KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe Launches Groundbreaking Partnership for Digitized Construction Sites

Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) has announced an innovative partnership with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, and Xwatch Safety Solutions, also part of Hexagon. The aim of this collaboration is to further develop the K-DIVE® remote control system, designed to revolutionize efficiency, safety, and sustainability on construction sites.

Image © Kobelco

Connected Technologies for the Construction Site of the Future

The partnership combines KOBELCO’s expertise in remote-controlled machinery, Leica Geosystems’ precise machine control solutions, and Xwatch’s safety technologies. By integrating these systems, a unified platform is created that connects digitalization, automation, and safety management.

According to KCME, this addresses key challenges in the construction industry: skilled labor shortages, increasing safety requirements, and the need for more sustainable work processes.

The K-DIVE® system enables the remote operation of crawler excavators, demolition machines, and cranes, allowing for more flexible deployment of personnel. At the same time, Xwatch’s 3D collision avoidance systems enhance safety by monitoring hazard zones and automatically intervening when necessary. Leica Geosystems contributes semi-automated technologies that ensure precise work even when operated remotely—such as in earthmoving or demolition projects.

The partnership demonstrates how cross-industry collaboration can drive innovation in the construction sector. The system is being presented live for the first time at bauma 2025 in a dedicated pavilion, including globally streamed demonstrations. bauma 2025 thus serves as a key stage to test acceptance among European customers.

Miguel Ebbers
Miguel Ebbers
Miguel Ebbers is head of M&P's Digitalization/BIM competence center and head of consulting at the Düsseldorf office. After completing his studies in architecture and facility management, he joined M&P as a consultant in 2010. Having started with functional consulting topics, his current focus is on process consulting and digital transformation in real estate and facility management.
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