KCM Signs MoU with UNDP to Verify “K-DIVE®” in Ukraine Starting October 2026

KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (KCM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to verify the effectiveness of its “K-DIVE®” solution, which combines remote operation of construction machinery with operational data, at debris removal sites in Ukraine.

Based on this MoU, KCM, together with its overseas subsidiary Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (or KCME), will cooperate with UNDP to conduct verification testing of “K-DIVE®” starting in October 2026.

Currently, in Ukraine, the rapid and safe processing of large volumes of debris has become an urgent issue. There are several challenges, including the need to establish a safe working environment that protects operators’ health from asbestos contained in the debris, as well as the need to build efficient work systems amid labor shortages.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan has recognized that technologies developed by private sector in Japan could contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction under these circumstances. In January 2025, MLIT established the “Japan–Ukraine Platform on the Infrastructure Technology for Recovery and Reconstruction (JUPITeR).” KCM joined this initiative at MLIT’s invitation.

At an event held in Ukraine by MLIT in October 2025, KCM conducted a demonstration of “K-DIVE®.” Following an introduction by MLIT, UNDP and KCM explored the possibility of introducing “K-DIVE®” to debris removal operations in Ukraine, which led to the signing of this MoU to carry out full-scale verification.

From October 2026 onward, KCM and KCME will install construction machinery and “K-DIVE®” remote operation cockpits in Ukraine. In cooperation with UNDP, they will develop operational systems for remote construction work and establish an appropriate work environment.
In addition, they will provide training for local operators in the use of “K-DIVE®,” while evaluating safety, operability, and maintenance aspects to verify its effectiveness at debris removal sites. Based on the results, safety standards and operational rules will be developed to support the introduction of “K-DIVE®,” enabling operators to conduct debris removal safely and efficiently without exposure to hazardous environments or health risks.

Furthermore, the knowledge gained through this verification will be leveraged for debris removal efforts not only in Ukraine but also in Japan and other countries, contributing to recovery and reconstruction.

KCM will continue to contribute to achieving “Build Back Better” by providing its proven expertise and know-how cultivated at worksites in Japan, while promoting the full-scale deployment of “K-DIVE®” and establishing the necessary operational frameworks.

More information about K-DIVE®, please visit: https://kobelco-europe.com/innovations/k-dive-teleoperation-system/