Komatsu launches automatic construction machinery to compete against Sany Heavy Industry

Komatsu Japan has developed a construction machine that can be controlled automatically. This machine utilizes sensors and other technologies to perform operations such as excavation and soil preparation with accuracy of several centimeters, and can assist human operations. Komatsu plans to introduce cutting-edge technology to increase operational efficiency as a selling point to counter the Chinese and South Korean manufacturers that have continuously strengthened low-price offensives. Komatsu will also be responsible for building the information network and systems necessary for the use of automated construction machinery for customers, in order to expand business opportunities surrounding construction machinery and increase profitability.

Komatsu will launch automatic hydraulic excavators and bulldozers in the European and American markets next year. These devices will use global positioning systems (GPS) and sensors equipped on construction machines to acquire real-time data on the location of construction machinery, the height of the robotic arm for excavation work, and the conditions of the work surface, and use computers for control. The site has recently completed trial operation and confirmed the listing schedule. In addition, the Japanese market will also be discussed.

The bulldozer used for road leveling can automatically grasp the unevenness of the road surface and can adjust the leveling depth of the shoveling soil in units of several centimeters. For safety reasons, drivers are indispensable, but even in those lines that require skilled workers to operate, it is also possible to carry out work automatically according to the design plan, without prior work such as measurement.

With such new equipment, it will be easier to predict the time required for the project, and then according to the progress of the project, the materials needed for the project will be transported in an orderly manner, which will help shorten the construction period and control the construction cost. There is a view that the price of construction machinery will face an upswing in the future, but the price increase caused by the automatic function will offset these negative conditions.

In addition to selling construction machinery, Komatsu will also be responsible for building a wireless LAN for customers to exchange the data required for automatic operation of construction machinery. At the same time, equipment for confirming whether the automatic measurement result is correct or the like will also be sold. It will also provide peripheral services, such as building a system for the customer to operate the construction machinery, or providing assistance in the training of operators.

Komatsu introduced a system for remote management of the operation of construction machinery. By the end of March this year, 260,000 construction machines had been equipped with the above systems, which helped to provide replacement parts and warranty services. In the field of mining machinery, the company started production of the world's earliest unmanned dump truck in 2008. While improving the performance and added value of construction machinery, the company also strives to establish a system for profitability through service after the construction machinery completes its sales.

In China, the world’s largest hydraulic excavator market, emerging companies such as Sany Heavy Industry are rapidly expanding their market share. Some analysts believe that its price is about 20% lower than that of Japanese companies, and it also implements zero down payment and other sales promotion measures, which have gained a strong momentum of growth.