Komatsu presents lunar and underwater construction equipment at CES '25

We know how the future construction site may look like…self-driving or remotely operated machines, sustainably powered equipment etc, but what if we look much further into the future, when humans and equipment are potentially sent to the moon or outer space?

While most of us would not have that kind of foresight just yet, Komatsu is already working on ideas and concepts to tackle applications most would not have considered, such as construction on the moon.

At the CES 2025 tech show in Las Vegas, Komatsu showcased a range of innovative ideas such as a concept machine to carry out construction work on the moon.

The concept will be based on digital twin technology where a virtual replica of a physical object is created to analyse and mirror its physical entity. This will allow humans to control the machine on the moon from a safe and comfortable base on Earth, as well as monitor data and performance of the machine remotely.

In addition, Komatsu also showcased its underwater construction equipment of the future, featuring similar capabilities with its lunar equipment.

Komatsu is not new to creating underwater construction equipment, in fact, the company manufactured a radio-controlled amphibious bulldozer in 1971.

However, a range of issues including climate change, natural disasters and lack of labour meant Komatsu needed to modernise the machine to allow it to do more and do so sustainably.

Hence, Komatsu and Asunaro Aoki Construction have teamed up to develop electric construction robots that can be operated at depths of up to 50m through automatic control and ICT functions.

“The core industries we serve, construction and mining, offer plenty of extreme applications that push our engineers, programmers and designers to problem solve ground-breaking use of technology and product design to stay ahead of the needs of our customers,” said Komatsu Ltd CTO and Development Division President, Taisuke Kusaba.

“As a proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators, CES offers a unique opportunity to highlight some of the leading-edge concepts we have in the works, as well as the Komatsu innovations that are actively helping shape the world around us.”

Th CES 2025 show wraps up today.