Caterpillar engineers can design, test and refine machines without physically building them. The company just opened the Black Hills Engineering Design Center in Rapid City, S.D., offering a firsthand look at how virtual reality and advanced visualization are transforming equipment development and training.

The 17,000-sq.-ft. 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 visualization.

Caterpillar said the Rapid City team plays a critical role in its global organization — 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.

For more information, visit cat.com.