Japanese construction equipment maker Komatsu has joined forces with autonomous driving startup TIER IV and digital solutions firm EARTHBRAIN to develop automated dump trucks for civil engineering and quarry sites in Japan, with practical deployment targeted by fiscal 2027.
The initiative will focus initially on Komatsu’s HM400 articulated dump truck with a 40-ton payload and the larger HD785 rigid dump truck with a 93.9-ton payload. The companies said future expansion could include additional vehicle models and potential applications in industries such as steel mills and industrial plants.
TIER IV will provide its Autoware open-source autonomous driving software, already tested in on-road vehicles. Komatsu will contribute its engineering expertise in heavy-duty equipment, while EARTHBRAIN will oversee fleet management infrastructure, enabling real-time monitoring, route optimization, and unmanned operations.
The partners said the technology aims to address labor shortages, improve haulage efficiency, and reduce safety risks in hazardous work environments. Optimized routing and automated fleet management are also expected to lower fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to sustainability goals.
Initially designed for Japan, the system could later be adapted for global use as demand for autonomous construction solutions grows.