Caterpillar engineers can design, test and refine machines without physically building them. The 17 000 ft2 (1579.35 m2) facility serves as a hub, supporting Caterpillar teams worldwide across machines, engines, electrification, and autonomy.
Inside, teams use extended reality and digital prototypes to collaborate across continents, catch issues earlier and move faster— reducing the need for costly builds. The facility is home to about 100 employees – and growing – blending engineering with animation, design, and data visualisation.
Caterpillar says the Rapid City team plays a critical role in its global organisation – developing tools and technologies that help teams design faster, make better decisions, and deliver solutions to customers more efficiently.
The investment also builds on a long-standing partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, continuing to strengthen the company’s pipeline of talent and innovation.