Komatsu and AIM Partner to Accelerate Autonomous Construction with Physical AI

Komatsu Ltd., its subsidiary EARTHBRAIN Ltd., and AIM Intelligent Machines have entered into a strategic partnership to advance autonomous construction solutions.

The partnership will initially target the Japanese and U.S. markets. It will focus on autonomous operation for bulldozers and hydraulic excavators.

The construction industry faces growing demand for infrastructure development. At the same time, companies must address labor shortages, safety concerns, and the need to improve productivity.

Komatsu provides construction and mining equipment alongside digital solutions that support safer and more productive jobsites. Meanwhile, EARTHBRAIN provides Smart Construction, a digital construction management solution. The platform connects construction planning, digitally enabled equipment, jobsite management, and remote operations.

AIM develops autonomy technology powered by physical AI. The company has already commercially deployed autonomous fleets of bulldozers and hydraulic excavators.

From Technology Validation to Commercial Deployment

Komatsu, EARTHBRAIN, and AIM have jointly advanced technology validation and business development for autonomous construction. Their work now moves into the commercial deployment phase in the U.S. market.

Komatsu autonomous machines are already operating at customer jobsites in the United States. In addition, the companies plan to introduce the solution to Japan beginning in 2027.

The partnership combines Smart Construction-generated project plans and target terrain data with AIM’s physical AI platform. As a result, bulldozers and hydraulic excavators can operate autonomously.

The machines can understand project objectives, determine construction methods, select travel routes, and perform construction tasks independently. This approach can reduce the need for manual intervention while improving jobsite efficiency.

One Digital Workflow for Autonomous Construction

The solution connects construction planning, autonomous operation, progress visualization, and performance data within a single digital workflow.

Therefore, customers can manage more stages of the construction process through one connected system. The approach also helps automate and optimize jobsite operations.

Another key advantage is AIM’s retrofit capability. Customers can install the autonomy technology on existing bulldozers and hydraulic excavators. This allows companies to introduce autonomous construction gradually without replacing their current fleets.

As a result, contractors can begin adopting autonomous operations while continuing to use existing equipment. This could reduce the barriers associated with transitioning to new technology.

Supporting Safer and More Productive Jobsites

Through the partnership, the three companies will combine their expertise in construction equipment, digital construction management, and autonomous operation technology.

Together, they aim to connect construction management with autonomous execution. The solution will support greater automation and optimization across construction processes.

Furthermore, the technology addresses two major industry challenges: labor shortages and the need for digital transformation. It also aims to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability across construction jobsites.

Going forward, Komatsu, EARTHBRAIN, and AIM will continue integrating their technologies and expertise. They will progressively strengthen the connection between Smart Construction and AIM’s physical AI platform.

By advancing autonomous construction, the companies aim to create new value for customers and address critical industry challenges. Ultimately, they seek to support safer, more productive, and more sustainable infrastructure development.

Leadership Perspectives

“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. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, we will continue contributing to improved safety and productivity, as well as the development of sustainable infrastructure,” Shike added.

Adam Sadilek, CEO of AIM Intelligent Machines, said: “We have deep respect for Komatsu’s construction equipment, refined through more than a century of engineering excellence. By combining AIM’s physical AI platform with Komatsu’s ecosystem, construction machines can autonomously perform earthmoving tasks at the jobsite.”

“Together, our technologies accelerate the adoption of autonomous operation across enormous construction and infrastructure sectors. They also help create safer and more productive jobsites,” Sadilek added.

The partnership will also help organizations transition from conventional operations to autonomous construction. Importantly, customers can continue using their existing equipment fleets during this transition.