MUNICH, Germany, Apr 2, 2025 – KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) has announced a 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.
The partnership focuses on improving jobsite operations in Europe by bringing together digital tools, automation, and safety features into one platform. By aligning KOBELCO’s remote operation goals, Leica Geosystems’ machine control solutions, and Xwatch’s safety technology, the collaboration offers a practical approach to modernizing construction workflows. The combined technologies address industry needs, such as supporting remote operations to help manage labor shortages, improving safety through 3D avoidance systems, and encouraging efficient machine use to reduce environmental impact.
K-DIVE — remote operation system for construction sites
The K-DIVE system is a remote operation technology developed by KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Japan. It enables excavators to be operated from a separate location using a specialized cockpit. The system includes high-definition displays, real-time job site visuals, and responsive controls to support accurate and efficient machine operation. By removing the need for the operator to be on site, the system supports safer working conditions and offers flexibility for managing operations in challenging environments.
“This collaboration marks a major step towards the future of digital construction in Europe,” says Makoto Kato, managing director and excavator division director, 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 optimize K-DIVE’s remote operation system. Its 3D machine control solution and semi-automatic features provide precision, real-time automation, and 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.”
Source: Hexagon
About KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME)
KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME), established in 2013, is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, KCME specializes in the sales and service of construction machinery, focusing on crawler excavators ranging from 1 to 50 tonnes. The company serves markets across Europe, Russia-CIS, Maghreb, and Israel, catering to construction, infrastructure development, and mining industries. KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., the parent company, reported net sales of ¥381.7 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2023. As of 2023, KCME employs approximately 102 individuals. KCME’s strategic location near Amsterdam provides convenient customer access and facilitates efficient distribution and support throughout its service regions.
About Leica Geosystems
Leica Geosystems, headquartered in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, has transformed measurement and surveying for nearly 200 years. As part of Hexagon AB, the company offers a comprehensive range of products and services, including 3D laser scanners, airborne sensors, construction lasers, and software solutions. The tools are utilized across various industries, such as aerospace, defense, construction, manufacturing, and media production. Leica Geosystems employs over 3,500 professionals worldwide.
About Xwatch Safety Solutions
Xwatch Safety Solutions, founded in 2018, specializes in developing machine control hardware and software to enhance construction site safety. Their product line includes height control, slew control, and rated capacity indication (RCI) systems, enabling operators to define safe working zones for heavy machinery, thereby mitigating on-site risks. Serving industries such as construction, mining, and transportation, Xwatch has gained recognition for its innovative safety solutions. In April 2024, the company was acquired by Hexagon AB, aiming to integrate Xwatch’s technologies into a broader portfolio to advance construction safety. Headquartered in United Kingdom, Xwatch operates with approximately. 20 employees.