ICON Seminar in Autonomy: Eric Reiners (Caterpillar Inc)

Time: 3:30-5:00 pm Eastern Time, September 21 (Thursday), 2023

Location: WANG 1004

Zoom Link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/98798335169?pwd=ZFNMdmZXendoQ1RCRDczM2dTR1RIdz09

Free coffee and snacks will be provided.

Overview of Key Technology Areas for Caterpillar of Autonomy and Electrification and History of Engagement with NASA

Abstract:

Technology is rapidly changing, and Caterpillar engineers and developers are focused on creating solutions that exceed customer expectations. Given our breadth of products and industries served, we’ve learned that no one solution will be the answer for everyone. We are not at the beginning of this journey; Caterpillar has been at the forefront of automation technology development for nearly

30 years. This session will highlight two key elements of the Caterpillar technology strategy: Autonomy and Electrification. Learn how autonomy is proving its value to our customers through enhanced safety and gains in productivity and efficiency, and electrification solutions bring to reality goals of a carbon-reduced future. All leading to increased customer value. Together, Autonomy and Electrification solutions address key problems facing customers. Attendees will also explore how a long-running collaboration between Caterpillar and NASA is bringing advances in automation technology, both on Earth and in a simulated lunar environment.

Speaker:

Eric Reiners is a Program Manager within the Integrated Components and Services Division of Caterpillar Inc, with responsibility for Automation & Autonomy. He also serves as the Caterpillar liaison for external engagements in this area with universities and government agencies. Eric’s past collaborations with NASA include telerobotic and automation technologies that were showcased in NASA’s Exploration Highlights, NASA’s 3D Habitat Challenge and Break the Ice Lunar Challenge. Eric has also served as the autonomy judge for the NASA Lunabotics Competition since its inaugural year in 2010. He is also a member of the Commercial Advisory Board for the Lunar Exploration and Analysis Group (LEAG). During his 30+ year career, he has held a variety of roles in machine design, analysis, validation, new technology introduction, new product introduction, product quality and reliability, as well as development of collaborative government research. In these roles, Eric has gained significant experience in Caterpillar’s surface mining, underground mining, construction and earthmoving product lines. Eric holds 19 patents in the areas of machine design and machine automation algorithms. He has Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign.5G Lab and reported by various media such as Boston Globe, CNET, Robotics Business Review, and NPR’s WBUR.
 

Organizers: Ziran Wang (ziran@purdue.edu), Patrick Hyun (nhyun@purdue.edu), & Tho Le (thovle@purdue.edu)