Kobelco

Kobelco’s focus on integrating state-of-the-art technology such as IoT and semi-autonomous systems aligns with the needs of modern infrastructure projects, where efficiency, safety, and environmental considerations are paramount.
Moses Eddy - Director, Kobelco

What cutting-edge innovations in your product offerings are helping in meeting the challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects?

Kobelco is known for its significant advancements in heavy machinery and construction equipment, particularly tailored to meet the challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, metro rail systems, tunnelling, mining, railways, and mega industrial projects. The company’s innovations are contributing to faster project delivery, cost-effectiveness, and leveraging new technologies.

Our line of excavators, for example, are designed for high performance, durability, and fuel efficiency. They often come equipped with advanced hydraulic systems and robust components, enhancing their ability to handle intensive tasks like excavation in large-scale infrastructure projects.

For tunnelling and confined-space operations, Kobelco offers equipment that maintains high productivity while being compact enough to work in limited spaces, such as in metro and mining projects.

Our equipment often incorporates energy-saving mechanisms such as the “iNDr” (Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction) cooling system, which not only minimizes environmental impact but also boosts fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs.

Kobelco has been integrating IoT solutions into its machinery, allowing real-time tracking of machine performance and fleet management. Operators and managers can use connected platforms to access data analytics, providing insights into equipment utilization, maintenance needs, and performance trends. This leads to better decision-making and resource allocation.

Kobelco is exploring autonomous and semi-autonomous technology to improve operational safety and efficiency. For example, autonomous excavators and cranes can perform repetitive tasks with precision and without fatigue, which speeds up project timelines and reduces the risk of human error.

As regards operator safety, features like automated stability controls and collision detection help keep operators safe during complex tasks. These technologies are particularly useful in high-risk environments like tunnelling and mining.

All these innovations collectively contribute to more efficient project management, quicker delivery timelines, and significant cost savings, positioning Kobelco as a leader in the heavy machinery industry for large-scale infrastructure solutions.

How is your company innovating to reduce energy consumption and minimize emissions in its products?

Kobelco in India has been making concerted efforts to align with the global push toward sustainability and green technology. It is innovating to reduce energy consumption, minimize emissions, and incorporate eco-friendly technology.

Kobelco India's excavators and construction machinery are equipped with advanced engine technologies that reduce fuel consumption. These engines comply with the latest Indian emission norms, similar to global standards. Our excavators utilize energy-saving systems that regenerate energy during certain operations. This helps cut down fuel usage and CO2 emissions while maintaining high productivity.

The use of systems like the Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction (iNDr) helps reduce dust pollution and engine emissions. This not only benefits the environment but also provides a cleaner working environment on construction sites.

Kobelco India collaborates with technology providers who emphasize energy efficiency and sustainable production practices, ensuring that components used in their machinery are as eco-friendly as possible.

Today, Kobelco is recognized for its sustainability initiatives and contributions to cleaner, greener construction practices in India.

How is the company tackling the rising costs of production and operational challenges?

Kobelco is tackling rising production costs and operational challenges through a range of strategic initiatives and innovative approaches aimed at optimizing manufacturing processes and mitigating supply chain issues. The company has focused on lean manufacturing principles to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste. By streamlining production lines and adopting automated technologies, Kobelco has been able to cut costs while maintaining high standards of quality. Advanced robotics and AI-driven systems have been integrated into manufacturing to ensure consistent production output and reduced labour-intensive tasks, which helps manage costs without impacting quality.

To address supply chain disruptions, Kobelco has diversified its supplier base and established partnerships with both local and international suppliers to ensure a steady flow of critical components. These partnerships are reinforced through long-term contracts and collaborative planning, which buffer against market volatility and logistical challenges. Furthermore, Kobelco leverages digital supply chain management tools that utilize data analytics and real-time tracking to identify bottlenecks and adapt swiftly, ensuring timely delivery of products.

Kobelco is also investing in local production capabilities in India, which helps reduce dependency on imported parts and mitigates the impact of global supply chain disruptions. Localization not only cuts costs related to shipping and tariffs but also supports faster delivery timelines and better service for the regional market. Through these concerted efforts, Kobelco is effectively balancing cost reduction with quality maintenance and adherence to delivery schedules.

How can the industry-government partnership help streamline business operations and foster innovation?

For a company like Kobelco, collaboration with government bodies can enhance operational efficiency and drive technological progress through supportive policies and frameworks.

One major reform that would benefit the industry is simplifying and expediting regulatory and certification processes for new technologies and equipment. By creating a fast-track approval system for advanced machinery that meets environmental and safety standards, companies like Kobelco could introduce innovative products to the market more quickly. This change would encourage investment in research and development and ensure that cutting-edge technology reaches construction sites sooner, enhancing global competitiveness.

The industry would also benefit from policy reforms that offer incentives for adopting and developing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technology. Tax breaks, subsidies, or grants for manufacturers that integrate sustainable practices, such as hybrid or electric equipment, would not only support the transition to greener operations but also foster local innovation. Such incentives would make it more economically viable for companies to invest in eco-friendly advancements and drive the industry toward reducing emissions and meeting international environmental standards.

Strengthening these industry-government partnerships could also include collaborative R&D initiatives and public-private partnerships that focus on joint efforts in sustainable technology development. By creating an environment where private sector innovation is supported through clear policy incentives and efficient regulations, countries can boost the competitiveness of their construction equipment industries globally and accelerate progress in infrastructure development.