Hitachi Construction Machinery outlined its vision for the future of construction equipment at bauma with the LANDCROS One excavator concept. The concept machine represents a fundamental shift in how machinery interacts with operators, job sites and the broader construction ecosystem.
LANDCROS One brings Hitachi’s vision to life through a design collaboration with Granstudio, an automotive and mobility design studio.
“LANDCROS One showcases Hitachi’s vision of a safer, smarter and more sustainable future, blending groundbreaking AI, gamified ergonomics, autonomous and remote operations capabilities,” said Francesco Quaranta, President and CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe.
“We’re proud to lead the next wave of innovation, empowering the next-generation workforce and redefining possibilities in the construction machinery industry.”
Phygital approach
The LANDCROS One concept introduces a “phygital” approach, which is the seamless integration of “physical” controls and “digital” interfaces to create an intuitive operator environment.
The design features a modular cab with intuitive ergonomics, specifically engineered to appeal to the next-generation workforce through gamifying operations and AI-assisted interfaces.
The concept’s integrated AI and automation systems fundamentally change the operator experience by handling routine tasks and providing intelligent assistance during complex operations.
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The functional design integrates cameras, sensors and advanced digital assist systems co-developed with strategic partners. With combined onboard and offboard landscape scanning capabilities, including drone technology, LANDCROS One serves as a foundation in creating an all-inclusive construction ecosystem.
This intelligent support system reduces operator fatigue, increases productivity and helps address the industry’s ongoing labour shortage by making advanced equipment more appealing to operators.
Advanced connectivity
LANDCROS One features advanced connectivity and remote operation capabilities.
The machine can be controlled from virtually anywhere, enabling true 24/7 operation through different time zones and allowing operators to work across multiple sites without physical relocation.
These capabilities maximize equipment utilization and enhance safety by removing operators from remote, difficult and hazardous environments while maintaining precise control over operations.
Recognizing the varied needs of today’s construction workforce, the excavator offers three distinct operation modes:
Manual mode provides complete control for operators supported by AI assistance, for standard or complex tasks reducing fatigue and increasing productivity.
Autonomous mode triggered by operator instructions for repetitive and predicted tasks.
Remote mode enables full operation from any location, 24/7 providing flexibility with operator availability around the world.
Adaptive power systems
Environmental responsibility meets operational flexibility with the concept’s propulsion system available in three distinct power modes: electric, combustion or hydrogen.
“At Granstudio, we are proud to have partnered with Hitachi to bring to life a revolutionary concept excavator that redefines the future of construction equipment. By blending our expertise in design and innovation with Hitachi’s engineering excellence, we have created a vision that pushes the boundaries of efficiency, sustainability and user experience,” said Lowie Vermeersch, Founder and Creative Director at Granstudio.
The concept demonstrates how Hitachi’s engineering skill, combined with design expertise, can challenge conventional approaches to construction equipment. The result is a machine that’s powerful and efficient, as well as more intuitive, adaptable and connected.
“LANDCROS One is more than just a machine. It’s our commitment to deliver solutions beyond machinery in a new construction ecosystem,” Francesco said. “We’re building a smarter tomorrow together with our strategic partners and customers.”
