Komatsu opens Shonan Innovation Lab to consolidate research and development

Commemorative lecture by Dr. Chiaki Mukai, Japan’s first female astronaut, marks opening of new innovation lab in Hiratsuka City

March 29, 2023 -- Komatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) (hereafter “Komatsu”) is going to consolidate its R&D functions, which were separately located in Hiratsuka City, in the Shinomiya area (on the premises of Shonan Plant), and to integrate its R&D functions for automation, autonomous operation, remote control and other technologies in a newly completed development building named the Shonan Innovation Lab.

This reorganization will facilitate communication, improve development efficiency, and increase development speed, aiming for the early achievement of Komatsu’s vision of "safe, highly productive, smart and clean workplace of the future.”

In Hiratsuka City of Kanagawa Prefecture, there are a number of R&D functions that will pioneer the next generation of the Komatsu Group, including research for advanced technologies and basic technologies (in Manda area), R&D of automation, autonomous operation and remote control of construction and mining equipment, including the Autonomous Haulage System, development of electronic systems and software for control of construction and mining equipment and ICT-intensive construction, and R&D of electrification systems aimed at realizing carbon neutrality (in Shinomiya area).

By consolidating these functions in the same area, Komatsu will facilitate communication across divisions and promote innovation through knowledge sharing and inspiration. Komatsu will also work to improve the efficiency and speed of development by facilitating close communication with partner companies.

For the completion ceremony of Shonan Innovation Lab, held on March 16, Komatsu invited Dr. Chiaki Mukai, Specially Appointed Vice President of Tokyo University of Science and an astronaut, to give a commemorative lecture on the theme of "Prospects and Expectations for Space Development". In this area, Komatsu is engaged in relevant research and development contributing to construction activities on the lunar surface and other space development.

DANTOTSU Value is defined as customer value creation that generates a positive cycle of improvement of earnings and ESG resolutions in Komatsu's mid-term management plan, entitled "DANTOTSU Value -Together, to‘The Next’for sustainable growth". Through this DANTOTSU Value, Komatsu will strive to create new values in order to take steady steps forward to the next stage for the workplace of the future and pass on a sustainable future to the next generation.

1. Concentrating R&D personnel for automation, autonomous operation and remote control

Automation and remote control-related bases and human resources dispersed throughout the region are now consolidated at Shonan Innovation Lab. By consolidating them in the same location, Komatsu will facilitate communication across divisions and promote innovation through sharing knowledge and creating inspiration.

2. Creating an environment that responds to flexible work styles

Komatsu has created an environment that responds to flexible work styles through diversity initiatives, such as constructing a prayer room and a women's support room, enhancing facilities and space, and introducing a free-address system in the office. Komatsu promotes the recruitment of diverse and talented personnel.

3. Creating an environment for efficient communication with partner companies

To strengthen collaboration with partner companies, which is important for accelerating innovation, Komatsu has secured a space where partner companies can work full-time. While considering security, Komatsu will promote close communication with partner companies to increase development speed.

4. Promoting carbon neutrality through energy conservation and energy creation initiatives

Under the mid-term management plan, Komatsu has set a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 2030 to 50% of its carbon emissions in 2010 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 as a challenge target.Shonan Innovation Lab has been designed to reduce CO2 emissions. It is committed to energy savings through the use of the latest air conditioning methods, improved airtightness and thermal insulation, and energy creation through solar power generation.