Former Komatsu CTO Seiichi Fuchita Joins DeepX as Advisor! Conversation with DeepX CEO on the Future of Autonomous Construction Machinery
Introduction
We are pleased to announce that Seiichi Fuchita, former CTO of Komatsu Ltd. (hereafter "Komatsu"), has joined DeepX as an advisor. To mark this occasion, our CEO, Joji Toyama, conducted an interview with Mr. Fuchita to discuss the prospects of autonomous construction machinery, the reasons behind his appointment, and his enthusiasm for the role.
Whether you’re interested in our company or the future of autonomous construction machinery and its implementation in society, this is a must-read!
◇Interviewee Profile
Seiichi Fuchita
DeepX, Inc. Advisor
He joined Komatsu Ltd. in 1984 and was primarily involved in the development of hydraulic excavators. After assignments at Komatsu UK and Komatsu America, he was appointed Executive Officer in 2014. Subsequently, he served as Senior Executive Officer and President of Development Division, and then as Senior Executive Officer (Senmu), CTO, and President of Development Division. He is currently the President of Fuchita Technical Research Institute.
Joji Toyama
DeepX, Inc. CEO
He graduated from the Department of Technology Management for Innovation, the Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo (received the Dean's Award for The Graduate School of Engineering).
After joining DeepX, he has been working on automation projects in the area where automation has been difficult to achieve, such as a hydraulic excavator autopilot project.
He assumed as Director in June 2019 and Representative Director in January 2023.
Holder of a vehicle-type construction machinery operation license
Why Did He Decide to Join DeepX as an Advisor?
Toyama: Thank you for taking the time to have this discussion today. We first met around February of this year, and over the past six months, we've had numerous in-depth discussions about our company’s vision and direction. We also conducted a demonstration of our autonomous construction machinery. As a result, we’re thrilled that you have decided to join DeepX as an advisor. Could you share your impressions of DeepX during these past six months?
Fuchita: First and foremost, I was struck by the energy at DeepX. The team is brimming with startup energy and is boldly challenging themselves to achieve their vision. I was genuinely impressed by how vibrant everyone I met was. The construction and civil engineering sectors are indispensable to society, but they face numerous challenges, including labor shortages and disaster response. In this context, I believe that DeepX's automation technology is exactly what is needed moving forward. I envision a future where human presence on construction sites diminishes, and machines autonomously carry out most tasks. This vision of the future deeply intrigued me and drew me to DeepX.
Toyama: Thank you. As the CEO of DeepX, I also have a strong desire to accomplish something of significant social value. Construction and manufacturing are fundamental to our daily lives, and solving the major challenges in these fields brings a great sense of purpose. Many of our team members joined DeepX with the same commitment and passion, and they possess a tremendous amount of enthusiasm.
Fuchita: I had the chance to see the autonomous operation of a hydraulic excavator, and I must say, it was a bold challenge to tackle one of the most difficult aspects of construction machinery. However, since hydraulic excavators are the most commonly used machines on modern construction sites, successfully implementing this technology could be a catalyst for significant change.
Toyama: You're absolutely right. Hydraulic excavators pose not only technical challenges but also challenges in practical implementation on actual sites, making them particularly difficult to bring into societal use. At our company, we’re also working on projects like the automation of caisson shovels, which we believe may be implemented in society sooner. While we have already developed the fundamental technologies needed for automation, the real challenge lies in integrating them into society. With your support, as well as the cooperation of many others, we hope to achieve the automation of construction processes.
Advisor Fuchita's Experience with Digitalization in Construction Sites
Toyama: As a former CTO of Komatsu, what I’m particularly looking forward to is your extensive experience in developing digital technologies, including ICT construction machinery. How have you been involved in these technologies?
Fuchita: Around the time I took on a management role in the early 2000s, Komatsu began introducing KOMTRAX, a system that remotely acquires location and data from construction machinery. This marked a growing recognition of the importance of data, and I became deeply involved in data-related work, strongly believing in the value that data could create. Following that, Komatsu launched various projects, including the autonomous operation of ultra-large dump trucks, and I was involved in many of these developments.
