Japanese manufacturing giant Komatsu has showcased its innovative designs in extreme construction technology by unveiling an all-electric underwater bulldozer at the ongoing CES 2025. Interesting Engineering’s team at the event got a close look at the prototype device and how it is likely to be developed further.
The construction equipment giant needs no introduction when it comes to heavy machinery. The century-old company operates in more than 150 countries of the world and serves industries that range from construction to mining.
Surprisingly, though, the company has never exhibited at CES before, even as its competitor peers take every advantage of this platform to showcase their technological advances.
This year, though, Komatsu has ensured that it showcases its innovative product design and technology at the world’s biggest platform for consumer technology, CES 2025, and featured its fully autonomous underwater all-electric bulldozer.
Underwater bulldozer
Speaking to Interesting Engineering, a member of the Komatsu team explained that the prototype was an improvement from a mechanical model designed in the 1970s. Back then, the equipment was powered by diesel, but the team has now shifted to electric power as the world looks to switch to more sustainable means.
Currently, the prototype can operate at depths of 22.96 feet (seven meters) due to the limitations of GPS systems. However, the company is working to increase this reach to a depth of 164 feet (50 m).
It has a battery capacity of 450 kWh, which can be further improved to 500 kWh, giving the equipment a run time of six hours. The battery pack can be recharged in four hours, and the bulldozer can be deployed back for tasks such as river dredging, ecosystem restoration, and disaster preparation.
“As a proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators, CES offers a unique opportunity to highlight some of the leading-edge concepts we have in the works, as well as the Komatsu innovations that are actively helping shape the world around us,” said Taisuke Kusaba, CTO and President, Development Division, Komatsu Ltd, in a press release.
Underwater bulldozer from Komatsu being displayed at CES 2025. Image credit: Interesting Engineering team.
Attract talent for extreme tech
“The core industries we serve, construction and mining, offer plenty of extreme applications that push our engineers, programmers and designers to problem-solve ground-breaking use of technology and product design to stay ahead of the needs of our customers,” added Kusaba.
At CES 2025, the company is looking to showcase its technology and innovations and attract top talent from attendees.
“Our core industries employ some of the most innovative, ground-breaking applications of automation and connected products, but new generations of talent with the skills to further those innovations often do not realize the opportunities we have available that would allow them to shape modern advancement,” Hiroyuki Ogawa, President and CEO of Komatsu Ltd stated in the press release.
“At CES 2025 we are looking forward to bringing some our most interesting equipment and technology applications to life for attendees from across the globe.”
Whether you want to work with Komatsu or simply witness their extreme tech, you can visit them at Booth 5316 in West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
