Caterpillar Mining and South Africa-headquartered ThoroughTec Simulation have concluded a global cooperation agreement that they say will bring the latest generation, simulator-based equipment training solutions to Caterpillar customers. “This will help them improve safety, boost productivity, increase machine availability and create more sustainable mining operations.” A major move by Caterpillar Mining in simulator-based training has been widely expected, with mining simulator training major Immersive Technologies having been acquired by Cat’s main rival Komatsu in 2019.
Under the agreement, Caterpillar Mining will recommend ThoroughTec Simulation as their approved supplier of mining equipment simulators. In turn, Caterpillar will provide ThoroughTec Simulation exclusive access to confidential Cat machine technical data and engineering expertise — enabling ThoroughTec to continue strengthening its capabilities as a leading global supplier of advanced mining equipment simulators.
A major focus area is likely to be working on simulator training solutions for Caterpillar Command for hauling surface autonomous fleets, where to date Immersive has remained the dominant player. Training for autonomy is particularly important for the mining shovel operators, who have to manage the entire loading area – by configuring spotting patterns, calling in trucks, kicking them out and managing the payload to ensure the autonomous trucks are not overloaded. It is also crucial for the controllers who supervise the autonomous area and trucks from the mine fleet management control room, either at the minesite or in an integrated remote operations centre.
ThoroughTec Simulation has been designing advanced, hi-fidelity training simulators for almost 25 years, during which time the company has grown into one of the world’s leading training technology organisations. The company has deployed many hundreds of simulators around the globe and is the only ISO9001 simulator supplier in the mining industry. Its latest, fifth generation, range of CYBERMINE simulators are extremely realistic and cater to both surface and underground operations. It has been particularly strong in the underground market. On surface it has already supplied simulator solutions for training on Cat machines like the 400 ton class 797B, such as that shown in the attached image.
Andre Mendes, General Manager: North America at ThoroughTec recently told IM: “Ultimately, highly-digitised and largely automated mining equipment will require fewer and fewer human operators to control and oversee mining operations. However, those operators will require an ever-greater set of diverse and intensely specialised skills to effectively deploy their increasingly complex and costly machines. The operator of today, must not only be able to drive, dig or drill as well as his forebears, but he must now do so while taking cues from onboard awareness and assistance systems and interacting with advanced digital dispatch or automation systems.”
The company states: “ThoroughTec simulators are known for their value and fidelity. When combined with actual Cat machine data and operating characteristics, these simulators will significantly enhance the overall operator training experience. Together, Caterpillar Mining and ThoroughTec Simulation are committed to helping Caterpillar customers effectively train operators in the most efficient, safe and realistic way possible. This agreement is a testament to both Caterpillar and ThoroughTec’s continued dedication to the health and safety of mining companies’ most important asset: their people.”
