Bosch Rexroth and Kawasaki plan profound collaboration to power next generation of off-highway machines and hydrogen solutions
Jan Saeger03.03.2026Lohr am Main
Cooperation to drive innovation and sustainability for the construction site of the future and to accelerate realization of a hydrogen society
Advanced cross-domain software-defined vehicle functions to enable new intelligent machine operations
Enhanced autonomous operation and protection functions to drive operational efficiency and worksite safety
Improved vehicle and construction site sustainability aspired by more efficient hydraulic, electric, and hydrogen systems
Innovative hydrogen solutions with a particular focus on cooperation in hydrogen filling stations
At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on March 2, 2026: Steffen Haack, Member of the Executive Board of Bosch Rexroth, and Yoshimoto Matsuda, President of Precision Machinery & Robot Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (image source: Bosch Rexroth)
Lohr am Main, Germany, and Kobe, Japan – Bosch Rexroth AG and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced their plans for a profound collaboration in the off-highway machinery sector with the vision to drive innovation and sustainability for the construction site of the future. A Memorandum of Understanding to this end was signed in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on March 2, 2026, on the eve of the Conexpo trade show in Las Vegas. Planned initiatives still have to be worked out in detail and are subject to the parties` antitrust review.
The intended partnership shall combine Bosch Rexroth's system expertise, advanced electronics and software, and extensive electrics portfolio with Kawasaki's renowned precision hydraulic hardware and unique excavator system proficiency. The approach is intended to give rise to jointly developed intelligent machine concepts which address the industry's most pressing challenges: enhanced worksite safety, autonomous operation, seamless data exchange, and the accelerated transition to more sustainable energy sources. This planned collaboration promises lasting and transformative benefits for OEM partners and end-customers.
Dr. Steffen Haack, CTO of Bosch Rexroth, overseeing Engineering and in charge of this planned cooperation, said: “Our plan to join forces underscores our commitment to innovation and to delivering customer-centric solutions. By combining our respective competences in the envisaged cooperation, we aim to empower our respective OEM partners to navigate the evolving complexities of advanced hydraulics, electrification, digitalization and changing energy sources with confidence. With the off-highway industry at the cusp of a profound transformation, our planned collaboration can accelerate truly integrated, software-defined solutions for the global excavator market.”
Yoshimoto Matsuda, President of Precision Machinery & Robot Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., commented: “Kawasaki has always been dedicated to hydraulic innovation, consistently delivering application-specific solutions through robust collaboration with our OEM engineering teams. This planned profound collaboration with Bosch Rexroth significantly broadens our offering into advanced digital and electrified solutions, meeting the rapidly evolving demands of our customers and expanding the value we deliver to our customers in precision hydraulics. Our complementary strengths can enable us to deliver integrated, intelligent, and inherently safer solutions that were previously unattainable, particularly within critical segments like excavators, which account for about half of the construction equipment market. Furthermore, as one of the companies most engaged in the realization of a hydrogen society, we are pleased to be able to deepen our dialogue with Bosch Rexroth on hydrogen solutions.”
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 32,600 associates generated sales revenue of 6.5 billion euros in 2024.
Basic Information Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 417,900 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 90.5 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 86,900 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.
About Precision Machinery & Robot Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a global technology leader, known for its extensive range of products and services, from heavy industrial machinery to aerospace and robotics. Its Precision Machinery & Robot Company is a key player in hydraulics, providing high-quality, high-performance hydraulic components and systems for construction machinery, industrial vehicles, and other demanding applications worldwide.
