Caterpillar showcased a 794 AC autonomous truck equipped with MineStar Command. The truck is the first electric-drive model equipped with Command.
Command enables fully autonomous haulage. Unmanned, the truck will operate in a fleet, interact with other equipment, and integrate with mining processes and systems, Caterpillar said.
Autonomous Cat trucks have been deployed to numerous sites and now combine for more than 3 billion mt hauled with no time lost to injuries. A fleet of 28 autonomous 794 AC trucks is being deployed to Teck Resources’ Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project in Chile. The first truck of the fleet arrived in May.
Separately, Caterpillar reported it optimized the cab for Cat mining trucks to improve operator efficiency. The cab is larger and has more than 30 new features that improve connectivity, to include an expandable electronics platform.
The platform improves maintenance through enhanced remote service offerings, Caterpillar said.
The cab is more comfortable than were previous designs. Features include a fully adjustable center console, increased legroom, adjustable seat, an HVAC system and an advanced air filtration option. Two 254-mm displays eliminate clutter and reduce operator fatigue, Cat reported. The touch-screen display integrates several standard and optional Caterpillar technologies.
Operator-assist tools include AutoHoist, a secure, automated starting process, Enhanced Automatic Retarder Control, Speed Coaching and Cruise Control.
The cab was designed to help the operator improve performance metrics and thus boost productivity and gain confidence, Caterpillar said.
