Komatsu and Trimble have announced a collaboration to improve the exchange of 3D construction data between Komatsu and Trimble software, making mixed earthworks fleets easier to manage.
As part of the collaboration, the two companies will work together to develop and application program interface (API) to enable compatibility between Komatsu’s Smart Construction and KomConnect software and Trimble’s Connect system.
The companies say the collaboration came about in response to customer demand for mixed fleet interoperability as well as to support the Japanese government’s ‘i-Construction’ initiative which aims to drive innovation and maximise productivity in the country through the use of information and communications technology (ICT).
Komatsu introduced the Smart Construction solution for construction site operations in 2015. The system enables users to get real-time machine and site information from Smart Construction and visualise it using the KomConnect cloud-based platform.
“Our collaboration with Trimble is an important step in supporting our customers who operate mixed machine fleets as well as address the requirements that will enable construction contractors to support Japan’s i-Construction initiative,” Komatsu’s president of Smart Construction division Chikashi Shike says.
Trimble says its Connect system is a collaborative environment that allows users to combine and share data from multiple sources, including those from outside Trimble.
“Trimble is committed to providing a complete construction ecosystem for all customers,” Trimble senior vice president Bryn Fosburgh says.
“We believe that the optimal solution is one that is open and supports all manufacturers’ machines.”
“We are excited to work with Komatsu to improve the interoperability with our respective solutions to broaden our support for mixed fleet customers so we can ultimately create an intelligent jobsite for the future.”