Komatsu has officially opened an Innovation Hub – which showcases the company’s focus on innovation and technology leadership across all aspects of its business – as part of its new Wacol Distribution Centre.
The Innovation Hub is in addition to the 17,500 sq m Wacol DC, that demonstrates Komatsu’s vision to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together, says Todd Connolly, Komatsu’s General Manager, Business Transformation.
“It’s been designed to inspire the next generation of Komatsu employees and management, along with our customers and other stakeholders, to continue our innovation journey along with us,” he says.
The Innovation Hub provides a range of interactive exhibits that demonstrates the latest technologies in mining, quarrying and construction equipment and solutions.
Exhibits cover mining automation, Komatsu Smart Construction, digital services, sustainability, supply chain and a “history lane”.
“Visitors to our Innovation Hub can go from displays of classic items of Komatsu equipment, to a vision of the future with a prototype all-electric remote control excavator,” says Connolly.
“We have live displays of our Komatsu machine population throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia – including location, operating status and machine condition – along with a countdown to our 150th anniversary in 2071.
“There are also opportunities to try out a Komatsu excavator simulator, or see how our Smart Construction offerings are having a direct influence today on the management of our infrastructure and resources projects of tomorrow.
The Innovation Hub is also a celebration of Komatsu’s century of innovation, dating back to when the company founded in May 1921.
“Since the company’s founding, innovation has been at the centre of Komatsu’s DNA, and our new Innovation Hub brings together all our technology innovations under a single roof,” Connolly says.
