At Bauma, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) N.V. (HCME), has unveiled its vision for the future of construction equipment with its pioneering excavator concept LANDCROS One. This innovative machine development represents a fundamental shift in how machinery interacts with operators, job sites, and the broader construction ecosystem.           

LANDCROS One, which brings Hitachi's forward-looking vision to life through design collaboration with Granstudio, an automotive and mobility design studio, goes beyond conventional equipment development. This strategic partnership leverages both companies' strengths to create machinery that revolutionizes user experience.

"LANDCROS One showcases Hitachi’s vision of a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future, blending groundbreaking AI, gamified ergonomics, autonomous and remote operations capabilities. We’re proud to lead the next wave of innovation, empowering the next-generation workforce and redefining possibilities in the construction machinery industry" said Francesco Quaranta, President & CEO, HCM Europe.

Where Physical and Digital Unite: The Phygital Experience

The concept introduces what Hitachi calls a "phygital" approach - the seamless integration of “physical” controls and “digital” interfaces to create an intuitive operator environment.

The innovative design features a modular cab with intuitive ergonomics, specifically engineered to appeal to the next-generation workforce through gamifying operations and AI-assisted interfaces. 

Hitachi’s LANDCROS One embodies this philosophy through four transformative innovation pillars:

1. Intelligence That Empowers Operators

The concept's integrated AI and automation systems fundamentally change the operator experience by handling routine tasks and providing intelligent assistance during complex operations. 

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 cornerstone in creating a comprehensive 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 newer operators.

2. Global Operations 24/7 

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 (specialized) operators to work across multiple sites without physical relocation.

These capabilities not only maximize equipment utilization but also enhance safety by removing operators from remote, difficult, and hazardous environments while maintaining precise control over operations. 

3. Flexible Operation for Every Skill Level

Recognizing the diverse 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.

4. Adaptive Power Systems for Every Jobsite 

Environmental responsibility meets operational flexibility with the concept's propulsion system available in three distinct power modes: electric, combustion, or hydrogen.

Innovation Through Partnership

"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," says Lowie Vermeersch, Founder and Creative Director at Granstudio.

This groundbreaking concept demonstrates how Hitachi's engineering excellence, combined with design expertise, can challenge conventional approaches to construction equipment. The result is machinery that's not just more powerful and efficient, but more intuitive, adaptable, and connected.

"LANDCROS One is more than just a machine. Its our commitment to deliver solutions beyond machinery in a new construction ecosystem,” added Francesco. "We’re building a smarter tomorrow together with our strategic partners and customers."