Caterpillar and two partners will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce to help develop technology designed to improve the durability of large structures and machines that are critical to the nation’s economy. The $9 million program, administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), represents a three-year, 50/50 cost-shared investment by NIST and the corporations involved.
Caterpillar will serve as the lead company in the project, "Structural Health Integrated Electronic Life Determination" (SHIELD), and will rely on wireless technology expertise from Illinois-based Motorola, Inc. and software design from Colorado-based Native American Technologies Company.
The SHIELD project will develop wireless sensor technology that enables high-speed computing and software analysis of the "real time" impact of potential metal fatigue in large fabricated structures. Data collected from thesensors could reduce the costs of manufacturing large machines, aircraft, ships, buildings and bridges by using fewer
metals than required by today’s design standards. The technology could also improve safety by detecting structural weaknesses before serious metal fatigue problems arise.
"We are very pleased to be selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to play a lead role in developing technology that could have a far-reaching and positive impact on our world’s economy," said Sherril West, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the company’s Technical Services Division. "Caterpillar invests heavily in new technologies that increase the life and safety of our machines. This technology also supports our belief in sustainable alternatives that can make a difference in our industry and beyond."
Caterpillar anticipates the technology could lead to more efficient, even lighter machines capable of carrying heavier loads. This could result in higher profits for mining and construction customers who generate income based on the cost-per-ton of mineral ore or earth moved by their machines. It could also allow Caterpillar to reduce manufacturing costs by customizing machines based on the weight and design engineering necessary for specific earthmoving and mining applications.
