From Software to Massive Autonomous Trucks: An Innovator’s 25-Year Career in Caterpillar Autonomy

At Caterpillar, we create technology solutions that help our customers build a better, more sustainable world. Autonomous, semi-autonomous and remote-control machines. Digital technologies to increase productivity and improve equipment health. It's not just our future – it's the here and now.  

Andy V. has been a part of Caterpillar's autonomous journey for 25 years. His first role involved writing implement control software for wheeled tractor scrapers, back when only two to three engineers wrote all the software for the entire machine.  

"I interviewed with several companies knowing I wanted to find a job where I could write software and create systems that actually made physical things happen and move, rather than design a computer chip or write some sort of PC software. Caterpillar presented the best opportunities to make that happen. Caterpillar has engineers creating new electronic hardware and software to operate many different machines that customers use in a diverse set of applications," said Andy.  

As technology advanced, he later led a group to develop the electronic system of the first motor grader model with electro-hydraulic implements and steering. This work on drive-by-wire systems enabled autonomy on Caterpillar machines. His proudest accomplishment, though, was his responsibility in developing the Command for Hauling system, the complete autonomous mining system hardware and software on Caterpillar's autonomous mining product. This system enabled Caterpillar to implement remote control, semi-autonomous and fully autonomous mining equipment systems – offering unprecedented improvements in operator safety, equipment availability and site productivity. 

"I still remember the first time we put a 793F haul truck, weighing more than 350 tons and sitting over 20 feet tall, into autonomous mode and sent it on its way without a driver at our Tucson Proving Ground," said Andy. "It was a little scary and very satisfying to see the hard work everyone had put into the project become very real by seeing that machine drive off and out of sight on its own for the first time."