Caterpillar has introduced the Cat 789D Autonomous Water Truck (AWT) to optimize dust control and water usage on mining haul roads. The 789D AWT is fully integrated with the company’s Cat MineStar Command system, which allows it to monitor traffic, weather and road conditions to prioritize where and when to water, and how many passes are needed for optimal coverage. As the largest water truck in the company’s lineup, the 789D AWT can hold up to 165,000 litres, can distribute up to 2,839 litres of water a minute and has a spray distance of up to 60 metres. It is able to sense low water levels in the tank and can automate refilling, including an auto shutoff feature to prevent overfilling. The system adjusts water flow based on truck speed, halts watering at low speeds to avoid road damage, and it includes safeguards that protect the truck’s water pump from running dry, reducing the need for servicing.