Training simulators are cool. Equipment sims are clearly a safety and efficiency tool, but their immersive, video-game feel also keeps trainees engaged. It’s a great way to help operators learn control patterns, practice a new technology, or just build muscle memory. These digital tools also allow for mistakes. A trainee can miss the target or experience a dangerous safety situation without the consequences. Also, that sim doesn’t burn fuel, accumulate hours, or pull a productive machine out of the field. Like I said, simulators are cool.  

Looking across the market now, one big trend I’ve been noticing with construction equipment simulators is that they’re getting more application-focused. For instance, Caterpillar just caught my eye, announcing its Next Gen Excavator Utilities Package. From the press release:

“Utility work is one of the highest risk environments an operator can face on a jobsite, and organizations need training tools that reflect that reality,” said Vanessa Price, vice president of Simformotion. “Our new Cat Simulators Next Gen Excavator Utilities system gives learners the opportunity to build confidence, accuracy, and safe work habits before they ever step onto a jobsite. It’s an investment in workforce readiness that directly supports safer, more efficient operations across the industry.”

Simformotion and Cat have been working together on simulators for like 17 years. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center. I’ve also operated these types of Cat Simulators there. They deliver a convincing experience, especially with multiple screens, familiar controls, and a vibrating motion system. Because simulators are so cool, let’s dig into these new utility modules.

Cat excavator utility exercises

Underground utility work demands caution. Imagine having to expose overlapping gas and water service lines with an excavator. How is that even done? Maybe check out Caterpillar’s Underground Gas Utilities simulator safety module. It explains that and more. OK, how would a pro extend an existing water service line to a building? You can learn that with Cat’s Underground Water Utilities sim module. In fact, here are all four application-specific exercises (this info is directly from the press release):

Underground Water Utilities — Expose Damaged Water Service: Learners use the excavator to uncover a damaged, leaking water service line, practicing safe digging techniques and precision control to prepare the line for repair. 

Underground Water Utilities — Extend Service: This exercise trains learners on how to extend an existing water service line to a building, reinforcing trenching accuracy, depth control and safe work practices. 

Underground Gas Utilities — Expose for Servicing: Learners expose overlapping gas and water service lines, gaining experience in congested underground environments where precision and caution are crucial. 

Underground Electric Utilities — Expose for Servicing: This exercise teaches learners to uncover an existing electrical service line while avoiding overlapping utilities and service lines, building the awareness required for safe excavation around energized infrastructure. 

Cat controls and recorded performance

Simformotion LLC is a Peoria-area company that develops, manufactures, and sells equipment-training simulators and related curricula. Cat, also based in Peoria, has worked with Simformotion for over 15 years. Simformotion also offers SimScholars, an online companion curriculum matched to the simulator exercises. SimScholars pairs classroom lessons, videos, and quizzes with each Cat Simulator exercise.

Of course, Cat Simulators use authentic Cat machine controls to help operators learn the physical interface, but these sims go beyond operation. These systems also include virtual machine walkaround inspection training. There’s also built-in recording and reporting software, so each simulator session can be compared against Caterpillar benchmarks (better bring your A-game).

These sims aren’t just for contractors. Think colleges, high schools, or corporate training centers. An immersive training sim is a great way to introduce a potential operator to the industry.

Simulator training gets application specific

Equipment simulators once focused largely on controls and basic tasks. Those lessons remain important, of course, but the technology is moving toward narrower applications. The Cat underground utilities package reflects that shift. I just reminds me how CM Labs has taken a similar route with its expanded tracked excavator curriculum. The company recently added demolition training with virtual hydraulic hammers, shears, grapples, and quick-coupler procedures. Operators can practice breaking concrete, cutting structural steel, changing attachments, and handling debris. Really, that’s the sim I want to operate. Check out that link for more info.