Hyundai Construction Equipment (HCE) has launched a new excavator model featuring the state-of-the-art Machine Control technology, taking a step closer to the era of autonomous excavators.

HCE announced on February 7 that it recently delivered an excavator that works in a semi-autonomous way to the very first buyer of the model.

The new launch is particularly meaningful in that it is Korea's very first commercialized excavator with a Machine Control solution.

Machine Control is a key technology of the rapidly growing smart construction sector. With its original technology of Machine Control which greatly improves the company's price competitiveness, HCE can now actively respond to the growing demands for smart construction equipment.

Using digital sensors and an electronic hydraulic system, an excavator with Machine Control technology provides real-time feedback to the driver about the excavator's posture and where it is digging, performing tasks semi-automatically including flattening, pipeline laying, and excavation.

Further, when a target depth or slope value is input to the Machine Control system, it can automatically identify the height of the ground to perform work without the help of surveying engineers.

This is expected to result in a 30% or more increase in work efficiency, including shortened construction periods and cost reductions, while also helping lower the risk of safety accidents.

"We will continuously work on technology innovation, including introducing autonomous excavators to worksites next year, with a view to taking the lead in the smart construction sector of the future.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has forecast that the global smart construction market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2016 (approximately USD 10 billion) to 2025.

In 2019, HCE developed on its own and commercialized excavators with a Machine Guidance solution, the predecessor to Machine Control, and became the first Korean company to commercialize unmanned forklifts capable of autonomous driving. As such, HCE is accelerating the development of smart construction technologies.