Komatsu PC220LCi-12 gets VIP launch at Atlassian Williams F1 Team HQ

Gathering customers over five days, Komatsu used the occasion to showcase the latest developments in intelligent machine control, automation and tiltrotator integration, highlighting how its technology can be used to improve accuracy, productivity and ease of operation on construction sites.

As principal partner of the Atlassian Williams F1 Team, Komatsu also delighted the guests with a guided tour of the Heritage Museum which holds one of the world’s largest collections of F1 race cars.

This was followed by an insightful tour of the hi-tech factory where the latest models are designed and built.

During the museum tour, Komatsu’s long partnership with Williams, which goes back to 1986, was in clear evidence.

Notably, visitors saw the race cars that helped the team win both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships in 1996 and 1997, each featuring gearbox components manufactured by Komatsu.

VIP presentation

However, the guest of honour at the event was the Komatsu PC220LCi-12. This is the latest edition of the OEMs mid-sized excavator offering described as a significant upgrade from the dash 11 series machines, due to its smart capabilities.

First introduced at Bauma 2025 and now fully specified for Europe, the new excavator incorporates the third generation of Komatsu’s intelligent machine control, iMC 3.0, and offers an 18% increase in workload productivity in the new P plus mode compared to its predecessor.

Three machines from the new generation of intelligent excavators were on site at Williams, with two running live demonstrations.

Tiltrotator integration

Central to the demonstrations was the iMC 3.0 system which now offers compatibility with tiltrotators. The operator on the first machine showed how the system can automatically return the bucket to grade while simultaneously correcting tilt position to match the design profile. This offers highly accurate results while reducing workload and improving confidence when using tiltrotator-equipped machines, said product manager Vince Porteous.

Tiltrotator integration shown on the PC220LCi-12

He explained that the system is currently compatible with Rototilt and Engcon tiltrotators, with Steelwrist integration planned.

The machine can be factory-prepared for tiltrotator installation, which shortens fitting times by quite some margin compared with conventional retrofits, he added.

The configuration displayed on the PC220LCi-12 at the event featured a quick coupler mounted on the dipper arm, followed by the tiltrotator and bucket attachment.

This ‘sandwich’ setup, Mr Porteous explained, is most common in Scandinavia, but is also gaining in popularity in other parts of Europe.

Automatic swing

Komatsu’s Auto Swing Control system was also in focus. This allows operators to teach the machine a series of working points, including the excavation area, loading point and material discharge location.

Once these reference points are set, the machine can automatically swing between the dig and dump locations.

Auto Swing Control is particularly suited to repetitive loading applications such as feeding crushers, hoppers or haul units, protecting operators against fatigue but still maintaining consistent cycle times, said Mr Porteous.

Boundary control

The demonstration also showed Komatsu’s 3D Boundary Control system, which enables operators to define a virtual working envelope around the machine by setting boundaries at the front, rear, sides, top and bottom.

As the machine moved towards these limits, its movements were automatically slowed and brought to a controlled stop, whether it was going forwards or reversing.

The system also monitors counterweight movement, preventing it from extending beyond the defined area.

Mr Porteous said that 3D Boundary Control is particularly valuable when working in confined spaces, close to structures or near exclusion zones where machine movements must be tightly controlled.

Straight trenching

The second PC220LCi-12 excavator was paired with a Komatsu HM300 articulated dump truck to demonstrate automated trenching functionality through the machine’s iMC 3.0 swing-to-line feature.

Mr Porteous explained how the machine can use a loaded design model or manually entered design parameters to automatically follow a defined centreline while maintaining the specified depth and profile.

The system is designed for applications such as pipeline installation and large-scale earthworks, where maintaining consistent trench geometry and spoil placement can deliver higher productivity and quality.

He also discussed the latest operator interface and monitor system which he described as a significant step forward in usability, comparing it to moving “from an old Nokia phone to a smartphone”.

Up close inspection

In addition to the live demonstrations, the event also included a closer look at a static PC220LCi-12. This third machine was parked by the front entrance to the Williams F1 Experience Centre.

Rob Macintyre, product manager for Komatsu’s iMC excavators, walked visitors around the machine, discussing the new improved cab along with the new design, engine capabilities and various functionalities.

Further presentations inside highlighted the connectivity of the machines and the data that can be accessed, along with Komatsu’s Smart Construction portal which is designed to digitise, automate and optimise the job lifecycle through 3D design, aerial drone mapping, intelligent machine data and more.