcoming autonomous construction machines. The partnership is designed to enhance the navigation and obstacle detection capabilities of Caterpillar’s heavy machines, particularly in quarry and aggregate environments. The integration of Luminar LiDAR technology will be part of Caterpillar’s Cat Command for hauling, with the first use case being off-highway trucks.
Luminar’s LiDAR, Light Detection and Ranging, uses pulsed lasers to continuously scan the environment to provide high-precision measurements of the shape and distance of objects around it. It is a valuable addition to autonomous equipment since it allows the machines to navigate safely and efficiently. There will be two Iris LiDAR units installed on the Cat off-highway trucks using a custom integration system developed for Caterpillar.
Caterpillar has been investing in automation and autonomy for many years, and its autonomous trucks have hauled over 9.3 billion tonnes and travelled in excess of 334 million kilometers across three continents. Caterpillar sees autonomy as a key enabler of enhanced safety, productivity, and efficiency for customers.
Jaime Mineart, Caterpillar Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Integrated Components and Solutions, said he was pleased to collaborate with Luminar on this project. He pointed to Caterpillar’s extensive history of investing in autonomy and automation, which he said brings value to customers.
Caterpillar’s partnership with Luminar represents one of the most important developments in autonomous construction equipment. By utilizing Luminar’s high-quality LiDAR, Caterpillar will be capable of increasing the operational efficiency of its machines, particularly in difficult conditions like quarries and aggregate yards.
This partnership also underscores the broader trend of the entry of cutting-edge technologies into non-automotive industrial verticals. Luminar, which has extensively operated in the automotive sector, is aggressively expanding its footprint in other verticals such as trucking, security, and smart cities. The firm’s technology was recognized for its potential to revolutionize industries by making them efficient and safe.
In construction, autonomous systems can significantly reduce operational hazards and increase productivity on the field. Autonomous equipment can operate around the clock without taking a rest, which can increase production and decrease human error. Additionally, autonomous systems can adapt to dynamic environments, which makes them a match for construction fields that lack a lot of infrastructure.
The incorporation of LiDAR technology into construction equipment is one aspect of Caterpillar’s broader strategy to provide innovative solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs. As the construction industry prepares to adopt more advanced technologies, collaborations like this one between Caterpillar and Luminar are positioned to be at the leading edge in shaping the future of autonomous construction applications.
