Not too long ago, OEMs all scrambled to partner with or buy battery makers or battery technology companies.

You don't hear too much about that anymore — either everyone has a dance partner or companies have realized the actual demand for electric equipment in earthmoving is a trickle into a pond of indifference.

Now the trend is investing in autonomous technology or robotics companies.

Let's look at a couple of recent examples.

Komatsu's AIM

Komatsu 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 Japanese and U.S. markets.

Komatsu and Earthbrain already provide Smart Construction, a digital construction management solution that helps optimize jobsites by connecting construction planning, digitally enabled equipment, jobsite management, and remote operation. 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 U.S. market, where Komatsu autonomous machines are already operating at customer jobsites. The companies also plan to introduce the solution to the Japanese market beginning in 2027.

The solution offered through this partnership integrates Smart Construction-generated construction plans and target terrain data with AIM’s physical AI platform to enable autonomous operation. Bulldozers and hydraulic excavators can understand project objectives, autonomously determine construction methods and travel routes, and execute construction tasks independently.

Retrofit capabilities

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.

Here's a key: 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.

Video: Komatsu celebrates 40 years in Chattanooga

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 seamlessly 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 jobsites.

Going forward, the three companies will continue to integrate their technologies and expertise while progressively enhancing the integration between Smart Construction and AIM’s physical AI platform.

“Komatsu is committed to working together with the industries we serve to work toward safe, productive and sustainable jobsites through construction equipment and digital solutions. AIM shares our vision of transforming construction through autonomous technology, making them an ideal partner for this journey,” said Chikashi Shike, President, Solution Division, Komatsu Ltd.

"Through this partnership, we will integrate Smart Construction with AIM’s technology to create a seamless connection from construction planning and management to autonomous execution, accelerating the optimization of entire jobsites. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, we will continue contributing to improved safety and productivity, as well as the development of sustainable infrastructure.”

Oshkosh, JLG, and Nextera

We've already seen that MEWP maker JLG is heavily invested in creating new high-tech options for jobsites.

Now Oshkosh, JLG's parent, has announced a strategic equity investment in Nextera Robotics.

"Our investment in Nextera is a confirmation of our belief in their technology, and our partnership will help Nextera accelerate its mission to connect the construction jobsite,” says Mahesh Narang, EVP, Oshkosh Corporation, and president, Oshkosh Access segment.  

Nextera develops autonomous technologies that create updated digital maps of active construction sites using visual AI and autonomous robotics. These digital representations provide project teams with timely insights into project progress, quality and safety, helping identify issues earlier and improve decision-making throughout the construction process.

"Nextera has developed unique technology across visual image recognition using AI, Bluetooth mesh technology and use cases for jobsite autonomy," says Shashank Bhatia, chief technology officer, Oshkosh Access segment. “We will explore using these technologies in future JLG products to advance our strategy of developing products for the jobsite of the future."

As part of the relationship, JLG will support Nextera's commercialization efforts through customer engagement, field validation and application expertise. In turn, Nextera's technology platform complements JLG's technology roadmap and can expand how connected equipment creates value on the jobsite.