Komatsu and Ouster Advance Mining Autonomy with Cutting-Edge Lidar
The mining industry is accelerating its journey toward fully autonomous operations, and two major players are teaming up to push the boundaries even further.
Komatsu, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of heavy industrial machinery, and Ouster, a leader in high-performance lidar technology, have announced a ground-breaking multimillion-dollar partnership.
The agreement will see Ouster’s advanced 3D digital lidar sensors integrated across Komatsu’s suite of autonomous mining equipment. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in boosting productivity, improving safety, and reducing operational costs for mining operations around the world.
Upgrading the Autonomy Stack
Komatsu’s decision to move from traditional 2D lidar systems to Ouster’s cutting-edge 3D lidar represents a game-changing evolution in mining technology. The REV7 series sensors from Ouster, featuring a combination of long-range and short-range OS models, are designed to provide comprehensive perception capabilities. These upgrades offer enhanced navigation, collision avoidance, and obstacle detection—all essential for operating in complex and often hazardous mining environments.
Matt Reiland, Technical Director of Automation Innovation at Komatsu, underscored the significance of the technology shift: “Ouster’s products developed through this partnership can withstand the shock, vibration, and temperature constraints while delivering the enhanced range and spatial awareness necessary to operate in harsh mining environments.”
The sensors also feature continuous firmware updates, allowing Komatsu to keep its fleet on the cutting edge of technological advancements without needing to replace hardware frequently. This capability not only improves performance over time but also accelerates the development of future autonomous solutions.
Enhancing Safety and Productivity
Safety remains one of the top priorities in mining. Komatsu’s autonomous offerings are designed to achieve “zero harm” objectives by reducing the need for human operators in dangerous zones. The integration of Ouster’s lidar sensors supports this mission by providing real-time 3D mapping and environmental awareness, helping machines make better operational decisions without human intervention.
These improvements do more than just enhance safety. They also boost productivity by allowing machines to operate continuously, day and night, regardless of environmental conditions. Ouster’s sensors are engineered to perform reliably in the dust, vibration, and temperature extremes typical of mining sites, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
A Strategic Partnership for Future Innovations
By securing advanced access to Ouster’s future products for testing and development, Komatsu positions itself at the forefront of mining technology. This partnership provides a strategic pathway for Komatsu to introduce new functionalities that create added value for its customers worldwide.
The collaboration also aligns with Komatsu’s broader vision of empowering industries to build a more sustainable future. The company has spent over a century supporting front-line industries with technologies that help manage forests, extract critical minerals, and build modern infrastructure.
“We are committed to creating value for our customers through manufacturing and technological innovation,”
Komatsu stated in its corporate vision: “By partnering with Ouster, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in mining automation, helping our customers operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.”
Powering Autonomy Across Industries
Headquartered in San Francisco, Ouster has rapidly emerged as a leading global provider of high-resolution lidar sensors and software solutions. The company serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, industrial automation, robotics, and smart infrastructure.
Ouster’s mission is clear: to build a safer and more sustainable future through the mass adoption of affordable, high-performance lidar technology. With offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Ouster is well-positioned to support Komatsu’s global operations.
“We are proud to be chosen as the lidar supplier for Komatsu’s autonomous equipment offerings,”
said Angus Pacala, CEO of Ouster: “This partnership is a testament to the performance and reliability of our lidar sensors in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.”
Market Outlook and Industry Implications
The global mining equipment market is projected to reach over $180 billion by 2030, driven by increased demand for minerals critical to the green energy transition—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Autonomous solutions are expected to play a significant role in meeting this demand by increasing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Komatsu and Ouster’s partnership positions both companies to capitalise on this growing market. By combining Komatsu’s expertise in heavy equipment manufacturing with Ouster’s cutting-edge sensor technology, they are set to deliver next-generation solutions that meet the evolving needs of the mining industry.
Transforming Mining Operations Globally
As mining companies continue to seek ways to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability, the integration of advanced lidar technology offers a clear path forward. Komatsu and Ouster’s partnership exemplifies how cross-industry collaboration can accelerate innovation and deliver tangible benefits for customers worldwide.
With Ouster’s sensors already proving their value in rugged environments, and Komatsu’s commitment to continuous improvement, the future of autonomous mining looks brighter than ever. This strategic alliance not only strengthens both companies’ positions in the market but also sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in the realm of mining automation.
