Doosan Bobcat CEO targets connected equipment ecosystem

Scott Park, CEO of Doosan Bobcat. Image: Doosan Bobcat

Speaking to Construction Briefing, Park said OEMs are beginning to “stitch together” different technology capabilities, including automation, voice control, telematics and software, into systems that can support operators and help contractors work more efficiently.

“Imagine that our industry is quilting, is patching together different technology capabilities,” Park said. “In the past it was just about having one carpet, and that was just that one piece of hardware. Now we’re quilting in different capabilities and technologies as we stitch that together to create that ecosystem.”

One example is Doosan Bobcat’s Jobsite Companion, an AI-powered, voice-controlled system for compact loaders. The technology can manage more than 50 functions, including attachment settings, lights and machine diagnostics.

The system is expected to become commercially available on Bobcat Pro compact loaders in the US later this year.

Park said the ability to control machine functions by voice could reduce disruption for operators and make equipment easier to use.

“Why would you want to move all the power settings and the movements when you can just, while you’re operating, say, ‘Hey, I’m going to use an auger, set up an auger setting,’” he said.

He added that voice control, cloud connectivity and telematics would increasingly come together to allow OEMs to support customers remotely and improve machine productivity.

Park also said semi-autonomous functions could help address construction’s skills shortage, particularly as demand from sectors such as home building and data centres continues to put pressure on industry capacity.

The interview also covered Doosan Bobcat’s growth plans and M&A strategy, following the collapse of its proposed acquisition of German compact equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson.

Park said Wacker Neuson had been an “attractive target” but that the deal was ultimately not the right step for the company. However, he added that M&A remained part of Doosan Bobcat’s strategy.

He said future acquisitions could involve traditional equipment portfolio growth, technology, distribution or vertical integration.

The full interview with Park, covering technology, automation, acquisitions and Doosan Bobcat’s growth ambitions, appears in the June issue of International Construction.