KOBELCO, Leica Geosystems and Xwatch collaborate to shape the future of remote excavation with K-DIVE® in Europe

(Munich, Germany, 31 March 2025) KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME), wholly owned by KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Japan and dedicated to the sales and service of crawler excavators, demolition excavators and crawler cranes, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions, both part of Hexagon, to drive the evolution of excavation with the innovative K-DIVE^® remote operation system.

This partnership aims to transform jobsite operations in Europe by integrating digitalisation, automation, and enhanced safety into one platform. By combining KOBELCO’s vision for remote operations, Leica Geosystems’ machine control solutions and Xwatch’s safety technology, the partnership sets a new industry standard for digital transformation in construction. The integration of these technologies directly addresses critical industry challenges by mitigating labour shortages through remote operation capabilities, enhancing jobsite safety with advanced 3D avoidance systems and promoting sustainable construction practices by optimising machine efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

KOBELCO K-DIVE® remote operation system powered by Leica Geosystems and Xwatch

K-DIVE^® — remote operation system for construction sites

The K-DIVE^® system is an advanced remote operation technology developed by KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Japan. It enables excavators to be controlled from a distant location via a specialised cockpit. Equipped with high-definition displays, real-time jobsite visuals and responsive controls, the system ensures that operators experience the same level of precision and efficiency as if they were on site. By eliminating the need for operators to be physically present, this cutting-edge system enhances efficiency, improves workforce flexibility, and ensures operator safety in hazardous environments.

“This collaboration marks a major step towards the future of digital construction in Europe,” says Makoto Kato, Managing Director and Excavator Division Director at KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe. “By leveraging remote operation, digital workflows, and advanced safety solutions, we are redefining what is possible on the jobsite — bringing efficiency, safety and connectivity to a new level. We are very excited to demonstrate this technology at bauma 2025 in a dedicated pavilion that allows us to perform live demonstrations across the world.”

Through this collaboration:

• Leica Geosystems brings its global expertise in digital positioning and automation to optimise K-DIVE^®’s remote operation system. With its easy-to-use 3D machine control solution and semi-automatic features, it provides unparalleled precision, real-time automation and seamless integration for remote excavation.

"Integrating 3D machine control and semi-automatic technology into remote operation systems, heavy construction customers can unlock productivity and efficiency. This integration allows operators to execute complex tasks with precision, even when they're far away from the site.”

says Neil Williams, President of the Machine Control Division at Leica Geosystems.

• Xwatch Safety Solutions provides safety systems that integrate with Leica Geosystems’ machine control, enabling 3D avoidance zones above and below ground. The system automatically controls height, depth, and slew movements, preventing collisions and ensuring safer remote operations.

“Safety is at the core of everything we do,” says Dan Leaney, Sales Director for Xwatch Safety Solutions. “With our 3D avoidance zone technology integrated into the remote operation workflow, we are setting new standards in hazard prevention, ensuring operators can work remotely with confidence and enhanced protection.”

Join us at bauma 2025 to experience a live K-DIVE^® demonstration at KOBELCO's booth (FN1016/1), showcasing the seamless integration of Leica Geosystems, Xwatch, and KOBELCO technologies for advanced teleoperation solutions in construction.

Kobelco booth: FN1016/1
Hexagon booth featuring Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions: Hall A2, booth 137

About KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME)

KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME), located in Almere, the Netherlands, is the exclusive European sales and marketing subsidiary of KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Japan. KCME is wholly owned by KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Japan. KCME’s operations span across all European countries, CIS, as well as Northern and Western Africa.

KCME is dedicated to the sales and services of crawler excavators from 1t to 90t, including an innovative range of demolition machinery, and lattice and telescopic boom crawler cranes from 55t to 550t. A modern parts warehouse also supports aftersales service across the regions. KOBELCO equipment is highly regarded for its advanced technology, including an innovative noise and dust reduction system, and advanced hydraulic circuitry for power and superior fuel efficiency.

KCME’s brand tagline in Europe, "Built for Perfectionists™," embodies the essence of the company’s heritage: a Japanese engineering philosophy rooted in critical thinking, problem-solving, precision, and continuous improvement.

Visit www.KOBELCO-europe.com for further information.

For further information, please contact:
Xenia Kolijn
xenia.kolijn@kobelco.com

Visit https://leica-geosystems.com for further information.

For further information, please contact:
Reka Vasszi
reka.vasszi@hexagon.com

About Xwatch Safety Solutions
Xwatch started in early 2019 when a group of highly talented and experienced people came together from a variety of roles within the industry, the team has over 140 years of combined knowledge in the development and creation of safety and machine control products and they are global leaders in safety.

At the core of Xwatch’s success is the XW series of products – height control, slew control, RCI’s (rated capacity indicators) and stability. Xwatch products are designed to be installed in half the time of a traditional RCI systems and most importantly, operator friendly. The XW systems feature fully adjustable proportional hydraulic and electronic control.

Visit https://www.xwatch.co.uk for further information.

For further information, please contact:
Louise Carney
Email: louise@louise-carney.co.uk