Caterpillar acquires spatial data firm Skycatch to boost mining tech

Caterpillar has bought Skycatch, a provider of spatial data and AI analytics, to enhance its digital mining portfolio with near-real-time mine site insights.

This article was drafted with AI assistance from multiple sources and was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.

Caterpillar Inc. has acquired Skycatch, Inc., a company specializing in spatial data capture and analysis, to broaden its digital mining capabilities. The deal, announced on July 7, 2026, integrates Skycatch's technology into Caterpillar's existing RPM and MineStar platforms.

Skycatch's system collects high-frequency, high-precision spatial data at large scale and applies artificial intelligence to identify and measure objects, providing mining customers with an up-to-date view of their operations. This enables faster and more accurate decision-making, the company says.

Denise Johnson, group president of Caterpillar Resource Industries, said the acquisition supports the company's goal of addressing customer challenges. "By integrating near-real-time, high-resolution spatial data into both RPM and MineStar solutions, we can help customers improve mine site performance by enhancing safety, productivity, and predictability across their operations using both staffed and autonomous fleets," she explained.

Richard Mathews, CEO of RPMGlobal, highlighted the speed of Skycatch's data processing. "With a near real-time spatial view of the operation, miners can adjust plans as conditions change, improve alignment between planning and execution, and deliver more predictable outcomes," he said.

The technology generates a near-real-time digital twin of the mine site, feeding directly into planning and execution software. This integration allows customers to work with accurate, current data, leading to better decisions and fewer delays.

Christian Sanz, founder and CEO of Skycatch, expressed enthusiasm about joining Caterpillar. "We're incredibly proud of what Skycatch has built over the past decade and excited for this next chapter with Caterpillar," he said, adding that the move strengthens their ability to support customers.