SMARTCONSTRUCTION

PC300I-11

The Japanese construction and civil engineering industry is facing a serious problem of declining workforce and highly skilled workers. Consequently, it is an urgent task to improve the safety and productivity of jobsite operations. In February 2015, we launched SMARTCONSTRUCTION, designed to create a future of construction jobsite operations by connecting all jobsite information through ICT. In November 2015, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism introduced "i-Construction", a new construction standard which incorporates ICT in all processes from survey and design to construction and management. On our website, we describe over 100 specific jobsite cases.

Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle

Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle
Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle

Since the commercial application of our Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) for unmanned dump trucks in 2008, we have enjoyed great evaluations from customers for not only improved efficiency of mining but also excellent reliability in the form of machine availability (a small percentage of machine downtime). With respect to unmanned vehicles, when you transcend the convention of operator cab situated in the front part of the vehicles, you will see new possibilities. We have discussed such possibilities and are working to commercialize such a vehicle, that is, our Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle.

In unmanned shuttling of dump trucks, the elimination of the need for K-turns when loading and unloading will considerably reduce the work cycle time. Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle is designed to distribute equal load to all four wheels when the truck is loaded and unloaded. It also features four-wheel drive, retarder and steering, allowing for its deployment in dangerous jobsites for conventional trucks, such as slippery ground conditions in heavy rain and snow falls as well as confined spaces. As a result, it will boost productivity of mining. Currently, we are conducting a variety of tests for commercialization in Komatsu America Corp.'s proving grounds in Arizona. Please visit the following URL for a conceptual video presentation of the Innovative Autonomous Haulage Vehicle.