(VIDEO) Watch Caterpillar autonomous equipment score a goal in new soccer-themed Cat Trial video
Contractors want a job site that's as safe and productive as possible. At Caterpillar, that means a focus on autonomy.
In Cat Trial 12: No Hands viewers will get to see the ability and precision of Caterpillar's autonomous mining trucks, not unlike the abilities of a soccer player.
Caterpillar brought in four-time FIFA World Cup participant DaMarcus Beasley to run through a Cat themed obstacle course and Caterpillar did the same with a 794AC autonomous mining truck. The inspiration came from Cat Trial 3: China Shop, where Caterpillar had a mini excavator navigate through tens of thousands of dollars worth of glassware. Caterpillar wanted to show that Cat's big machines could maneuver similarly.
Cat autonomous equipment was originally introduced at MINExpo in 1996, and the 794AC was showcased at MINExpo in 2021. The first autonomous 794 AC electric drive mining trucks were deployed in South America. In Chile, the first of 28 autonomous 794 AC trucks began arriving in May 2021 to be part of Teck Resources Limited's Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) copper project. It is the latest autonomous mining truck equipped with Cat MineStar Command for hauling, an autonomous hauling solution.
Autonomy is emerging in the mining industry as a way to improve safety and productivity and lower costs.
Cat Trial 12: No Hands shows how autonomy is coming to other industries. The video features a semi-autonomous version of the Cat 299D3 compact track loader (CTL). With its vertical lift design, this CTL delivers extended reach and lift height for quick and easy truck loading. Its suspended undercarriage system provides ideal traction, flotation, stability, and speed to work in a wide range of applications and underfoot conditions.
Also featured in Cat Trial 12: No Hands is former Major League Soccer player DaMarcus Beasley. Beasley played for the Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo in addition to teams in The Netherlands, England, Scotland, Germany, and Mexico. He is the only American man to play in four FIFA World Cups, making 126 appearances during his 16-year international career before retiring in 2019. And he wasn't just a fantastic player, Beasley is a great ambassador for the "beautiful game."
The course features obstacles made up of officially licensed Cat merchandise including:
- Phones – the Cat S62 Pro is protected by a high-grade aluminum body, and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
- Coolers – This 55-quart cooler is designed for the needs of the job site.
- Lights – CT3610 swing arm lights and CT3541 LED work lights can help brighten any job or work area.
- Tool bags – The Cat 16-inch Pro Wide Mouth tool bag features 18 pockets and an open, uncluttered interior space for maximum holding capacity.
- Shovels – The K10-102 D-handle digging shovel with its nearly indestructible handle.
Cat Trial 12: No Hands highlights the teamwork, agility, and precision that goes into the success of job sites.
Heavy Equipment Guide editorial director Arturo Santiago was granted on-location access during the filming of Cat Trial 12 "No Hands".
Click here to get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Trial 12.
