Crozier continued, “Innovation has been key to the joint venture for a number of years.” He explained that the rate of innovation in the technology sector is now so fast that the two firms had to update their joint venture partnership to ensure they could continue maximising the benefit.
Farmer said that the construction industry is shifting and machine control systems are becoming more commonplace. However, a key part of the new agreement is that the technologies developed jointly will be able to operate with solutions from other technology suppliers. And these systems will also be able to operate on construction machines from other manufacturers, recognising that many contractors run mixed equipment fleets.
This allows customers to use the Cat Vision Link system for monitoring machine condition, even if the contractor has equipment from another manufacturers. Similarly, operating data from the machine on how it is working can be downloaded, even if other technology solutions are being utilised.
For both Caterpillar and Trimble, the ability to leverage solutions and use and communicate with technology from others firms is the way forward. Systems such as the Cat Command remote control package utilise technology developed in partnership with Trimble and both companies are keen to further this relationship. Farmer said that customers are also able to benefit from new offerings, such as the choice machines equipped with 3D technology in the factory but which is only activated and paid for on request. “If the customer wants it, they can activated,” He said that at the moment this is a one time activation, but the system could be available on a subscription basis if this proves to be a feature customers request.
Both Crozier and Farmer commented on how the technology has improved over the years. Farmer said, “Twenty years ago you could be either fast or accurate.” But both agreed how the machine control systems now allow full speed operation, while delivering high quality finish exactly to grade. Both also agreed how machine control systems have progressed from indicate package to technology that will actually take over some operations.
However, both Caterpillar and Trimble are keen to stress that fully autonomous machine fleet operation remains some way in the future. Part of the issue is regulatory but the prospect of coordinating multiple autonomous machines on a construction site still presents technical challenges. What the technology can do though is allow inexperienced operators to deliver high quality working. Similarly, the technology ensures that experienced operators can carry out work to even higher standards than without.