Later, I worked on the development of ICT construction machinery. In 2013, we launched an ICT-enabled bulldozer. This bulldozer featured a semi-automatic blade control function that prevented over-digging below the completed surface by inputting 3D design data, significantly simplifying operation. During field tests, we observed a substantial improvement in construction speed, which convinced me that this technology would bring about significant advancements.
Note: "ICT construction machinery" refers to construction equipment that utilizes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve efficiency and accuracy at construction sites. By using sensors and network devices, these machines can visualize and guide work processes in real time, helping operators perform tasks according to the design data.
Toyama: Operating a bulldozer is incredibly challenging, isn’t it?
Fuchita: Indeed, leveling uneven ground while the machine body tilts is a highly complex task. However, thanks to this system, even less experienced operators can perform these tasks with ease. I felt that this groundbreaking technology would significantly transform construction sites. Following the bulldozer, we introduced an ICT-enabled hydraulic excavator to the market in 2014.
Toyama: How did users react after these products were launched?
Fuchita: While ICT construction machinery did perform as expected in some aspects, we also faced the reality that productivity at our customers’ sites did not improve as much as anticipated. The main reason for this was that the processes before and after using ICT construction machinery were not designed to fully leverage the capabilities of these machines, resulting in no overall improvement in site productivity. In other words, improving just one step of the process doesn’t necessarily enhance the overall efficiency. In response to this challenge, Komatsu conceived Smart Construction, aiming to digitalize each construction process and optimize operations to maximize the potential of the machinery used. I was involved as a supporter in this shift from machinery to IT, helping to increase the value delivered to construction sites steadily.
Toyama: In the sites we’ve observed, the productivity is drastically different where ICT construction machinery is properly utilized. While the technology’s greatness is evident, witnessing the slow adoption of such valuable technology at construction sites underscores the difficulty of introducing new technologies in the construction industry. I expect that your deep understanding of this issue will greatly benefit us at DeepX.
The Path to Autonomous Construction Machinery
Toyama: At the beginning, you mentioned that the autonomous operation of construction machinery is an inevitable future. Considering the current state of construction sites, how do you envision the steps toward achieving this?
Fuchita: To fully realize the value of automation, it's not enough for machines to simply operate autonomously; the digitalization of the entire construction site is absolutely crucial. I believe that the first step is to digitalize the site, and then build upon that foundation by introducing automation technologies, thereby creating value. This approach requires collaborating with companies that can digitalize our customers' sites, setting clear steps and goals, and advancing with a sense of urgency. However, there are limitations to what one company can achieve on its own, which is why collaboration with other companies is extremely important.
Toyama: I strongly agree with the importance of collaboration with other companies. As a company, we prioritize deeply engaging with the industry, such as by having our employees obtain construction machinery operation licenses. Recently, we've been deepening our collaborations with various companies, including construction machinery manufacturers, hydraulic equipment manufacturers, and wireless network companies. I'm pleased to see that we are becoming firmly embedded in the industry.
Fuchita: Absolutely. It’s ideal for DeepX to involve the necessary partners in the digitalization process, delivering value to construction sites, and achieving automation along the way.
Toyama: As a startup focused on advancing the societal implementation of autonomous driving software, what do you think DeepX should be particularly mindful of? Based on your experience with construction machinery manufacturers, what roles do you see as critical for startups?
Fuchita: The challenges in realizing autonomous operation are vast and varied. For example, we need to make machines smarter—machines that perform tasks such as moving soil, crushing rocks, and transporting earth. However, it’s equally crucial to manage and control these intelligent machines, which means developing both the control system for the site and the advanced machinery. Here, autonomous driving technology serves as a vital link between control and machinery.
