Caterpillar’s Rebello Highlights Tech Innovations at IPLOCA

At the IPLOCA Convention, Caterpillar marked 100 years by unveiling digital, safety, and sustainability innovations — from VisionLink data tools to autonomous equipment for future pipeline operations.

By Jim Watkins, European Business Development Director and Podcast Host

(P&GJ) — At the 57th IPLOCA Annual Convention, Caterpillar marked its 100th anniversary with a focus on technology that is reshaping pipeline and construction operations.

Paul Rebello, Director of Global Marketing for Caterpillar’s Global Construction & Infrastructure division, outlined how the company is helping contractors improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Central to this effort is VisionLink, a digital platform that delivers real-time data from machines and engines worldwide. Rebello explained that customers can use the system to reduce idle time, cut fuel costs, and track safety incidents before they escalate.

Caterpillar also showcased new safety technologies, including People Detect proximity alerts, collision mitigation systems, and near-miss tracking tools. “These features may look simple, but they can save lives on job sites,” Rebello noted.

On the sustainability front, Caterpillar is improving fuel efficiency across its machine lineup and supporting biodiesel blends up to B20. The company is also testing electrification and large-scale energy storage solutions, though Rebello acknowledged the challenges of scaling battery-powered fleets for remote pipeline work.

Finally, Caterpillar is adapting its experience with autonomous mining trucks—which have already logged over one million miles without drivers—for future use in construction and pipeline operations.

“By starting with the basics,” Rebello concluded, “contractors can improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability today while preparing for a more autonomous future.”