Surface mining Press release Product and service

Komatsu to teleoperate an excavator in Arizona from MINExpo show floor in Las Vegas

2 min read / September 9, 2021

Komatsu PC7000 surface mining excavator

The Komatsu PC7000 excavator tests loading capabilities at the company's proving grounds in Arizona.

Demo will preview new semiautonomous PC7000-11 hydraulic excavator

September 9, 2021 — Previewing its in-development capabilities to help customers advance their safety and productivity goals, Komatsu will teleoperate a new hydraulic excavator loading its autonomous concept truck in Arizona from a remote console in Las Vegas, Nevada, during MINExpo 2021.

Separated by more than 400 miles, the Komatsu PC7000-11 and its operator will leverage an Immersive Technologies console that provides the user information and views of what is seen from the machine’s actual cab onsite. Multiple cameras and sensors around the machine and bucket, as well as a 360-degree monitor and machine display, support visibility and situational awareness for the remote operator.

Development of the semiautonomous 700-ton-class hydraulic excavator with teleoperation is nearing completion and Komatsu plans to trial the concept machine at a customer site in 2022. The live demonstrations during MINExpo offer a sneak peek of the company’s upcoming offerings to the market. The equipment will be operating at Komatsu’s proving grounds near Tucson, Arizona, during the display.

Paired with Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS), the PC7000-11 features semi-automated teleoperation capabilities to reduce cycle times and combat operator fatigue. Operator-assist with augmented reality (AR) technology supports productivity improvement, displaying information and data to provide real-time feedback to production plan.

Leveraging the machine’s onboard sensors and technologies of Modular Mining and Immersive Technologies, each loading shift is accumulated in the data and translated into insights on ways to potentially improve productivity, safety and reduce running costs. This data is incorporated into online real-time coaching as well as offline coaching. An operator guidance and coaching function is also under development utilizing AR technology.

For a schedule of when Komatsu will be holding live demonstrations of teleoperation of its PC7000-11 from booth #7027 at MINExpo, Sept. 13-15 in Las Vegas, visit www.komatsu.com and click on “Learn more” on the MINExpo International section on our front page.

Not able to make it to MINExpo in person this year? Join Komatsu online at its virtual event hub where you can also see the demo. Register today at: komatsuevents.com

About Komatsu
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance.

Media inquiries contacts

Caley Clinton, Director, Corporate  Communications and Brand

Caley Clinton

Director, Global Brand

Communications and Creative

(414) 712-9728

Jill Rick, Manager, PR and CSR

Jill Rick

Senior Manager, Communications

(262) 337-0854