Less than two years after deploying its first autonomous hauler for the aggregates industry, Caterpillar is ready to expand its self-driving trucks to two more quarries.
Caterpillar deployed a 101-ton-payload 777 rigid-frame dump truck in November 2024 equipped with the MineStar Command autonomous system at Luck Stone’s Bull Run Plant in Chantilly, Virginia.
Since then, autonomous trucks have hauled 3.5 million tons at the site with positive results.
The expansion will add two fleets of autonomous Cat 775 rigid-frame dump trucks at Luck Stone’s Boscobel and Bealeton sites in Virginia. This will be the first time the 71-ton-payload 775s will be deployed with the self-driving MineStar Command system.
“Autonomy is creating a safer workplace that improves consistency for our customers and gives our associates opportunities to develop new skills as our industry continues to evolve,” says Travis Chewning, Luck Stone vice president of engineering and operations support. “Our collaboration with Caterpillar has helped us do exactly that, and we're excited to continue building on what we've learned at Bull Run.”
The sites will also see “complementary technologies that support loaders and other site equipment,” according to Caterpillar.
Powered by“The Luck Stone expansion is the latest milestone in Caterpillar's growing momentum in quarry autonomy,” Caterpillar says. “Collectively, Caterpillar autonomous trucks have hauled more than 13 billion (metric) tons and safely traveled more than 455 million kilometers (283 million miles) with no reported injuries while operating.”
Caterpillar Collaborates With FieldAI
One of the projects for Caterpillar's collaboration with FieldAI is autonomous inspections to improve safety and operational visibility.Caterpillar
“The future of our industries will be shaped by how effectively we combine human expertise with AI-powered machines,” says Jaime Mineart, Caterpillar chief technology officer. “Collaborations like this help accelerate the journey. We’re focused on applying AI where it matters most, helping customers improve safety, increase productivity and get more value from every operation.”
FieldAI is a leader in deploying general-purpose robots in unstructured environments. The collaboration with Caterpillar will use chip manufacturer Nvidia’s accelerated computing.
Caterpillar lists the following early applications the partnership will explore:
- Autonomous inspections to improve safety and operational visibility.
- Jobsite and facility digital twins that provide real-time insights into equipment, infrastructure and operations.
- Enhanced situational awareness to help identify potential risks sooner and support faster, more informed decision-making.
- Operational optimization that improves efficiency through simulation, automation and AI-driven insights.
