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 have jointly developed a 'two-way voice communication system' for excavators, a first in the construction machinery industry. This system enables clear, device-free conversation between operators and on-site workers, even in noisy environments, contributing to improved safety and productivity. The technology is patent-pending and will be demonstrated at CSPI 2026 in June 2026.
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- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 20:00
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## 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/
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/
FAQ
住友重機械と住友建機が開発した新機能とは何ですか？
油圧ショベル向けの「双方向音声コミュニケーション機能」で、キャブ内のオペレータと車外作業者がデバイス装着なしで双方向の会話を可能にする音声支援技術です。
この技術は現場のどのような課題を解決しますか？
エンジン音などの騒音や物理的な距離により生じる意思疎通の困難さを解消し、ハンドサインや無線機への依存を減らすことで、安全性の向上と作業効率の改善に貢献します。
本機能はどのような仕組みで音声を聞き取りやすくしていますか？
車外マイクで集音した音声からエンジン音などのノイズを低減してキャブ内のスピーカーへ出力し、オペレータの音声はキャブ内マイクで集音して車外スピーカーから周囲へ伝達します。
この機能を実機で体験できる機会はありますか？
2026年6月17日から20日までの間、幕張メッセで開催される「第8回 国際 建設・測量展（CSPI 2026）」にて展示される予定です。
この技術は業界初の試みですか？
はい、住友重機械・住友建機の調査（2026年5月時点）によると、建設機械業界初の音声支援技術となります。