CES 2026
Doosan Bobcat Overcomes 'Language and Skill Barriers' at Construction Sites with AI

[비즈한국] Small construction equipment is starting to understand human speech. Doosan Bobcat241560, a subsidiary of Doosan Group, declared the digital transformation of construction sites on the 5th (local time) at its media day in Las Vegas, unveiling a wide array of solutions that fuse artificial intelligence (AI) and electrification technology.

Doosan Bobcat has officially announced its transition from a simple equipment manufacturer to a "smart solution company" through software intelligence. The core of this initiative is the "Bobcat Job Site Companion," an AI-based voice control technology introduced for the first time in the compact construction equipment industry.

This system allows operators to control over 50 functions—such as equipment settings, engine speed adjustment, and lighting and radio controls—using only voice commands from the driver's seat. In particular, it utilizes Doosan Bobcat's proprietary Large Language Model (LLM). The company explained that beyond simply executing commands, it can even proactively recommend optimized work settings for the currently attached equipment.

Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation, emphasized, "The Job Site Companion lowers the barrier to entry for new workers while helping skilled experts work faster and more accurately. The key is to go beyond simple technology adoption and provide a smart experience as if you are receiving guidance from an expert in real-time from the driver's seat." Developed as an 'on-board AI' model that runs on the device itself, the system ensures practical reliability by working seamlessly even in construction sites or remote areas with poor communication environments.

AI has also been integrated into the maintenance sector. 'Service.AI,' an integrated support platform for dealers and mechanics, manages repair manuals, diagnostic guides, and historical maintenance databases for each piece of equipment. When a mechanic inputs a problem via voice or typing, the AI instantly provides repair solutions, drastically reducing equipment downtime.

In terms of hardware, the 'Rogue X3' concept machine was introduced, encapsulating the essence of electrification and automation. The Rogue X3 adopts a modular design that allows for the flexible alteration of the cockpit and the choice between wheels and tracks. The company explained that it possesses the flexibility to accommodate various power sources, including hydrogen and full electric power. Along with this, they unveiled a high-speed charging standard battery pack that can be used regardless of the manufacturer, signaling their intent to secure leadership in industry electrification standards.