Designing the future of people and society

The Good Design Award is Japan’s comprehensive award program to evaluate, recognize and promote excellence in design, and considers everything as "design" as long as it is constructed to achieve an ideal or a purpose, whether tangible or intangible. For over half a century, this program make people's lives and society better through design. 

Komatsu's motor grader and electric micro excavator have been selected for the 2024 Good Design Award. This article will introduce Komatsu's approach to design through the story of the development of these two machines.

The GD955 large motor grader is mainly used to prepare and maintain haul roads used by dump trucks at mining sites.
This is a professional machine for professionals, and thoughtfully designed with a human-centered approach. 

The power and reliability of its performance even in the harsh conditions of a mining site are embodied in its strong and stable silhouette.
The robust design both instills confidence and motivates the operator to look forward to another day of working in synch with our machine.
Careful thought on the actual work performed by operators and service personnel is reflected in every detail of the design with the aim of enhancing productivity and safety.

Creating a cabin form that greatly expands the field of view from the driver's seat, rethinking the shape and location of control levers to reduce operational fatigue, and improving the human-machine interface with features like a monitor for intuitive understanding of machine status are a few examples of the many ideas packed in this human-centered design. 

The PC01E-2 electric micro excavator is equipped with a replaceable battery unit. Adopting the basic concept of the operator straddling it like a motorcycle, we have significantly redesigned the structure of the previous model. The rational layout of the internal components has resulted in an even more compact body that is easier to transport and operate. The machine is both a new look in construction machines while retaining an exterior design with a sense of user-friendly familiarity. 

The width of the machine body is roughly the same as a person's shoulder width, so it can work anywhere a person can fit. This is another example of our people-centered approach to design. 

One of this micro excavator’s most attractive features is that it is electric powered.
Enabling usage by a wider range of users from professionals to even private individuals who may enjoy using it for gardening and weekend DIY projects; transportable in the bed of a light truck; operable outdoors… the possibilities are endless.
Electrification also makes it easier to handle.More than a unique machine, we have designed a new lifestyle, and we believe that this micro excavator will spark interest in Komatsu among more people than ever before.

At Komatsu, we are constantly thinking how our designs can better the future of people and society. 

When people use our construction or mining machines, how much can the way they look or operate impact their attitude and feelings? Does a cooler appearance make them more positive and happier in their work?
What are the most important elements in the workplace environment to consider in our pursuit of designing the safest possible machines?
Looking further ahead, how can our designs continue to contribute to a more beautiful environment and the planet throughout the lifespan of our machines?
With every question, the scope of possibilities expands and reveals the limitless potential of our designs.

For Komatsu, the challenges of design are endless, but all share a common destination: helping to make a better, more fulfilling, and happier future for all.