Caterpillar has announced a number of smart technologies for its new generation of medium-sized wheel loaders (covering the 950, 962, 966, 972, 980, 982 and other series), covering the areas of safety and protection, operational efficiency and remote control, and supporting modular upgrades to adapt to diversified needs.

Intelligent Safety System: Early Warning + Automatic Braking

The new collision warning system integrates radar and camera to display the distance to obstacles in real time through yellow, orange and red colour zoning. When rear danger is detected, the system automatically triggers audible and visual alarms and inhibits reverse motion: if the equipment is stationary for 15 seconds and then cuts into reverse gear, the system locks the operation until the machine is adjusted. The independent personnel detection function identifies the dynamics of personnel in the work area and labels the monitoring screen with a red frame line to strengthen the risk warning.

Upgraded Precision Operations: Automation and Data Integration

The Intelligent Load System has new automation features: automatic unloading assistance for precise control of the last bucket dump, multi-tasking mode for tracking two loading processes at the same time, and split mode for independent management of multi-objective loads. The upgraded ‘Load for Trade’ is internationally certified and can be directly connected to the business processes of enterprises to achieve a seamless flow of data.

Efficiency revolution: automation and remote control

Accessibility features include automatic tyre setting to optimise shovel loading, AutoDig for automatic digging cycles, and programmable tipping points to reduce repetitive operations. Remote troubleshooting reads fault codes in real time to reduce downtime, and Command for Loading technology enables basic in-view operation and non-visual single-unit control, expanding solutions for hazardous environments.

Caterpillar emphasises that the upgrade builds an intelligent eco-system with modular design, allowing users to configure the combination of functions on demand, taking into account both basic operations and future expansion, and promoting the evolution of construction machinery to the digital management of the whole process.