Case Study: Kobelco Construction Machinery achieves remote operation and human-centric work reform with Microsoft Azure

Kobelco works with Microsoft to enable operators of construction machinery to work remotely, from anywhere

Kobelco Construction Machinery, a global Japanese manufacturer of excavators, cranes and recycling machines, confronted a shrinking, aging workforce and low industry appeal for young workers. To tackle safety risks, low productivity and labor shortages, Kobelco launched the human‑centric K‑DIVE program to enable remote operation and to link operators, machines and project data for more attractive, flexible work at construction sites.

Partnering with Microsoft, Kobelco built K‑DIVE on Azure (IoT Hub, Maps, Cognitive Services), Teams and Power BI using agile development to create a multi‑display remote cockpit with facial‑recognition safety, GPS monitoring and cloud analytics. Step‑1 field trials for near‑site remote control are underway (service launch targeted for 2022); expected results include higher safety and productivity, the ability for one operator to manage multiple machines, and improved recruitment and retention of younger workers as the program advances to long‑distance and management‑integration phases.

Kobelco

Seiji Saiki

Group Manager Technical Support Group Business Development Department, Corporate Planning Division