Bobcat goes RogueX

Bobcat has used one of the largest construction trade shows in the world – the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas – as a platform to preview some of its latest groundbreaking innovations, including a cabless, autonomous track loader and the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader.

Perhaps the more eye-catching one was the brand’s RogueX concept, which is essentially a robotic track loader that does away with a cab and the operator, and can be remotely controlled from a distance or can work on its own without operator interference.

While it closely resembles a track loader, Bobcat says the machine sits in a class of its own.

The RogueX was the result of a Bobcat research and development project and was built as a proving ground to advance the Bobcat innovation roadmap, evaluate customer perceptions and test the limits of machine functionality.

“RogueX was concepted with consideration for the worksite of the future and how a customer’s needs may evolve – with a focus on ease of use, remote operations, autonomous functionality, sustainable operations and features that allow operators to accomplish more with one machine,” says Bobcat Vice President of Global Innovation, Joel Honeyman.

Much like a bomb-disposal robot, the idea of the RogueX is that it can tackle tricky and dangerous jobs in locations not physically accessible by humans, making construction work safer for everyone.

By building the loader without a cab and using advanced kinematics, the RogueX offers both vertical- and radial-path lift capabilities, where conventional compact-track loaders only offer one or the other.

In addition to being autonomous, the RogueX is also all electric and produces zero emissions as it features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive system and no hydraulics.

“After our successful development of building an all-electric loader – the Bobcat T7X – we wanted to think bigger, broader and take a leap far into the future,” says Matt Sagaser, Director of Innovation Accelerated at Bobcat.

“Our dedicated innovation team took a bold approach and designed a machine that breaks all of the rules. RogueX sets a framework for what is possible, and our team is just getting started on what is next.”

RogueX is currently at the concept stage with no plans for commercialisation anytime soon.

Following the launch of its all-electric compact-track loader, T7X, early last year, Bobcat has followed up with the release of its wheeled counterpart, the S7X skid-steer, which Bobcat also claims is a world first.

The S7X is powered by a 60.5kWh lithium-ion battery and features electric drive motors and utilises ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions.

“Together, the battery and electrical powertrain generate incredible performance characteristics, with instantaneous torque that is as much as three times greater than traditional loaders,” Bobcat claims.

“The powerful loader balances sustainability and performance with zero emissions and is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent.”

Thanks to a significant reduction in noise and vibrations, the S7X also offers a smooth and comfortable experience for operators.

Bobcat says the S7X can operate for up to eight hours on a single charge depending on the application. A full charge takes approximately 10 hours.

“As the inventor of the original?skid-steer loader, we are excited to take the machine that created the industry and reinvent it all over again,” Honeyman says.

“The S7X is an incredible product with real-world application that can support operators on environmentally sensitive sites, in noise-restricted areas and for indoor operation.”

To bring the S7X to life, Bobcat has once again partnered with Moog, Inc., a worldwide developer of motion control components and systems for industries ranging from aerospace and defense to construction.

Bobcat is also continuing to partner with Viridi (creator of Green Machine products) for its lithium-ion battery systems.

At this time, the S7X skid-steer loader is being launched as a prototype with plans to move to commercialisation. Bobcat says it will release additional information to the marketplace as product development continues.