Launched in Australia and New Zealand, the company's Smart Construction package is primarily targeted at construction, including civil and resources development, but the man heading up the new Smart Centre told Energy News the benefits go far beyond that.
Komatsu Australia national technology solution expert manager - construction Aaron Marsh that the company had held talks with gas pipeline operators in the "early days" of the Smart Centre's "ad-hoc" centre it had been running for more than two years before yesterday's official launch.
Smart Construction includes an unmanned aerial vehicle drone service covering initial site survey, along with cut/fill and stockpile calculations, as well as ongoing progress tracking and site logistics.
It also includes 3D data services, including conversion of 2D and 3D data files to formats suitable for machine control applications, and a best-industry practice 3D design consultancy, development and management over the life of a project.
Then there is the KomConnect cloud-based service, bringing together all the information relating to a project from initial survey, design drawings and construction plans, through to machine control data files, project progress data generated by machines and survey equipment as the job progresses, and final as-built information once it is completed.
It also offers support services covering remote monitoring, remote file transfer and operating training; iMC advice, project integration and site set up; assistance and professional consultancy with 3D design file development; and troubleshooting and servicing of machines and control systems.
In the field, the technology would see Komatsu's automated dozers working in front of the construction crew, then the excavators digging the gas pipeline.
Marsh said giving contractors the ability to build pipelines more efficiently according to the designed depth and alignment meant there were "a lot of cost savings to be had".
The arrival of the technology in Australia is the latest in Komatsu's global roll-out of its new SmartConstruct technologies after it unveiled Smart Construction program in the US that was effectively a one-stop shop service to boost its iMC lineup.
Last month Komatsu and Trimble announced they were developing a bridge between their respective software platforms to allow for easy exchanges of 3D construction site data between the two.
Komatsu technology solution experts will work with customers providing training, support, assistance and advice across all aspects of the Smart Construction technologies.
"Our TSEs will be working across all levels with our customers; owners and management, surveyors, engineers, site project supervisors and managers, operators and maintenance crews," Marsh said.
"We are also providing access to more specialist training, specific site machine solutions and advisory services, for example working with a company called AviAssist to provide UAV training."
Komatsu also has a national service and support agreement with the Australian Topcon distributor Position Partners to assist in surveying and precision machine control.
