Autonomous MTL Demonstration Held at Johnson Space Center

 

The Cat^® 287C Multi Terrain Loader (MTL) is known as a handy machine. It digs holes, flattens surfaces, and clears a path. It assists in the building of roads, structures and infrastructure.   There are a few MTLs that can do all of that (and more) without an operator in the cab.

 

Sound like science fiction? It isn't, thanks to Caterpillar's partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Since 2006, Caterpillar and NASA have been developing multiple use technologies - technologies that benefit both NASA's space operations and Caterpillar's customers. Robotics, automation and tele-operational technologies are all applications that are common in construction and mining on earth, and will also be beneficial to future space exploration. Caterpillar is helping to develop this technology using the MTL. The technology will eventually be transferred to NASA's multi-use, SEV (Space Exploration Vehicle).

 

In a project update for top NASA officials at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on April 5th, NASA and Caterpillar^® engineers demonstrated the MTL working with automated blade control. Using sensors, the machine is able to control the blade while navigating using autonomous technology. This type of technology - ultimately allowing engineers and technicians to control these machines on the moon from Earth - will allow for further exploration and lunar surface development, while keeping NASA astronauts out of harm's way.