Komatsu, AIM Intelligent Machines partner on autonomy

Komatsu Ltd. and its subsidiary Earthbrain Ltd. have entered into a strategic partnership with AIM Intelligent Machines (AIM) with the objective to deliver autonomous construction solutions for the Japanese and U.S. markets.

Komatsu and Earthbrain provide Smart Construction, a digital construction management solution designed to connect construction planning, digitally enabled equipment, jobsite management and remote operation. AIM is a developer of autonomous operation technology for crawler dozers and hydraulic excavators that is powered by physical AI. Through their partnership, the companies are combining their respective strengths to deliver a new solution that seamlessly connects construction management and autonomous execution.

The strategic partnership between Komatsu Ltd., Earthbrain Ltd. and AIM Intelligent Machines seeks to enable autonomous operation of dozers and excavators. (Photo: Komatsu)

The solution integrates Smart Construction-generated construction plans and target terrain data with AIM’s physical AI platform to enable autonomous operation. Dozers and excavators are able to recognize project objectives, autonomously determine construction methods and travel routes and execute construction tasks independently. Customers are able to manage all stages of the construction process – from planning and autonomous operation to progress visualization and performance data utilization – through a single digital workflow, while automating and optimizing the construction process. 

In addition, AIM’s technology can be retrofitted to existing dozers and excavators, allowing customers to gradually introduce autonomous construction into their current fleets.

The companies have been jointly advancing technology validation and business development, with the collaboration now progressing into the commercial deployment phase in the U.S. market. They plan to introduce the solution to the Japanese market beginning in 2027.

“Through this partnership, we will integrate Smart Construction with AIM’s technology to create a seamless connection from construction planning and management to autonomous execution, accelerating the optimization of entire jobsites,” said Chikashi Shike, president, Solution Division, Komatsu Ltd. “By leveraging the strengths of both companies, we will continue contributing to improved safety and productivity, as well as the development of sustainable infrastructure.”

“By combining AIM’s physical AI platform with Komatsu’s ecosystem, construction machines can autonomously perform earthmoving tasks at the jobsite,” said Adam Sadilek, CEO, AIM Intelligent Machines. “Together, our technologies accelerate the adoption of autonomous operation across enormous construction and infrastructure sectors, helping create safer and more productive jobsites.”