Caterpillar is expanding its Cat Command remote-control operation technology to large excavators in Japan and the US.
The manufacturer says the Command for Excavating system enables users to control dig, lift and tracking functions from a safe location, enabling production to restart immediately following disruptive processes, such as blasting in quarry applications.
It adds that the system removes the operator from the machine in potentially hazardous operating environments and enhances safe machine operation, while reducing operator fatigue to increase productivity.
In addition to quarrying, it is designed for use in a range of projects such as operating in unstable underfoot conditions, brownfields, shore work, demolition and site decommissioning, and stevedoring.
Six Cat excavators spanning the 20 to 40 tonne class sizes – the Cat 320, 323, 326, 330, 336 and 340 models – can now be equipped with either line-of-sight or non-line-of-sight remote operating configurations.
The excavators are made Command-ready through a dealer-installed field kit for new or existing fleet machines. Providing excellent visibility, the kit features multiple cameras for non-line-of-site operation from the Command station that offer a view of the area surrounding the machine plus the ability to stream on-site video feeds. Alongside the cameras, indicator lights, microphone, wireless receiver, and antenna are all mounted on top of the cab to minimise the risk of damage.
The Command system includes two different remote operating options. Cat says it is ideal for temporary or emergency remote operation with no on-site communications infrastructure required, and offers line-of-site machine control through a lightweight, compact console, supported by a comfortable shoulder harness. Offering machine control from up to 400m away, the console controls all excavator functions with virtually no response delay. Built-in safety features stop all excavator movements if the remote shutdown switch is pressed, wireless communication is lost, or the console is tilted more than 45 degrees from normal operating position.
The new Command station is designed to provide non-line-of-site operation from the comfort of an air-conditioned office on-site or many miles away, as distance is limited only by the capabilities of the wireless network. Reducing downtime for shift changes or the need to travel to the jobsite, operators can easily control up to five different machines at a single or different sites from one station.
