Komatsu introduces electric and remote-controlled concept mini excavator

Komatsu’s remote controlled electric mini excavator

Komatsu has announced a fully-electric (non-hydraulic drive) remote-controlled mini excavator powered by a lithium-ion battery, as its next-generation concept machine for the future.

The manufacturer – which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary – said that the concept machine was, “Designed to lay the foundations for commercialization of fully electric construction equipment of the future.”

The fully electric 3-ton mini excavator builds on Komatsu’s technological expertise in electric forklifts and mini excavators. It incorporates new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and electric cylinders which utilize no hydraulics.

As the machine is remote operated, Komatsu says it has “achieved totally new concepts related to vehicle designs and performance.”

A vehicle controller and operational device are connected via wireless LAN, enabling remote control operations under any work environment.

In 2020, Komatsu launched the PC30E-5 electric mini excavators (hydraulic drive) in Japan, and plans to introduce electric mini excavators (hydraulic drive) after equipping them with the lithium-ion battery system used in the concept machine for Europe in 2022.

The company added that it is working to accelerate the speed of commercializing construction equipment with little environmental impact, such as electric machines.