Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Sumitomo Construction Machinery Develop Industry-First 'Two-Way Voice Communication System' for Construction Machinery

Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Sumitomo Construction Machinery Develop Industry-First 'Two-Way Voice Communication System' for Construction Machinery

Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. have jointly developed a 'two-way voice communication system' for hydraulic excavators.

This system is an industry-first voice support technology (patent pending) that creates an environment where operators inside the cab and workers around the excavator can hear and talk to each other comfortably without wearing any voice devices.

This contributes to improved safety and work efficiency at construction sites where noise and other factors often hinder communication.

### Background of Development

At construction and lifting work sites, communication between workers is often difficult due to engine noise and the physical distance between those inside and outside the cab. While hand signals and radios are commonly used, issues such as accidents due to miscommunication or overlooked signals, and the inconvenience of wearing radios, have been noted. In response to these challenges, the companies began developing this system under the new concept of "the excavator itself supports communication between people."

### Overview of the System

Equipped with voice support technology on the excavator, the system realizes device-less two-way voice communication between workers inside and outside the cab.

- Sounds around the excavator are collected by external microphones. Noise such as engine and environmental sounds is reduced, and human voices are processed to be easily audible and output through speakers inside the cab. - The operator's voice inside the cab is collected by internal microphones and transmitted through external speakers to the area around the excavator.

By combining both "reception and transmission" systems, workers can communicate in real time without relying on radios or hand signals. The system utilizes highly advanced noise reduction technology designed for use while the engine is running, achieving clear audio transmission even in actual work environments.

### Future Developments

The companies will consider a phased rollout while verifying effectiveness and user evaluations at job sites. The system-equipped excavator is scheduled to be exhibited at the 8th Construction and Surveying Productivity Improvement Expo (CSPI 2026), held in June 2026.

- Event Dates: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Saturday, June 20, 2026 - URL: https://cspi-expo.com/