Across Europe, the collaboration focuses on unifying digitalization, automation, and safety within a single platform, delivering cutting-edge 3D avoidance technology while enhancing machine efficiency and supporting sustainable construction by minimizing environmental impact.
KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) — a fully owned subsidiary of KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Japan, specializing in the distribution and support of crawler excavators, demolition machines, and crawler cranes — has announced a landmark alliance with Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions, both part of the Hexagon group, to revolutionize excavation through the newly developed K-DIVE remote control system.
This strategic collaboration aims to reshape construction operations across Europe by merging digital technologies, automation, and advanced safety features into a unified platform. By bringing together KOBELCO’s remote operation expertise, Leica Geosystems’ machine control innovations, and Xwatch’s proven safety technologies, the initiative tackles key challenges in the industry: addressing labor shortages with remote capabilities, elevating site safety with sophisticated 3D avoidance systems, and promoting eco-friendly practices by enhancing machine efficiency and lowering environmental impact.
The K-DIVE system, created by KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. in Japan, enables operators to control excavators remotely from a specialized cockpit setup. Outfitted with high-resolution screens, real-time visual feeds from the jobsite, and responsive controls, the system delivers an experience comparable to direct, on-site operation. By allowing workers to manage machinery from secure, distant locations, K-DIVE improves operational productivity, provides greater workforce flexibility, and significantly boosts safety on hazardous worksites.
“This partnership is a pivotal move toward the next generation of digital construction in Europe,” stated Makoto Kato, Managing Director and Head of the Excavator Division at KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe. “Remote operation, digital workflows, and cutting-edge safety technologies are redefining the way we approach jobsite challenges — and we are thrilled to showcase these innovations at bauma 2025 with live demonstrations from our dedicated pavilion.”
As part of the partnership, Leica Geosystems will contribute its global leadership in digital positioning and automation to optimize the K-DIVE platform. Their intuitive 3D machine control solutions, along with semi-automated functionalities, will deliver exceptional accuracy, seamless automation, and fully integrated remote excavation performance.
“By embedding 3D machine control and semi-automation into remote excavation systems, construction professionals can unlock greater productivity and precision — even when operating equipment remotely,” said Neil Williams, President of the Machine Control Division at Leica Geosystems.
Meanwhile, Xwatch Safety Solutions enhances K-DIVE’s capabilities with its safety technologies, which integrate directly with Leica’s machine control systems. This integration allows the system to establish 3D avoidance zones both above and below ground, actively managing height, depth, and slew operations to prevent accidents and ensure safer machine usage from a distance.
“Safety remains at the heart of everything we create,” commented Dan Leaney, Sales Director at Xwatch Safety Solutions. “By incorporating our 3D hazard avoidance technology into remote control workflows, we are setting a new benchmark for operator protection and workplace safety.”
Attendees at bauma 2025 will have the opportunity to experience the K-DIVE system firsthand through live demonstrations at KOBELCO’s booth (FN1016/1).
