PEORIA, Ill., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caterpillar Inc.
(NYSE: CAT) has announced a groundbreaking alignment with BHP Billiton
(NYSE: BHP) to develop an autonomous mining haulage system. The agreement
couples the market leader in mining equipment with the world's largest
diversified natural resources company.
'Our joint autonomous technology project is a significant initiative that
will bring benefits to both Caterpillar and BHP Billiton,' said Caterpillar
Group President, Stu Levenick. 'This close collaboration will focus on
Caterpillar building an autonomous haulage system that will tightly integrate
with BHP Billiton mining processes.'
As part of the alignment, Cat and BHP Billiton are launching joint
autonomous mining haulage development programs. The companies' development
program includes enhancing the existing mining trucks by integrating them with
robust autonomous sub-systems many of which are Caterpillar technologies
already proven in the marketplace. The companies plan to have autonomous
trucks at selected mine sites by 2010.
Autonomous technology is designed to provide productivity gains through
more consistency in processes. It is expected that autonomous mining will help
minimize environmental impact by both improved efficiency and overall mine
safety. The collaboration further illustrates both companies' commitment to
sustainable development.
'Caterpillar is dedicated to helping our mining customers improve safety,
boost efficiency and increase profitability,' said Chris Curfman, President of
Cat Global Mining & Vice President of Caterpillar Inc. 'This application of
new technologies will have a positive impact on mining operations around the
world.'
Caterpillar officials anticipate announcing further details of the product
introduction timeline this September at MINExpo(R) 2008.
Caterpillar was the first original equipment manufacturer to successfully
develop an autonomous mining truck, having demonstrated this capability in the
mid-90's. Since that time, Cat has been assembling the most comprehensive
autonomous truck system in the world.
'Caterpillar scientists and engineers have partnered with leading
universities and top autonomy experts to enhance the core technologies for a
fully integrated mine site operation,' said Caterpillar Vice President of
Electronics & Connected Worksite, Gwenne Henricks. 'By aligning ourselves
with the best and the brightest minds in the fields of science and
engineering, Caterpillar continues to make sustainable progress possible
around the world.'
About Cat
For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc.
