Tokyo, Japan – September 2025 — Komatsu Ltd., together with its subsidiary EARTHBRAIN Ltd., has announced a new collaboration with TIER IV Inc., a pioneer in open-source autonomous driving software, to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous technology for construction equipment. The initiative aims to achieve practical use of autonomous dump trucks at civil engineering and quarry sites in Japan by fiscal year 2027.
The partnership combines the strengths of each company:
- TIER IV contributes its expertise in autonomous driving technology, including the development of Autoware, the world’s first open-source autonomous driving software.
- Komatsu provides advanced engineering for articulated and rigid dump trucks used in heavy construction and quarrying.
- EARTHBRAIN brings its expertise in digital technologies for construction process management and fleet optimization.
Key Project Goals and Benefits
- Labor Shortage Solutions – Autonomous operation of Komatsu’s HM400 articulated dump truck (40-ton payload) and HD785 rigid dump truck (93.9-ton payload) will reduce workforce requirements at challenging job sites.
- Enhanced Efficiency – A fleet management system will allow dynamic route optimization and stable autonomous controls, increasing haulage productivity.
- Safety and Sustainability – Optimized operations will minimize fuel consumption, reduce CO₂ emissions, and enable unmanned operations, improving worksite safety and environmental performance.
The collaboration will focus on co-developing both an autonomous driving system and a fleet management platform. TIER IV will work closely with Komatsu to integrate the autonomous system into the dump trucks, while EARTHBRAIN will design the fleet management solution to optimize large-scale operations.
Looking ahead, Komatsu plans to expand the technology to other models and industries, including steel mills and industrial plants, and eventually pursue global deployment.
“By combining Komatsu’s vehicle expertise, EARTHBRAIN’s digital solutions, and TIER IV’s leadership in autonomous driving, we aim to transform construction sites into smarter, safer, and more sustainable workplaces,” said Komatsu representatives.
This collaboration represents another step toward the digital transformation of civil engineering and quarry operations, advancing Komatsu’s vision for autonomous, connected, and environmentally responsible construction.
