Komatsu had added artificial intelligence to its new smart construction edge solution
Earthmoving solutions company Komatsu has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its smart construction edge solution to modernise its technology, in partnership with technology company Sony. The development comes as part of the EarthBrain joint venture across Komatsu, NTT Communications, Sony Semiconductor, and Nomura Research Institute.
The innovative edge solution enables experts and beginners to perform accurate drone surveys and process drone flight path data into point clouds. The partnership aims to optimise construction processes via digital transformation, maximising productivity, and improving worksite safety along with environmental sustainability.
Edge’s latest evolution allows it to map terrain using AI to remove obstacles such as machinery and buildings from drone surveys. This reduces the need for manual amendments once the data has been captured.
Bart Vingerhoets, senior commercial manager at Komatsu, said: “I’m extremely proud to launch this new version of edge into multiple markets. At Komatsu smart construction we’re committed to helping professionals within our sector increase productivity to ultimately save time and money.”
Vingerhoets added: “A major benefit of our updated edge solution is its ability to speed up data processing from drone surveys to create a fully accurate, digital twin. When connected with the smart construction dashboard solution, the 3D terrain maps available will save time spent on the job site and the data collected including volume, percentage of progress and location on site can be collected quickly and efficiently.”
The updated edge solution was first demonstrated at the Intermat exhibition in Paris in April 2024 and is now available across European markets such as Germany, France, Austria, Poland, and Switzerland along with the United Kingdom.
Croes vs, a medium-sized earth-moving company, faced problems when its main surveyor was absent on maternity leave, making operations more difficult. This prompted Croes vs to use the revised Edge technology. The workload gap was filled without the requirement of additional training or recruitment.
The solution allowed team members to take on drone surveying tasks and capture survey-grade earthmoving progress. It could identify challenges and opportunities within seconds.
Bart added: “Working with CROES VS has highlighted the importance of enhancing data processing speed and accuracy – serving as a testament to the construction industry’s requirement of broader drone surveying adoption.”
Bart concluded: “Adopting the use of AI within the latest version of Edge means the device can eliminate the need for Ground Control Points (GCPs) which will enhance safety and efficiency on-site and process data into 3D point clouds without the requirement for internet connection. The overall goal for this enhanced Edge solution is to streamline the entire process to enable seamless terrain mapping.”
