Komatsu Ltd. and its subsidiary EARTHBRAIN Ltd. have entered into a strategic partnership with AIM Intelligent Machines (AIM), a developer of autonomous operation technology for bulldozers and hydraulic excavators. The partnership aims to deliver autonomous construction solutions for the United States and Japanese markets.

Komatsu and EARTHBRAIN provide Smart Construction, a digital construction management solution that helps optimize job sites by connecting construction planning, digitally enabled equipment, jobsite management and remote operation, according to Komatsu. AIM is a provider of autonomy technology powered by physical AI and has already commercially deployed autonomous fleets of bulldozers and hydraulic excavators.

The three companies have been jointly advancing technology validation and business development for autonomous construction solutions using bulldozers and hydraulic excavators. The collaboration has now progressed into the commercial deployment phase in the United States, where Komatsu autonomous machines are already operating at customer job sites. The companies also plan to introduce the solution to the Japanese market beginning in 2027.

The solution enables customers to manage every stage 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 entire construction process, according to Komatsu. Also, AIM's technology can be retrofitted to existing bulldozers and hydraulic excavators, allowing customers to gradually introduce autonomous construction using their current fleets without waiting to replace equipment with new machines, added the company.

Through this partnership, the three companies will combine their respective strengths in construction equipment, digital construction management solutions and autonomous operation technology to deliver a new solution that connects construction management and autonomous execution. The solution will support the automation and optimization of the entire construction process while addressing labor shortages and accelerating digital transformation across construction job sites, according to Komatsu.

"Komatsu is committed to working together with the industries we serve to work toward safe, productive and sustainable job sites through construction equipment and digital solutions," said Chikashi Shike, president, solution division, Komatsu Ltd. "AIM shares our vision of transforming construction through autonomous technology, making them an ideal partner for this journey."