Revolutionizing construction sites with hydraulic systems for construction machinery

My current goal is to improve the usability of hydraulic components mounted on construction machinery at construction and other worksites. What is most important is to achieve the automation and autonomy of heavy equipment. For example, in factories, many operations are automated and perform autonomously. Objects are transferred as programmed and robots take care of production and quality control, which helps resolve labor shortages, raise operational precision, and enhance safety. Construction sites face similar issues, and there is increasing research into the automation and autonomy of heavy equipment. If this goal is realized, experienced workers can transfer their expertise to machines and entrust on-site tasks to the equipment, concentrate on more difficult tasks, and work safely in remote spaces. As a hydraulic equipment manufacturer, Kawasaki intends to remove the complex motions typical of hydraulic devices that affect construction machinery so that the equipment can be made easier to handle.

To facilitate the use of hydraulic equipment, I am involved in developing control systems for excavators at construction sites. Oil pressure is used to create both powerful and delicate movements. In addition to the pursuit of higher efficiency, the systems enable automatic, autonomous operation. Existing hydraulic machines depend on human control, including visual checks and lever operation, and some tasks can only be carried out by experienced workers. I am working to reproduce the expert worker's intuitive operate correction on machines and enable anyone to perform precise work rapidly with the aid of electronic control. You may even see excavators operate autonomously at worksites by 2030.

My passion for monozukuri has not changed since I was a student. When I am able to make machinery move in the way I imagined after trial and error, I feel as if was able to emotionally connect with it. I hope that my work contributes to as many people as possible, which in turn benefits society. Improvements in hydraulic systems support the development of heavy equipment and innovate the field of construction. Beyond their current use, I anticipate that machines can take the place of humans in dangerous areas such as disaster sites. Hydraulic systems can also be used for heavy equipment in diverse areas. I hope that our endeavors to solve present issues will provide answers to the many problems present throughout society.