Collaboration to deliver step-change capabilities through software-defined vehicle and autonomy platform. (Image source: Komatsu)

Komatsu has announced a strategic technology collaboration with Applied Intuition, a Silicon Valley-based leader in vehicle intelligence, to accelerate the development of its next-generation mining equipment

The partnership is focused on equipping Komatsu’s machinery with advanced technologies and real-time adaptability, enabling customers to achieve higher productivity, minimise downtime, and operate with greater precision.

By combining Applied Intuition’s expertise in vehicle operating systems, autonomy stacks, and AI-powered tools with Komatsu’s extensive background in off-highway autonomy and mining applications, the two companies will jointly create a unified software-defined vehicle (SDV) and autonomy platform. This platform will serve as the central intelligence of Komatsu’s future mining machines. Considered one of Komatsu’s most significant technology undertakings, the initiative signals a decisive move toward increasingly autonomous, software-driven mining operations.

“Komatsu is committed to creating value together with our customers, and this collaboration represents a step change in how we bring innovative, high-performance technology to their operations,” said Peter Salditt, president, mining business division, Komatsu and CEO, Komatsu Mining Technologies. “By combining Komatsu’s deep mining expertise with Applied Intuition’s cutting-edge AI and SDV solutions, we’re enabling a future where our equipment continuously evolves to meet customers’ unique mine site needs.”

The platform will deliver advanced machine intelligence through several core features:

• A software-defined vehicle architecture that supports continuous feature delivery over the machine’s lifecycle, with built-in data management, cybersecurity, and connected support.

• Scalable autonomy capabilities ranging from operator-assist functions to full autonomy on a single adaptable platform, suitable for diverse fleets, commodities, and operational conditions.

• Embedded AI and machine learning to enhance functionality and enable continuous adaptation to site-specific requirements as environments change.

With these innovations, mining companies are expected to see improved equipment performance, lower downtime, and higher return on investment. The architecture also aims to accelerate deployment, simplify support, and provide scalability across mines of varying sizes and locations—an important advantage for an industry navigating labor shortages, difficult environments, and growing global demand.

“In a world where autonomy is becoming the norm, our goal is to ensure our customers don’t just keep up—they lead,” said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. “The mining industry is one of the most regulated in the world, and as the bar keeps rising around emissions, human safety and geopolitics, Applied Intuition and Komatsu plan to build the next generation of mining products and redefine modern software product development. The team is looking forward to breaking new ground and digging into the future.”

This collaboration strengthens Komatsu’s long-term vision of fully autonomous mining operations while also addressing urgent industry challenges. As demand for minerals accelerates and fewer skilled workers enter the sector, autonomy becomes increasingly vital for safe, efficient, and scalable mining.

Together, Komatsu and Applied Intuition are setting the stage for mining machines that can think, learn, and evolve—helping operators worldwide enhance efficiency, unlock more value, and build a more sustainable mining future.

As part of its commitment to working closer than ever before with its customers, Volvo Construction Equipment is offering Site Optimization, a new consultancy service aimed at helping customers transform operational efficiency and sustainability

Site Optimization refines operational processes across entire worksites by effectively mapping workflows and aligning material movement processes and machines, no matter what brand, to deliver peak performance. Initially targeted at customers in the quarrying sector, Volvo CE’s diverse experts help to identify strategies that boost efficiency while curbing costs and emissions.

Niklas Samuelsson, customer site performance service owner at Volvo CE, explained, “With Site Optimization, we are committed to forming deeper partnerships with our customers. Our goal is to be an invaluable extension of their team, leveraging our industry and machine knowledge together with data from our customers’ operations and our machines to help customers deliver on their ambitions and address their unique challenges.

“In today’s highly competitive market, achieving operational efficiency and sustainability are crucial. But sometimes the demands of keeping a site running efficiently day-to-day can leave little time to explore alternative solutions. With Site Optimization, we provide expert consultancy and tailored solutions for today, while planning for the future.”

Data-driven improvements

The first step with Site Optimization is for Volvo CE’s experts to undertake a thorough site assessment, mapping out processes like stockpile placement, materials handling, and the movement of machines on site to measure costs and productivity and identify any inefficiencies. Analysis of fleet utilisation provides insights into the optimal machines to use for particular tasks to improve productivity and reduce cost per ton, while individual machine use is also studied to identify potential operator training needs. This comprehensive pre-study uncovers areas for improvement.

The Site Optimization team then creates alternative setups for the customer’s operations, employing simulations and telematics data to demonstrate potential impact on productivity, cost savings and CO₂ emissions. Clear insights are presented highlighting recommended actions and anticipated outcomes.

