Caterpillar–MicroVision LiDAR deal: autonomy and safety takeaways for mine fleets Reviewed by Joe Ashwell First reported on International Mining – News 30 Second Briefing Caterpillar has signed a strategic agreement with MicroVision to integrate its 3D digital LiDAR sensors into autonomous haulage system (AHS) mining trucks, aiming to improve onboard perception for obstacle recognition and self‑rerouting. The LiDAR will support trucks operating in mixed autonomous and manned fleets, where precise detection of light vehicles, berms and windrows is critical to avoid production‑disrupting stops. For mine planners and automation teams, the move signals continued migration from infrastructure‑dependent guidance (beacons, reflectors) towards vehicle‑centric sensing and decision‑making. Technical Brief - 3D digital LiDAR is playing a critical role as autonomous haulage progresses towards greater onboard intelligence and obstacle recognition. Our Take Caterpillar has featured repeatedly in recent coverage, from ultra-class truck orders at Minera Las Bambas to the expansion of diesel-electric LHD fleets at Grasberg, signalling that any LiDAR-based autonomy deal with MicroVision will plug into a rapidly growing installed base rather than a niche product line. The rollout of MineStar Command for hauling on Cat 777s at Carmeuse’s Drummond Island quarry shows Caterpillar is already standardising autonomy on smaller rigid trucks, so integrating MicroVision LiDAR could be a step toward a common perception stack across both quarry-scale and ultra-class mining fleets. Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team. Related Articles Related Industries & Products Mining Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management. Construction Quality control software for construction companies with material testing, batch tracking, and compliance management. CMRR-io Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows. HYDROGEO-io Comprehensive