Yanmar has unveiled a prototype of an electric work machine with advanced force control at the Construction DX Challenge 2023, organised by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.

Developed in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Space Exploration Innovation Hub Centre, the large SEA (Series Elastic Actuator) was part of a prototype for the next-generation work machine under the Moonshot Research and Development Programme.

Yanmar has implemented force control capabilities, a challenge for conventional hydraulic systems. Using the SEA composed of an electric motor, reducer, and spring, the functionality was implemented in an electric mini excavator.

This technology aims to automate fine manual tasks, addressing labour shortages at construction sites. Moving forward, the company plans to conduct further verification to realise the practical applications of next-generation work machines in construction sites and similar environments.

Aligned with the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050, the company continues its commitment to achieving a sustainable society, contributing to customers’ decarbonisation efforts through ongoing developments in electrification and other forward-looking technologies.

For this electric work machine prototype, the large SEA is mounted on a Yanmar ViO25 mini excavator in the 3-t class. Its rate load during lifting is 209 kg.