News

Remote operation of excavators

Kobelco has called on Leica Geosystems to help turn its remotely operated machine control idea, formally known as the K-Dive Concept, into a reality. By manipulating a dedicated cockpit with displays showing the jobsite from an office, operators can control excavators remotely without going to the real jobsite. This time, with a focus on bringing more efficiency, safety and productivity through digitalisation to the heavy construction industry, Kobelco and Leica Geosystems (part of Hexagon) will work together to help facilitate the remote operation of excavators. The relationship will take advantage of Leica Geosystems know how in relation to K-Dive Concept’s next generation Telework System using remote operation technology for operators.

K-Dive Concept will allow a diverse range of operators to work efficiently having access to any jobsite without being restricted by location. Using a remote system enables contractors to view progress of jobsites virtually and used as virtual training for operators. The advanced Leica iCON 3D excavator machine control solution guides the operator using reference models and GNSS in 3D. Design information and real-time cut/fill indications are displayed on the control panel, allowing the operators to rapidly excavate to the reference design on projects, such as large road and infrastructure construction, subdivision building, industrial sites and demolition works. Via a new cloud-based Construction Equipment Telework Service system, remote operators can control excavators’ performance on a jobsite in real-time.

Kobelco will rely on high-speed 5G mobile communication systems for the K-Dive Concept, which will undergo practical testing in Japan before a decision is made on its global availability.

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