Caterpillar and TORC Robotics have teamed up to develop the RemoteTask remote control system for Cat D Series Skid Steer, MultiTerrain, and Compact Track Loaders. The system enables operators to precisely control machines from outside the cab as far away as 1,000 feet, a safe distance from potentially hazardous tasks and environments.

“Providing customers a solution to remove the operator from harm’s way while operating Cat compact loaders in certain applications further supports Caterpillar’s commitment to safety,” says Jeff Griffith, senior market professional for Caterpillar.

With virtually no lag time, the remote operator’s performance is as fast and smooth as in-cab operation. Because the remote control interface is designed to closely mimic in-cab machine controls, the transition from manual to remote is easy.

“When I use the RemoteTask controller, the machine response is instantaneous,” explains Bob Shoop, product demonstrator/instructor for Caterpillar. “The feel and response mirrors the operator controls of the machine itself. Remote controls I’ve tested previously often had a delayed response.”

And it only takes a Cat dealer about an hour to install the Remote Task system on your machine. Once installed, operators can switch from manual to remote mode with the turn of a key.

The system can be integrated into 16 models of Cat D Series Skid Steer, MultiTerrain, and Compact Track Loaders and it can control more than 200 work tools with all hydraulic functions controlled via the remote system.

The RemoteTask system will be available January 2016 in North America and outside the U.S. later in the year.

(Source – http://www.agriculture.com/machinery/caterpillar-tc-robotics-launch-remote_197-ar51419)