Tech firm collaborates with Cat to put LiDAR into new generation of autonomous machines

LiDAR, which uses a pulsed laser to scan the surrounding environment and provide measurement of the shape and size of nearby objects, allows autonomous machines to detect objects and navigate.

The Luminar LiDAR technology will be introduced with Cat Command for hauling, initially targeted for quarry and aggregate operations.

The Cat off-highway truck will feature two Iris LiDAR with a unique integration system designed exclusively for Caterpillar.

Jaime Mineart, chief technology officer and senior vice president of integrated components and solutions for Caterpillar said, “We are proud to collaborate with Luminar on our next generation autonomous solution. We’ve invested in autonomy and automation for more than 30 years, and we’ve seen how it adds value for our customers in terms of safety, productivity and efficiency.”

Austin Russell, founder and CEO of Luminar, added, “This new partnership with Caterpillar, the global leader in industrial equipment, has the opportunity to be a spearhead for next industrial revolution of automation. Now that Luminar has successfully executed for automotive series production, we’re able to branch out to adjacent markets with a shared mission. Together, we look forward to saving lives and enhancing profitability for CAT customers around the world with industry-leading capabilities.”