Heavy-Shift
Komatsu Introduces Factory-Fit AI Human Detection System on Crawler Excavators
Construction Equipment

Komatsu Introduces Factory-Fit AI Human Detection System on Crawler Excavators

By Heavy-shift 3 min read
Komatsu Introduces Factory-Fit AI Human Detection System on Crawler Excavators
Komatsu Introduces Factory-Fit AI Human Detection System on Crawler Excavators

Komatsu Introduces Factory-Fit AI Human Detection System on Crawler Excavators

Komatsu has become the first major OEM to offer a factory-fit, AI-powered human detection system on crawler excavators, developed in partnership with UK-based Safety Shield Global.

Announced in June 2026, the system marks a significant step in construction site safety — integrating edge-AI vision processing directly into Komatsu's machine architecture rather than relying on aftermarket retrofits. The factory-fit solution is available as an option on seven UK-built crawler excavator models: PC170-11, PC210-11, PC240-11, PC290-11, PC360-11, HB365-3, and PC490-11.

How It Works

The system builds on Komatsu's existing KomVision 360-degree camera network, adding Safety Shield Global's Human Form Recognition (HFR) software running on edge AI hardware. When a person enters a predefined risk zone around the machine, the system sends a high-priority signal through the excavator's CAN bus, triggering immediate visual and audible alerts via a dedicated in-cab display.

The HFR technology achieves a verified detection accuracy of 99.6 percent, tested under typical European jobsite conditions across a wide range of high-visibility and protective clothing colours. Unlike conventional camera-only systems, the edge-AI approach processes detection locally on the machine, eliminating latency and maintaining operation even in areas with limited connectivity.

Factory-Fit Matters

By integrating the system at the production stage rather than as a dealer-installed retrofit, Komatsu ensures that the hardware and software are calibrated, validated, and covered by the full Komatsu warranty from day one.

"Factory-fit is about delivering the same Komatsu standards of quality, assurance and reliability across every part of the machine," said James Venerus, Product Marketing General Manager at Komatsu Europe. "By integrating this system at the production stage, we ensure customers receive a solution they can trust — fully aligned with the performance and durability expected from Komatsu equipment."

Simon Bailey, Head of Strategic OEM Integration at Safety Shield Global, described the partnership as a powerful endorsement of AI-based safety technology in heavy equipment:

"With independently validated detection accuracy of 99.6 percent, our Human Form Recognition technology delivers the reliability, consistency and performance required for integration into some of the world's most demanding operating environments."

Industry Context

Construction site collisions between heavy machinery and personnel remain a persistent safety challenge worldwide. While proximity warning systems and reversing cameras have become common, true AI-based human detection integrated at the OEM level has been slow to emerge — largely due to the difficulty of achieving reliable detection in dusty, muddy, and dynamically changing worksite conditions.

Safety Shield Global, which received the King's Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2024 for its HFR technology, brings several years of deployment experience from UK infrastructure projects to the partnership.

Jonathan Guest, CEO of Safety Shield Global, framed the announcement as part of a broader mission: "Our mission has always been to eliminate deaths and serious injuries in environments where people work alongside heavy machinery. Komatsu shares those values, and we're excited to deepen this partnership."

The system is available to order now as a factory-fit option across the seven excavator models, with Komatsu stating that additional models may follow based on customer demand.

Sources

Construction Equipment Autonomy & Robotics