GPS has transformed the way humans navigate our world. But deep underground, GPS signals go quiet. This can make it difficult for people who work underground—in caves, mines, and science labs—to find their way. In an effort to replicate GPS deep underground, Caterpillar (CAT) built the CAT MineStarTM for Underground Research Center on the 1550 and 1700 Levels of SURF.
CAT’s technology, CAT MineStarTM for Underground, leverages Wi-Fi to track and coordinate the safe movement of people and equipment through underground drifts and ramps. This technology is changing the way people and equipment navigate underground at locations around the world.
Though SURF operates in a former gold mine, there is no mining allowed at the facility today.