Komatsu and EARTHBRAIN have partnered with TIER IV, an open-source autonomous driving software developer, to advance autonomous technology for construction equipment. The goal is to integrate this technology into Komatsu dump trucks and have them ready for use by the end of fiscal year 2027.
The collaboration leverages the strengths of all three companies: TIER IV’s advanced autonomous driving technology, Komatsu’s expertise in construction equipment engineering, and EARTHBRAIN’s know-how in digital construction process management. While TIER IV and Komatsu will focus on developing the autonomous driving system, EARTHBRAIN will take the lead in creating the fleet management platform.
Developing autonomous construction equipment presents a concrete way to tackle the labour shortage that continues to challenge the construction industry in 2025, reducing the need for manual labour. Second, by integrating a fleet management system, the partnership will enable dynamic route optimisation and stable autonomous control, significantly boosting haulage efficiency. Finally, the initiative will contribute to enhanced safety and lower environmental impact by minimising fuel consumption through optimised operations and supporting unmanned work environments, ultimately improving overall site conditions.
This technology will first be applied to Komatsu’s articulated dump truck HM400 (maximum payload: 40 tons) and to the rigid dump truck HD785 (maximum payload: 93.9 tons), with plans to extend it to other models over time. The solution is designed for use across various industrial sites, such as steel mills and processing plants. A broader international rollout is also under consideration.
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