A state-of-the-art Komatsu hydraulic excavator has an array of sensors that monitor the movements of the bucket’s blade tips. The information is sent to computers via the internet, and the on-site conditions and progress status can be monitored from anywhere. Blueprints and measurement data from the site can also be input and construction techniques transmitted to the excavator.
Komatsu Ltd., the world’s second-biggest manufacturer of construction equipment, is applying a new system that takes advantage of the internet of things (IoT) to bring innovation to construction sites. The streamlining of operations made possible by the system can halve the number of workers and the period for construction, depending on the type of construction work, according to Komatsu.
Excavators can be stopped automatically before they dig up too much dirt. Effective work at construction sites has traditionally relied heavily on the intuition and experience of heavy-equipment operators. The new SMARTCONSTRUCTION system holds the promise of enhancing their skills.
“As more and more veteran operators retire, the ability to maintain on-site techniques is very significant,” said Komatsu Executive Officer Chikashi Shike.
The fourth industrial revolution is changing manufacturing into service industries. “Big data,” enormous amounts of information obtained from manufactured goods, in turn becomes the seeds for new businesses.
The “servicification of manufacturing” is a global trend. General Electric Co. of the United States collects operational data via sensors placed on the aircraft engines it manufactures and utilizes it for maintenance checks and other purposes.
But increased use of the internet entails risks. Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has drawn up guidelines to help private firms respond to cyber-attacks. Among other things, the guidelines recommend that companies have their subsidiaries and business partners implement their own cybersecurity measures.
Specific efforts, however, are left to companies. Experts in the United States point out that the latest cars equipped with internet functions are at risk of cyber-attacks.
“With the spread of IoT, the damage from cyber-attacks will get far bigger,” warns Ryoichi Sasaki, a professor at Tokyo Denki University. “The government, industry and academia must cooperate to urgently undertake safety measures.”
By the Yomiuri Shimbun
