A Gateshead tech firm is developing innovations that are set to revolutionise the way earthworks are constructed.

Smart Construction - which has a new hub at sister company Komatsu UK’s Birtley factory - has also announced the launch of a new system capable of turning any excavator, regardless of age, make or model, into a smart machine.

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Contractors face increasingly “data-focused” contracts, and the RFK system will deliver real time information on material removed, dig time, operator efficiency and machine usage.

Smart Construction expert advisor Richard Bland is helping oversee the project.

He said: “Birtley boasts some of the most innovative minds in excavator development, in recent years delivering award-winning field-leading advancements like the intelligent machine range, easy-change demolition boom arm and the range of hybrid machines helping firms drive down carbon emissions.

"The site is the perfect home for us, as we build on its well-earned reputation for creating exciting advancements in construction machinery."

Smart Construction is a technology venture by Komatsu, introduced in 2015 to develop and manufacture a package of solutions to support and improve business. Advances such as the Internet of Things (IoT), have made it increasingly possible to bring real time benefits of jobsite information to an industry that has struggled to achieve productivity increases in 20 years.

 

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