COMANCO Explores Jobsite Technology at Caterpillar’s Construction and Technology Days
Seeing Remote Operation, Autonomy, and Connected Fleet Data in Action
The COMANCO team traveled to Peoria, Illinois, September 28–30 for Caterpillar’s Construction and Technology Days, hosted by our dealer partner Ring Power. The event took place mostly at Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration & Learning Center and included a tour of the East Peoria Tractor Plant.
Remote Control and Autonomy in the Dirt
On a simulated job site, our team watched a D6 dozer run under Cat Command from an off-site station, a skid steer operated by line-of-sight remote control, and an autonomous roller complete preprogrammed passes. All three worked alongside conventional, seat-operated equipment. The biggest takeaway: autonomy can be adopted in stages, starting with remote operation and building from there.
“Stop swing lets an operator load from both sides without worrying about damaging the cab or swinging out into the surroundings. You can set the machine to an elevation with a depth limit, so it stops you from overdigging by accident. And the AI assistant in the cab can help you learn the machine, adjust settings, and change configurations.”
— Bill Newman, General Superintendent
Safety and Payload Technology
Object detection systems on wheel loaders, skid steers, excavators, and an articulated haul truck spotted people and obstacles and stopped the machines automatically. Caterpillar ran most demonstrations with live operators, using a mannequin only for the most hazardous test: a skid steer stopping while traveling full speed in reverse. The team also saw smart weighing on loaders and excavators and payload tracking on haul trucks.
“All of the new advancements within CAT Grade have allowed operators, no matter the skill or experience, to be able to grade to an elevation or surface while maintaining a factor of safety with exclusion zones. The communication between the operator, machine, and myself in the office has become more streamlined with VisionLink and the ability to see exactly what the operator is experiencing.”
— Trevor Topp, QC Coordinator
VisionLink: Turning Data into Dollars
COMANCO already uses Cat VisionLink to track utilization, idle time, and machine health. Caterpillar is now building it into a one-platform solution. Upcoming additions include Cat Rental integration, so rented machines report alongside our owned fleet, an expanded safety module, and a Cat AI assistant that can remember user preferences and generate reports. Fewer portals means more time acting on the data.
Inside the East Peoria Tractor Plant
The plant’s scale was impressive. Highlights included an automated parts-picking system, a slow-moving line that carries dozer frames between stations at a set pace, and two to three stages of quality inspection before any machine ships.
What It Means for COMANCO
Remote and line-of-sight operation could help crews recover faster from Florida’s frequent weather stand-downs. Expanded VisionLink features build on a platform we use every day, and automatic-stop safety systems add protection for the people working around our equipment. COMANCO is positioned to explore these tools as we take on tougher jobs more safely and efficiently.
Thank you to Ring Power, especially Mark Wineinger and Chris Zeras, for inviting our team, arranging travel and accommodations, and coordinating a full agenda.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities. Contact COMANCO to learn more.
📍 4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐 www.comanco.com