HCM invests US$3m in AI to cut machinery downtime
Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) has invested US$3m in Canadian tech firm Rithmik Solutions to push AI deeper into large-scale earthmoving. The goal: fewer unexpected failures, tighter fuel use, and more productive shifts across mining and heavy construction sites.
The move strengthens HCM's digital strategy for heavy equipment and supports more efficient, lower-impact operations. Leadership backing includes Eiji Fukunishi, VP and Executive Officer and President of the Mining Business Unit, and Masafumi Senzaki, President and Executive Officer.
What the AI actually does
Rithmik's software analyses live machine data and flags abnormal patterns before they become failures. In a year-long demonstration, it processed data from 40 dump trucks and six ultra-large hydraulic excavators, comparing real-time conditions with design-based benchmarks to pinpoint anomalies.
Early detection gives site teams time to intervene, cut unplanned downtime, and reduce fuel burn. According to Rithmik, this contributed to improved productivity and a smaller environmental footprint during testing.
From static thresholds to real operating baselines
Instead of relying on fixed design values, the AI establishes reference points from actual site data. That lets each machine be judged against the conditions it's really working in, not a generic spec sheet. For operations leaders, this means fewer false alarms and more precise maintenance windows.
Plugging into LANDCROS Connect Insight
The investment fits with HCM's digital platform, LANDCROS Connect Insight, launched in April 2025. LANDCROS collects near real-time machine data to support operational decisions; Rithmik's models add the ability to detect issues and optimise against real conditions.
Eiji Fukunishi says, "This investment marks an important step towards Hitachi Construction Machinery's goal of building open digital platforms with various partners." The partnership is positioned to support more use cases across global mining and construction fleets.
Why this matters for operations
- Reduce unplanned stops: Identify faults early and move maintenance into scheduled windows.
- Lower operating costs: Catch inefficiencies that increase fuel burn and component wear.
- Stabilise production: Keep haul cycles, dig rates, and shift plans on track.
- Improve parts readiness: Use lead time from early alerts to stage components and technicians.
- Close the loop: Feed findings back into operator coaching and site standards.
What to do next
- Start with critical assets: Prioritise high-hour excavators and the busiest truck circuits.
- Tighten data quality: Confirm sensor health, timestamps, and connectivity on each unit.
- Set clear alert workflows: Define who gets notified, expected response times, and escalation paths.
- Track the right KPIs: MTBF, mean time to repair, planned vs. unplanned maintenance ratio, fuel per tonne moved.
- Pilot, then scale: Run a 60-90 day trial on one pit or project before rolling across the fleet.
Leadership perspective
"By leveraging HCM's global presence with Rithmik's expertise in mining analytics, we aim to deliver exceptional performance, reliability and sustainability to customers worldwide. This partnership is a key development in the advancement of smart mining," says Ross Barichievy, CEO at Rithmik Solutions.
Learn more
Explore HCM and Rithmik for additional context and updates:
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