While a single construction machinery manufacturer might be able to create a vertically integrated system that handles both automation and control under certain conditions, it’s incredibly difficult to build a system that can address every construction site. Moreover, construction sites often feature equipment from multiple manufacturers, making collaboration essential. Companies responsible for control, those specializing in autonomous driving, those manufacturing precision machinery, and those digitalizing the sites—all need to work together. By leveraging each other's strengths and compensating for any gaps, we can create an efficient worksite and progress toward our ultimate goal. We’re currently in a transitional period where such a market is taking shape, and in this scenario, the role of startups is extremely important.
Toyama: Why do you believe startups are so crucial during this transitional phase of market formation?
Fuchita: It’s due to the agility and speed that startups possess. Large corporations tend to move more slowly, but startups are expected to act quickly and produce tangible results—demonstrating that "this can be done." To expand these results and create greater value collectively, it’s important to clearly delineate tasks and roles and collaborate effectively. Startups must have the vision to rapidly construct valuable construction sites and the ability to swiftly bring that vision to life. This vision is not fixed but should be reassessed over time, with roles evolving according to the phase.
Toyama: It seems natural that initial hypotheses might change as we scale up the number of sites.
Fuchita: Exactly. You might start with one site, then move on to ten, then twenty, and in the process, the initial value hypothesis may evolve. It’s important for startups to embrace this natural evolution and continue moving forward with a sense of urgency.
How Advisor Fuchita’s Expertise Will Benefit DeepX
Toyama: I’d like to discuss how specifically you will be involved with DeepX as an advisor. As we mentioned earlier, collaboration with various companies is essential for the societal implementation of autonomous construction machinery. Building strong relationships with different construction machinery manufacturers is critical, and I believe your extensive network will be invaluable in this regard. Furthermore, we anticipate that the adoption of autonomous machinery will first take off in large-scale earthworks and mining operations in countries with vast lands, from a cost-benefit perspective. Your extensive international experience will be highly beneficial in these areas.
Fuchita: Having worked in the manufacturing industry for many years, I understand how construction equipment OEMs think, and I’m confident I can meet those expectations. Additionally, through my experience observing construction sites worldwide, I've strongly felt that digitalization in Japanese construction sites is lagging. Conversely, in markets like Europe, the U.S., Australia, and particularly the Nordic countries, digitalization is progressing rapidly. I believe I can support delivering value to these more advanced markets as well.
If we can successfully create value at Japanese sites, it will present a significant opportunity for expansion overseas. Although digitalization in Japan is still in its infancy, making it more challenging to build from the ground up, I believe this experience will contribute to our success abroad.
Fuchita’s Enthusiasm and Message to New Team Members
Toyama: As we wrap up this discussion, could you please share your enthusiasm for your new role as an advisor? Additionally, as DeepX is currently expanding and in need of talented individuals, I’d appreciate it if you could also convey a message to those considering joining DeepX.
Fuchita: First, regarding my enthusiasm as an advisor—DeepX is committed to leveraging its technical strengths and rapidly implementing these technologies into society. I am equally committed to working alongside the team to ensure that this implementation becomes a reality, making the value of our efforts visible to everyone.
Next, my message to those considering joining DeepX—what DeepX is working on is absolutely essential for creating the society of the future. We are looking for individuals who share the vision of “building the future society” and who are ready to join us with a spirit of challenge. With such individuals on board, our activities will only accelerate further.
DeepX is a company that doesn’t fear challenges and is determined to not only take on these challenges but also to successfully implement them in society. The entire company is currently brimming with this energy. I am genuinely looking forward to welcoming new members who have a challenging spirit into this environment.
Toyama: Thank you. DeepX is indeed a company that actively embraces challenges. With the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism also strongly supporting automation, the social significance and expectations tied to these efforts are a great source of motivation for me personally. If you share this sentiment and want to achieve something meaningful, I strongly encourage you to join our team.
In Conclusion ~Join Us at DeepX to Advance Autonomous Construction Machinery Together~
How did you find our discussion? At DeepX, we are excited to partner with Advisor Fuchita as we push forward in the field of autonomous construction machinery.
We are actively seeking new team members to join us on this journey. If you are interested in DeepX and want to be part of our mission, please apply through the link below!