Next-Gen work machine prototype with Force Control Technology.

Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. (Yanmar HD) has unveiled a prototype of a cutting-edge electric work machine with advanced force control at the Construction DX Challenge 2023, organized by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Developed in collaboration with JAXA's Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center※1, the large SEA (Series Elastic Actuator), was part of a prototype for the next-generation work machine under the Moonshot Research and Development Program※2. Yanmar HD successfully implemented force control capabilities, a challenge for conventional hydraulic systems. Using the SEA composed of an electric motor, reducer and spring, the functionality was implemented in an electric mini-excavator.

This technology aims to automate fine manual tasks, addressing labor shortages at construction sites. Moving forward, the company plans to conduct further verification to realize the practical applications of next-generation work machines in construction sites and similar environments.

Aligned with the company's YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050, the Yanmar Group continues its commitment to realizing a sustainable society, contributing to customers' decarbonization efforts through ongoing developments in electrification and other forward-looking technologies, the company said.

Key Features

• Test development of force control function using a large SEA that can be mounted on construction machinery.
• Development of a prototype incorporating this technology into a mini-excavator as part of the Moonshot Research and Development Program.
• Mechanization of delicate work in civil and construction sites, contributing to the labor-saving of material placement operations.
• Implementation of an articulated motor, not a conventional electric cylinder, to expand the range of motion through electrification, enabling high-altitude work like ceiling operations.

For more information about Moonshot Research and Development System (Japanese govt. cabinet office), visit www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/moonshot/top.html.

※1: Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center: Research and development of construction machinery with force control functions under the challenge name "Research and Development of Construction Machinery with Force Control Functions."

※2: Moonshot Research and Development Program Goal 3 "Collaborative AI robots for adaptation of diverse environments and innovation of infrastructure construction": Research and development of collaborative AI robots capable of flexible response to unforeseen situations and performing tasks in difficult environments, such as disaster sites or the moon.

From left: The large Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) developed in cooperation with JAXA; Realizing an expanded range of motion through the adoption of joint motors.

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