Theme 1: SMARTER MACHINES

Challenge

How can Hitachi Construction Machinery enable zero-human entry mine sites that are safer, more efficient, and lower impact – across today’s mines and future environments like space or the ocean?

Introduction

Mining operations are increasingly shifting toward remote, hazardous, and hard-to-access environments. As labor shortages intensify and safety concerns grow, the need for fully autonomous machines becomes critical. We are exploring technologies that enable fully autonomous machines and advanced human-machine collaboration — from robotics and humanoids to alternative energy systems. These innovations will not only improve safety and productivity but also open new possibilities for mining in space, underwater, and other frontier domains.

Goals

• Autonomous hauling, drilling, and loading
• Robotics and drones for remote or hazardous sites
• Humanoids, exosuits, and semi-autonomous tools
• Alternative energy sources (hydrogen, biodiesel, batteries)
• Advanced materials to reduce wear and energy use
• Machine concepts for space/ocean mining

Context

The mining industry must reduce human exposure to risk, improve efficiency, and expand into new environments. We envision a future where machines perform complex tasks autonomously — from drilling and hauling to adaptive maintenance. By combining robotics, AI, and sustainable power, we aim to create scalable solutions for zero-human-entry mining across diverse and extreme environments.

Applications open　 Pitch & Demo Day: 16th April 2026 • Brisbane

Apply now