Komatsu WA470 Wheel Loader aids automated tunnel construction
Komatsu has developed a wheel loader “WA470 tunnel specification vehicle” with an interface function compatible with the automated construction system developed by the customer.
Komatsu will digitally construct both “automation and sophistication of construction machinery” and “optimization of construction operations” to realize a safe, highly productive, smart and clean future site.
Aiming for transformation
For customers who are working on the development of automated construction systems in-house, Komatsu will develop and provide automation-compatible vehicles.
Komatsu is a key part of the automated construction system “A4CSEL® for Tunnel” that Kajima Construction Co., Ltd., is developing for mountain tunnel construction. Komatsu co-operated in the development of the interface that can automate the wheel loader “WA470 tunnel specification vehicle”, and provided a vehicle that can execute the measurement and control program for automatic slip-out work that was developed by Kajima.
This machine has functions and interfaces that enable operation based on the instructions of the automated construction system developed by Kajima, while maintaining the conventional performance of the wheel loader.
An automatic / manual changeover switch is installed in the cab to switch from normal operation to automatic operation, and command and control from the automation system provides basic operations such as forward / back running and stopping, as well as tunnel specifications, that enables car-specific side dump bucket work.
In addition, a mode lamp is installed on the upper part of the cab, so that the manned, automatic, and abnormal states of the automation-compatible vehicle can be identified at a glance from outside.
Komatsu and Kashima signed a joint research and development agreement in 2013 to solve problems such as “shortage of skilled workers”, “ensuring worksite safety” and “improving productivity” in the civil engineering and construction industry. Going forward, they will continue to utilize the knowledge and technological capabilities of both companies to jointly accelerate the development and dissemination of automated construction systems in order to solve problems and improve productivity at an early stage in the civil engineering and construction industries.
Komatsu aims to realize a safe, highly productive, smart and clean future site together with their customers.
