Komatsu’s electric remote-controlled mini excavator

As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, Komatsu has announced a fully electric, remote-controlled mini excavator powered by a lithium-ion battery, as its next-generation concept machine into the future.

Designed to lay the foundations for fully electric construction equipment of the future, this concept machine for a fully-electric three-ton class (bucket capacity: 0.09 cubic metres) excavator is based on Komatsu's accumulated expertise in electric forklifts and mini excavators.

It incorporates new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and electric cylinders which utilise no hydraulics. Thanks to full-electric power, it is an eco-friendly machine, as it generates no exhaust gas, noise or heat. It also features maintenance-free operation thanks to no use of hydraulic equipment.

As this concept machine requires no operator on board the machine, it enables remote-control operations under any work environment. The remote control excavator offers operation without boarding it, reducing the operator's fatigue and improving workplace productivity.

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Thanks to electrification and remote control, the machine should be stress-free for the operator, and will make operation easier and safer in confined spaces or dangerous sites, such as indoor demolition and rescue work.

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 FY2022. Komatsu is working to not only accelerate the speed of commercialising construction equipment with little environmental impact, but also further anchor them into the future.

Sean Taylor, MD and CEO Komatsu Australia, commented: "Climate change and moving towards a global zero-emissions economy is obviously the big challenge for our generation.

"Komatsu has a long and rich history of driving industry breakthroughs such as the first Hybrid Excavator which reduced fuel consumption by over 40 per cent, and the deployment of low emission engines that reduce particulate matter by up to 80per cent – this concept machine is an exciting extension of this journey."

Specifications:
Bucket capacity: 0.09 cubic metres
Overall length: 4750mm
Overall width: 1740mm
Overall height: 1685mm
Rear-swing radius: 970mm
Battery capacity: 31.5kWh