LANDCROS One Excavator Concept Wins Red Dot Design Award
Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe (HCME) has captured the industry’s attention with a bold new vision. The LANDCROS One concept excavator, a futuristic machine that blends intelligent design with digital innovation, has clinched one of the world’s most respected accolades: the 2025 Red Dot Design Award.
Unveiled to much fanfare at bauma 2025 in Munich, this ground-breaking machine wasn’t merely an exhibition piece. It signalled a major strategic pivot for Hitachi, and this award confirms what industry insiders have been whispering since April: the future of construction machinery just got a lot more exciting.
“LANDCROS One is more than just a machine” stated Francesco Quaranta, President and CEO of HCME: “It’s our commitment to deliver solutions beyond machinery in a new construction ecosystem.”
A Seal of Innovation
For those unfamiliar, the Red Dot Design Award is not your average industry pat on the back. It’s a globally recognised stamp of design excellence, awarded to innovations that redefine the boundaries of form and function. The LANDCROS One has now earned a place among world-class designs from leading industries, including automotive, architecture, and technology.
The recognition places Hitachi’s latest concept at the very heart of conversations around automation, sustainability, and the digitalisation of heavy machinery. And rightly so. Few machines have combined vision and functionality so seamlessly.
Rewriting the Operator Experience
LANDCROS One is not simply a new take on an excavator. It’s a complete rethink of what it means to operate, manage, and interact with heavy machinery. Designed in partnership with Granstudio, an Italian mobility and design powerhouse, the excavator embraces what Hitachi terms a “phygital” approach.
This fusion of physical and digital elements creates an intuitive interface for operators. Think modular cabins, AI-powered assistance, and control systems that feel closer to a high-end simulator than a traditional construction cab. Ergonomics have been gamified, interfaces streamlined, and control systems infused with adaptive AI.
“At Granstudio, we are proud to have partnered with Hitachi to bring to life a revolutionary concept excavator that redefines the future of construction equipment,” said Lowie Vermeersch, Founder and Creative Director at Granstudio: “By blending our expertise in design and innovation with Hitachi’s engineering excellence, we have created a vision that pushes the boundaries of efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.”
AI-Powered Intelligence
At the core of LANDCROS One is a sophisticated AI system designed to elevate the operator’s capabilities. It assists with routine tasks, analyses the surrounding environment, and even interfaces with drone-based site scanning to create a comprehensive operational map. This smart integration ensures enhanced precision while minimising human error.
More importantly, AI reduces fatigue. By automating repetitive functions and assisting with complex actions, the machine allows both veteran and novice operators to work smarter, not harder. For an industry struggling with a skills gap and workforce attrition, such intelligent support might be a game-changer.
Remote Operations Around the Clock
Perhaps one of the most transformative features of LANDCROS One is its true 24/7 operation potential. With remote control capabilities and high-speed connectivity, operators no longer need to be on-site. Whether in Athens or Amsterdam, a skilled operator can manage the excavator from a central control hub.
This is more than convenience. It’s about global efficiency. Firms can now optimise staff across time zones, reduce travel-related emissions, and remove personnel from hazardous or remote job sites. Safety improves, productivity increases, and operational costs decrease. That’s a win all round.
Adaptable Operation Modes
LANDCROS One doesn’t assume one-size-fits-all. Instead, it offers three distinctive modes to cater to different levels of operator experience and job complexity:
- Manual Mode: Traditional control, enhanced by AI to reduce strain and boost output.
- Autonomous Mode: Ideal for repetitive tasks or predefined site functions.
- Remote Mode: Complete control from virtually anywhere, opening the door to international collaboration.
This adaptability means one machine can be deployed across various projects, locations, and skillsets, making it a valuable asset for any forward-thinking contractor.
A Flexible, Green Powertrain
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here; it’s baked into the DNA of LANDCROS One. The excavator offers three propulsion options: electric, diesel, and hydrogen. This trio of powertrains ensures the machine can operate in multiple environments, from zero-emissions urban projects to rugged off-grid terrain.
With regulatory pressures increasing and decarbonisation targets looming, such flexibility will prove vital. Construction firms now have a future-ready machine that can adapt without compromise.
Strategic Vision: Beyond Machinery
The LANDCROS One is also symbolic of HCME’s broader transformation. As Quaranta explained: “We’re proud to lead the next wave of innovation, empowering the next-generation workforce and redefining possibilities in the construction machinery industry.”
Rather than focusing solely on machines, Hitachi is now positioning itself as a provider of ecosystem-based solutions. These include connectivity platforms, digital infrastructure, and collaborative technologies designed to reshape construction from the ground up.
This means thinking beyond steel and hydraulics. It means digital twins, machine learning, predictive maintenance, and eventually, fully automated worksites powered by interconnected fleets.
A Milestone, Not a Finish Line
bauma 2025 offered a glimpse into what’s coming, but the Red Dot Design Award cements that this isn’t just a vision. It’s a tangible step forward. LANDCROS One proves that sustainability, intelligence, and user-focused design aren’t mutually exclusive. They can coexist in a single, elegantly engineered piece of equipment.
“We’re building a smarter tomorrow together with our strategic partners and customers,” said Quaranta.
The journey from prototype to production is never straightforward, but if the Red Dot Award is anything to go by, the industry will be watching—and waiting—with great anticipation.
Innovation Paves the Road Ahead
As construction marches toward an AI-driven, decarbonised future, the LANDCROS One is laying the groundwork. It isn’t just about winning awards. It’s about reshaping the role of heavy equipment in a world that demands smarter, cleaner, more connected infrastructure.
Hitachi, it seems, is ready to rise to the challenge. And with machines like LANDCROS One, the future looks anything but dull.
