New Cat® MineStar Guide™ and Surface Management platform additions to MineStar Edge demonstrated during MINExpo

For Release Worldwide: September 2021
Release Number: 797PR21

Augmenting Cat^® MineStar™ Solutions’ suite of technologies, MineStar Edge leverages cloud-based computing to create an operational ecosystem for mining companies, enabling drill-to-mill along the value chain. The cloud-based application lowers costs of deployment and significantly reduces the time it takes from order to use, making it scalable to fit a range of mine site applicational needs.

Edge features the latest technology advancements to measure, manage and optimize mining operations. Using data fusion, machine learning and artificial intelligence, Edge continues to grow as it collects data, identifies patterns and learns to make decisions. Currently, dozens of mine sites rely on Edge’s Equipment Tracking and Production Recording capabilities with fleet installations ranging from fewer than five to more than 80 machines.

MineStar Solutions is set to introduce two new capabilities to the Edge Platform – MineStar Guide and Surface Management – accessed alongside Equipment Tracking and Production Recording data from the same office computer or tablet in the field. Guide, available in early 2022, serves as a new platform for high-precision on-board, while Surface Management is an enhanced office platform for Guide currently in development.

Increased precision with MineStar Guide

Using the advanced capabilities of the Edge platform and the most advanced GNSS technology, MineStar Guide provides the next generation high-precision system for grading and loading operations. Real-time feedback improves operator efficiency and increases machine production.

Featuring a new user interface inside the machine’s cab, Guide offers intuitive operation, which makes it easier to train new operators. Its on-board, dual-receiver system offers improved machine heading and data to increase grading and loading efficiency.

Working through enhanced 3D grade control and design visualization, Guide provides high-precision block and material identification that is automatically provided to the operator and operations. Grade, block and material designs are also automatically sent to the machine, based on location, to ensure compliance to plan, increase productivity and reduce rework.

Guide offers stakeless ore control and regular elevation updates, reducing the need for surveyors in the field to improve safety. The enhanced level of automatic blade control provided by Guide will help to reduce operator fatigue when grading to design.

Operator and production key performance indicators are sent to the machine through MineStar Edge, empowering operators to stay on schedule. Guide demonstration units will be installed on the Cat 992 wheel loader, Cat 6060 hydraulic mining shovel cab and Cat 24 motor grader displays, as well as inside the technology area, for MINExpo attendees to view.  

3D planning with MineStar Surface Management

Accessed through the integrated MineStar Edge platform, new MineStar Surface Management delivers to the field planning and material information created in the office. This enhanced next generation grading and loading platform leverages data provided by Guide-equipped machines for precise execution of planned versus actual production.

With the new Edge platform, Surface Management allows reports to be viewed on office computers or in the field on laptops and mobile devices. Its 3D visualization of virtual and augmented reality substantially improves project progress viewing. The mobile platform gives users the ability to zoom and rotate on particular areas of the site for a more detailed view.

A powerful material management tool, Surface Management automatically generates fused digital modeling from multiple data sources for improved accuracy. It tracks haul roads, dumps, loading areas and other truck destinations. Users can easily review designs, blocks in progress and as-built areas. Reporting capabilities include timeline advance and comparison with swipe to previous or future and volume calculation. Increasing program flexibility, Surface Management gives customers the freedom to choose the reporting method.

The Cat MineStar Solutions team will have subject matter experts available to share additional information regarding these new solutions in the technology area of Caterpillar’s Central Hall exhibit, #6229, during MINExpo 2021. More information can be found by talking to a MineStar solutions team member at the booth.