Komatsu Ltd., EARTHBRAIN Ltd., and AIM Intelligent Machines have announced a strategic partnership to deliver autonomous operation solutions for bulldozers and hydraulic excavators across the U.S. and Japanese markets.
For rental companies and contractors, the move is aimed at tackling two of the industry’s biggest challenges: labor shortages and the need to boost safety and productivity on jobsites.
Komatsu brings its equipment and Smart Construction digital platform to the table. Smart Construction connects planning, digitally enabled machines, site management, and remote operation into one workflow. AIM contributes its physical AI autonomy platform, which is already running commercial fleets of autonomous bulldozers and excavators.
After joint technology validation, the solution has now moved into commercial deployment in the U.S., with Komatsu autonomous machines already operating at customer sites. Rollout in Japan is planned to begin in 2027.How it works on the jobsite.
The system combines Smart Construction project plans and terrain data with AIM’s physical AI. The result: machines that can understand project goals, choose their own construction methods and travel routes, and execute tasks without an operator in the cab.
For rental customers, the key benefit is a single digital workflow. You can manage planning, autonomous operation, progress tracking, and performance data all in one place. And because AIM’s technology can be retrofitted to existing bulldozers and hydraulic excavators, rental fleets don’t need to wait for new machine purchases to start automating. This allows for a gradual transition to autonomous operation using equipment you already own.
By combining Komatsu’s machines and digital tools with AIM’s autonomy tech, the partnership aims to:
- Address labor gaps by reducing reliance on skilled operators for repetitive earthmoving.
- Improve site safety through reduced human exposure to hazardous tasks
- Increase productivity and uptime with optimized, data-driven operation
- Support sustainability goals through more efficient fuel use and jobsite management
“This partnership creates a seamless link from construction planning and management to autonomous execution,” said Chikashi Shike, President, Solution Division, Komatsu Ltd. “By integrating Smart Construction with AIM’s technology, we can help customers improve safety, productivity, and build more sustainable infrastructure.”
Adam Sadilek, CEO of AIM Intelligent Machines, added: “This solution enables a smooth transition from conventional to autonomous construction while continuing to use existing fleets. Together, we’re accelerating adoption across construction and infrastructure to create safer, more productive jobsites.
”The three companies say they will continue integrating Smart Construction and AIM’s physical AI platform to expand autonomous capabilities and deliver more value to contractors and rental partners.