Delivering tangible benefits with tailored consultancy

Whether optimising existing sites or setting up new sites for peak performance, Site Optimization is intended to transform how customers work. Its data-driven insights guide decision making, ensuring operations are smooth, profitable and aligned with environmental goals, both now and in the future.

The residential sector continues to lead the Kingdom’s construction activity. (Image source: dmg events)

Saudi Arabia’s Western region is driving a construction pipeline worth US$692bn, accounting for 55% of the Kingdom’s US$1.25tn development plan, according to Knight Frank.

The region, led by Jeddah, is seeing projects of unprecedented scale that are reshaping its skyline and positioning it at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s construction output reached US$141.5bn in 2023, up 4.3% from the previous year, and is forecast to hit US$181.5bn by 2028, making it the largest construction market globally.

In Jeddah, landmark developments include Jeddah Central, a US$19.9bn coastal redevelopment featuring a marina, beaches, museums, a stadium, and 2,700 hotel rooms; Jeddah Tower, set to surpass 1 km in height and become the world’s tallest building; and the restoration of UNESCO-listed Al-Balad.

Additional mega projects such as Jeddah Cove and Airport City further highlight the city’s diverse blend of heritage, commerce, leisure, and infrastructure.

The residential sector continues to lead the Kingdom’s construction activity, accounting for US$43.5bn, or 31% of output in 2023, with projections to reach US$56.9bn by 2028.

Power and utilities follow closely, valued at US$35.1bn in 2023 and expected to rise to US$46.5bn by 2028.

This scale and diversification reflect the breadth of opportunity across the construction ecosystem, opening doors for both local and international companies.

The Western region’s construction boom is also spurring new demand for advanced technologies, expertise, and sustainable practices.

With projects on a scale never seen before in the Kingdom, companies are positioning themselves to align with Vision 2030 objectives, tapping into opportunities ranging from smart urban design and digital construction to offsite solutions and renewable energy integration.

Industry leaders, investors, architects, engineers, and developers are increasingly turning their focus towards Jeddah, where rapid urbanisation and large-scale developments are fuelling demand for cutting-edge products and services.

Amidst all this, Jeddah Construct is to return to the city from 28-30 September. 

Jeddah Construct, the largest construction gathering in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province, serves as a vital meeting point for industry professionals, offering three days of networking, business opportunities and knowledge sharing. By drawing influential decision-makers and highlighting top manufacturers and suppliers, the event has become a key destination for those looking to engage with Jeddah’s fast-growing construction sector.

“Jeddah Construct reflects the scale and ambition of the construction market in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province. With significant investment concentrated in the region, the event offers a strategic setting for companies to connect with industry leaders, present their solutions and explore opportunities aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president – construction at dmg events. “It is an environment where the market’s ambitions for growth and the partnerships shaping its future come together.” 

Bobcat’s special limited-edition mini excavators (Image source: Bobcat)

To celebrate the start of production for its new R2-Series 1-2 tonne mini excavators, Bobcat is releasing a special, limited-edition run of its top models

Only 50 of these exclusive Premiere Launch Edition machines will be produced for the Africa, Middle East and Europe markets, making them a rare and highly collectible piece of equipment.

The latest generation R2-Series comprises the new E16, E17z, E19 and E20z models, first previewed at the Bauma show in Germany earlier this year.

The exclusive limited-edition version will be available for the top-of-the-range models of the 1-2 tonne range: the E19 and the E20z. Only 25 units of each will be produced.

“We are launching the Premiere Launch Edition to promote the new range and to emphasise our market presence at the time of the start of production for the new machines,” said Miroslav Konas, product line manager for Doosan Bobcat EMEA.

The first deliveries of both the regular and Premiere Launch Edition machines will begin in September.

The special features offered by the Premiere Launch Edition include:

Exclusive charcoal grey colour; Premium red and black cloth or leather seat cover designed by MAD for demanding users of luxury, sports and classic cars; Individually numbered plate in the cab; Aluminium pedals; 4 high-value aftermarket kits as standard; Direct Return to Tank; Top Guard Cab; Travel Motor Hose Guard; Bucket Cylinder Cover.

The E16, E17z, E19 and E20z new generation R2-Series 1-2 tonne mini excavators replace the previous M-Series E17, E17z, E19 and E20z machines, respectively and offer a fresh look, signifying new levels of performance and features designed to meet all the variations found across the EMEA market.

“The Premiere Launch Edition is a strong conversation starter and sales tool and gives dealers an opportunity to offer customers a truly unique, high-spec machine that is both visually distinctive and technically enhanced,” said Konas.

“The non-standard colour and editional branding help increase awareness and generate buzz and it serves to show that the new generation mini excavators are not just an update, they are a bold step forward.”