Cat's making all the right connections

Cat chairman Doug Oberhelman announced the company is dramatically increasing its drive towards connective technology, with the launch of Smart Iron at Bauma 2016 in Munich.

He said the company’s aim is for “every machine, engine, truck, tablet, smart device and even drone [to] share a common technology platform and speak the same language.”

He added, “While we have seen some very difficult times, we have continued to invest in R&D at very high levels. We are currently spending about US$ 2 billion dollars annually in research and development.”

Mr Oberhelman pointed out that, while many of the company’s competitors are also driving forward with connective technology, none could match Cat’s commitment, with 400,000 of its machines already actively connected worldwide.

“We have the world’s largest connected industrial fleet for the industries we serve,” he said.

Cat is currently developing its connective technology in conjunction with companies such as Trimble, Redbird and Uptake, and Mr Oberhelmen said the company’s customers will see the pay-off from its new developments rolling out between now and 2020.

Exhibitng with its partner, Zeppelin, Cat’s stand stretches to 12,000 squre metres, with more than 60 products on show, as well as a raft of dealer-delivered support services.