Komatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) and its subsidiary EARTHBRAIN Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Akinori Onodera, hereinafter “EARTHBRAIN”) have jointly developed a remote operation system for construction machinery, named “Smart Construction Teleoperation” (hereinafter “this system”), which is now available for purchase through Komatsu Customer Support Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Jun Awai) nationwide.
This system allows operators to remotely control hydraulic excavators from a safe and comfortable environment, such as an office. By integrating with various Smart Construction® solutions, the system enables operators to monitor the activity of dump trucks while remotely operating excavators. Furthermore, operators can switch between multiple construction machines from a single cockpit.
Two types of remote operation cockpits are available: the “Intelligent Circle” type and the “Spaceship” type, allowing customers to choose the configuration best suited to their operational needs. Through the implementation of this system, Komatsu and EARTHBRAIN aim to contribute to the realization of safe, productive, smart, and clean construction sites of the future.
[Cockpit Image: “Intelligent Circle” type (left), “Spaceship” type (right)]
This system has been adopted by Hirose Co., Ltd. (President: Noruo Hirose, Head Office: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture), a general construction contractor.
Hirose is actively embracing the latest ICT technologies with the aim of transforming the image of the construction industry, promoting workstyle reform, and improving productivity. The introduction of this system is part of their ongoing efforts to advance these initiatives.
[Cockpit Provided to Hirose: “Intelligent Circle” (left) and Compatible Hydraulic Excavator (right)]
In 2023, Komatsu and EARTHBRAIN began on-site testing of this system in preparation for mass production, in cooperation with Oono Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. (Chairman: Teruaki Ohno, Head Office: Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture; hereinafter “Oono Kaihatsu”).
The joint verification focused on both technical and safety aspects, and during the process, Oono Kaihatsu provided the following feedback:
"There is minimal latency during remote operation, and the experience is nearly indistinguishable from operating the machine on-site. This eliminates the need for operators to be physically present, which contributes significantly to improved safety and productivity."
With the official launch of this system, Komatsu and EARTHBRAIN aim to accelerate its rollout to a broader range of customers.
As operating conditions and environments vary across customers, specifications will be tailored individually based on specific inquiries and requirements.
By delivering this system, Komatsu and EARTHBRAIN are committed to solving critical challenges in the construction industry, such as improving safety, enhancing productivity, and addressing labor shortages.
[Cockpit Types and Specifications of Smart Construction Teleoperation]
<Reference> Related Release
Development and Launch of a Remote Operation System for Construction Machinery
The information provided in this news release is current as of the date of publication and is subject to change without prior notice.