Smart Dust Control on Autopilot With Cat’s 789D Autonomous Water Truck
In the high-stakes world of mining, where safety, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount, Caterpillar has raised the bar yet again. Enter the Cat 789D Autonomous Water Truck (AWT) — the world’s first commercially available autonomous water truck that does more than just spray water. It thinks, plans, and executes with surgical precision, all while conserving resources and slashing operational delays.
Built on the robust 789D mining truck chassis, the AWT isn’t just a water truck; it’s a sophisticated, data-driven solution designed to bring order to one of mining’s dustiest challenges. Integrated seamlessly into Cat’s Command for hauling ecosystem, it partners with the proven Cat Water Delivery System (WDS) and is fully synced with the Cat MineStar™ suite. That’s where the magic happens.
Optimising Dust Control with Data and Autonomy
Let’s face it, dust is more than just a nuisance. It impacts visibility, safety, and even equipment lifespan. The 789D AWT addresses these issues head-on with an automated water delivery system that doesn’t just follow a pre-set route. It thinks.
According to Corey Wurtzbacher, General Manager and Vice President, Technology and Global Sales Support at Caterpillar: “To meet customer requirements for dust control, Caterpillar implemented a MineStar-integrated watering model based on many years of site watering studies and Cat WDS performance data.”
The AWT tracks traffic, weather, and road conditions in real-time. It knows where dust is likely to build up and how often specific areas need water. This translates to more effective coverage, less waste, and better haul road traction. The result? Less overwatering, improved road integrity, and a measurable uptick in site safety.
Integration is Everything: Tank, Truck and Tech
Caterpillar took no shortcuts when engineering this platform. The 789D AWT combines the tank, truck, and water delivery system into a single, harmonious unit, tightly integrated with Cat MineStar technology.
The Cat WDS smartly modulates water flow depending on the truck’s speed and the area’s needs. When speeds drop too low, watering halts to prevent puddling and traction loss. When speeds are optimal, water is sprayed precisely and efficiently. This smart dosing not only prevents damage to haul roads but also extends the life of water pumps by avoiding dry runs and overuse.
Importantly, the AWT can handle a staggering 165,000 litres (43,588 gallons), depending on tank configuration. It can even autonomously coordinate with water refill stations, with auto shutoff features in place to prevent overfilling. It’s a system designed to take care of itself and its surroundings.
Keeping Safety Front and Centre
Dust doesn’t just hinder visibility; it’s a serious health hazard. The AWT’s high-performance system delivers a flat, even spray of larger droplets that stay grounded, reducing loss to wind or evaporation. That means better dust suppression with less water.
The vehicle also reduces human risk during operations. Thanks to its autonomous refilling system, there’s no need for workers to physically engage during top-ups, eliminating the potential for slips and falls. Even in manual mode, it retains auto-watering capabilities to ensure consistency.
Need to switch to staffed mode? No problem. The 789D AWT adapts easily for scenarios requiring a human touch, like cannon operation. With an impressive 2,839 l/min (759 gal/min) output and a 60-metre (200-foot) spray reach, it remains a force to reckon with, even when operated manually.
Tech That Grows With You
Not every mine is ready to go fully autonomous from day one. Caterpillar gets that. So they’ve made the technology scalable. The 789D AWT can start with cloud-based MineStar solutions, allowing site managers to ease into automation at their own pace.
Basic package features:
- Real-time truck location
- Water and fuel levels
- Watering mode tracking
- Truck speed and refill logs
- Shift-based truck utilisation
Premium package features:
- Watering heat maps (by area and by individual truck)
- Fill spot usage analysis
- Replay functionality for up to eight weeks
- Smart suggestions for watering areas based on traffic and dust age
Once the site is ready, the AWT can be upgraded into full autonomy, fully integrated into the mine’s digital ecosystem alongside the rest of the Cat fleet.
Backed by a Global Network
Support matters, especially in remote operations. The 789D AWT is backed by the full Cat dealer network and covered under Caterpillar’s factory warranty. Customers can opt into extended protection plans and value agreements to keep things running smoothly.
Retrofit kits are available for existing 789D platforms, so current fleets don’t need to be left behind in the dust (literally). It’s a future-forward solution that doesn’t forget its roots.
Leading the Charge in Sustainable Mining
Water conservation isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. With many mines operating in water-scarce regions, efficient usage is key. The AWT’s ability to automate, track, and optimise water use supports broader sustainability goals while maintaining operational excellence.
It’s a rare win-win: increased productivity, better environmental stewardship, and reduced costs all bundled into a single piece of intelligent machinery.
The Future is Autonomous and Precise
The Cat 789D Autonomous Water Truck is more than just a technological marvel. It’s a strategic asset for modern mining operations that demand more from every litre of water, every working hour, and every machine on-site.
With the world watching the mining sector through a sharper lens, solutions like the 789D AWT show that innovation and sustainability can walk hand in hand — or better yet, roll forward together.
