Caterpillar plans new lab at U. of Illinois

CHAMPAIGN — Caterpillar Inc. plans to open a new data analytics laboratory at the University of Illinois, the Peoria-based company announced this week.

The heavy equipment-maker already operates a center in the university's Research Park where it uses computer-aided engineering to simulate and develop new products. It employs about 55 people in addition to the 60 students working there.

The new lab is expected to open in the Research Park later this year, Gwenne Henricks, Caterpillar's chief technology officer, told The News-Gazette . It isn't clear yet how many people will work there.

The lab will focus on analyzing data on areas such as fleet and equipment management.

The new lab expects to rely on university faculty and students for some of its work, Henricks said.