Caterpillar has opened a new engineering design centre in Rapid City, South Dakota, the US, where engineers can design, test and refine machines without creating physical prototypes.

The new Black Hills Engineering Design Centre demonstrates how virtual reality and advanced visualisation are transforming equipment development and training. This 1,579.35 sq m 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, identify issues earlier and respond more quickly – reducing the need for costly builds. The facility is home to about 100 employees and continues to grow, blending engineering with animation, design and data visualisation.

Caterpillar said the Rapid City team plays a critical role in its global organisation, developing tools and technologies that enable faster design, better decision-making and more efficient delivery of solutions to customers. This investment also builds on a long-standing partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, further strengthening the company’s pipeline of talent and innovation.