As Singapore’s construction industry increasingly embraces robotics and automation, Caterpillar has introduced its Cat Command remote-control technology to the local market. The system is compatible with wheel loaders, dozers and excavators, enabling operators to remotely perform loading, dozing and excavating operations.

At Construction Technology @ Punggol Digital District (ConTech@PDD) in July 2026, Caterpillar partnered with its local dealer, Tractors Singapore Limited (TSL), to showcase Cat Command and highlight its applications. The event brought together government representatives and stakeholders from the infrastructure and construction industries.

According to TSL, Cat Command has been deployed on projects around the world. While the technology is already operational in the Southeast Asian mining sector, Singapore aims to be the first country in the region to adopt it for construction.

Higher safety, efficiency and control

The use of Cat Command will enhance safety and productivity in various applications. Its remote-control capability provides full machine manoeuvrability from a safe distance when working in potentially hazardous environments.

By removing the operator from the cab, the system eliminates exposure to machine vibrations, reducing fatigue and allowing for longer working periods. To help address current and future labour shortages, its ‘virtual cab’ expands access to machine operation, opening up opportunities for a larger pool of potential operators, including those with physical limitations.

A single operator can remotely control multiple machines, one at a time, whether they are at the same jobsite or at different locations, improving work efficiency while reducing travel time and costs. In addition, remote control enables continuous production immediately following disruptive processes, like blasting, thus increasing machine productivity.

At the ConTech@PDD event, TSL demonstrated the remote operation of an excavator located 40 km away from the venue. The setup leveraged a robust 5G network and was paired with a standard Cat machine.

Flexible options

The system offers two solutions: the line-of-sight (LOS) Command Console and the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) Command Station. Both are aftermarket installations that integrate fully with the machines’ hardware and software, enabling quick response and smooth control. Operating commands are sent directly to the machines’ electronics through a dedicated radio transmitter/receiver, resulting in real-time control.

These two solutions feature integrated safety protocols that allow the machines to return to a fail-safe state in situations such as network disruptions or console/operator tip-overs, ensuring safe remote operations.

The LOS Command Console comes complete with a lightweight, compact control console supported by a comfortable shoulder harness. Controlling all machine functions, the console allows the user to work safely and comfortably away from the machine while remaining onsite and maintaining direct visual contact with the equipment. This solution requires no onsite communications infrastructure and is ideal for short-term and emergency use when encountering potentially hazardous work areas.

Meanwhile, the NLOS Command Station offers the flexibility to be located onsite or positioned miles away from the machine. The station includes a modular, customised ‘virtual cab,’ where the user is comfortably seated in front of machine controls and displays similar to those inside the operator’s cab.

Similar to normal cabs

Operating from the Command Station is similar to running a machine from the cab. Multiple monitor views show everything the operator needs to see, including additional views that are not available from the cab.

The control layout of the station mirrors what operators will find in most Cat equipment. The controls are familiar and precise, reflecting what is happening on the machine in the field.

TSL pointed out that, although operators require some training, the Command Station works much like a conventional machine cab, making it easier for them to learn and use. 

Along with exterior camera views, the station monitor provides essential machine status information in real time, such as fuel usage, engine speed, travel mode and more, as well as information from other Cat technologies, such as Cat Grade.

Note: This story has also been published in the Sept/Oct 2026 issue of SEAC (with more images). Click here to read it online or here to download the PDF (pages 44-45 and 47).