Komatsu unveils electric remote-controlled excavator concept

Komatsu is celebrating its 100th birthday today, on May 13, 2021, and in celebration of such a momentous occasion, the company has lifted the cover off its next-gen concept machine - a fully electric and exclusively remote-controlled mini excavator powered by lithium-ion battery.

The machine is a 3-tonne class excavator with a bucket capacity of 0.09 cubic meters and combines Komatsu’s technological expertise in electric forklifts and mini excavators. It incorporates some new technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and electric cylinders which utilise no hydraulics.

As it is fully battery-powered, it generates no harmful exhaust emissions, noise or heat, Komatsu said. In addition to improved energy efficiency, it is also maintenance-free.

As this concept machine requires no operator on board, Komatsu has achieved totally new concepts related to vehicle design and performance. A vehicle controller and operational device are connected via wireless LAN, eliminating the need for any facility installation required in a conventional remote-control system, hence enabling remote control operations under any work environment, Komatsu explained.

Eliminating the need for operators to sit inside the excavator all day leads to a whole new way of operating machines that is fatigue and stress free, Komatsu said. The remote controlled function will allow workers to operate the machines safely and confidently in confined sites or in hazardous situations such as carrying out indoor demolition work or rescue work in disaster zones.

In 2020, Komatsu launched the PC30E-5 electric mini excavators with hydraulic drive in Japan, and plans to introduce electric mini excavators with a lithium-ion battery system in 2022. Komatsu added it is currently working to accelerate the commercialisation of environmentally friendly construction equipment and hopes to make these machines at the forefront of its business in the future.

Komatsu unveiling its innovative remote-controlled excavator was one of several events to be held over the course of the year as part of the company’s centenary celebrations.

Founded in 1921 in Komatsu City, Japan, Komatsu was originally established to sustain the surrounding community after the closure of a nearby copper mine.

Fast forward to today, Komatsu has established itself as one of the leading brands in the heavy machinery space, with a massive product offering covering civil construction, mining, quarrying and more.

Komatsu has spent the past century dedicated to its founding principles of quality first, technology and manufacturing innovation, global reach and people development. Through the years, Komatsu has continued to invest in core capabilities and strategic acquisitions to connect a diverse network of people and cutting-edge technologies with the belief that partnerships are the best way to solve challenges and meet society’s needs.

Komatsu’s purpose is a combination of its mission and vision, and honours the company’s legacy while looking toward the future. The company’s purpose is “creating value through manufacturing and technology innovation to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet thrive together”.

Its values are ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity; while its new brand promise is “creating value together”.

In the next 100 years, Komatsu plans to focus on supporting the mining, construction, forestry, industrial machinery and agriculture industries in their digital transformations and transition to resilient workplaces of the future.  Komatsu’s aims are to connect human and machines through smart technologies and to create a zero harm, zero waste and zero emissions future.

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While looking to the future, Komatsu will also continue to remain true to its founding spirit by playing an active role in supporting local communities with a specific emphasis on sustainability.

As part of that commitment, Komatsu launched its One World One Komatsu online platform last year which encourages Komatsu employees to be a force for good both at work and at home.

The platform allows employees to take part in sustainability-focused campaigns and competitions; share ideas and engage with colleagues.

Visit Komatsu's 100th anniversary commemorative website to find out more about the company's achievements in the past 100 years.