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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
And move on.Cat Robotics solves this issue by enabling the machine to read and follow the customer’s site-plan design file. The technology used in the new semi-autonomous CTL brings that design file into a back-office system and sends it to a simple tablet controller. The tablet connects directly to the CTL, which basically has its own Wi-Fi hot spot. This system allows a job site to be set up very quickly, with no need for a dedicated data network. Combining Remote Control with Autonomy As a semi-autonomous machine, the demo CTL combines remote control with semi-autonomous operation. It enables an operator to control the machine via the tablet interface while picking up material—a job that requires a high level of precision. Once loaded, the operator assigns a drop point and the machine navigates there on its own. It then leaves the material and navigates back to the pickup area, where the operator takes control again.This allows one operator to control up to four machines at once. By taking over the monotonous, repetitive part of the operation—running back and forth from pickup zone to drop point—it makes the work much more engaging. Plus, it makes the best use of the operator’s presence, eliminating idle time. Leveraging Built-In Technologies Cat D-Series CTLs like the 299D3 already have extensive control-by-wire capabilities, so they lend themselves readily to automation. Existing automated capabilities now used by operators in the cab, such as self-leveling with forks, return-to-dig and return-to-lift, can be effectively integrated with remote-control and autonomous capabilities.The new autonomy layer takes advantage of this built-in automation “DNA.” Then, it adds the ability to navigate from a design map and use lidar, cameras and other sensors to move safely around a busy jobsite. Building on an existing production machine, rather than creating a whole new machine, simplifies the development of autonomous equipment. Dealing with Dynamic Job Sites That autonomy layer has a big job to do. Its onboard sensor and intelligence systems have to take in lots of information from the jobsite, then process it quickly to ensure safe, efficient operation.For example, the machine needs to
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