Komatsu expands the power of IMC to a smaller excavator platform
When the PC158USLCi-12 comes to market later in 2026, it will be the first tight-tail-swing Komatsu excavator with factory-integrated IMC (Intelligent Machine Control) and the second excavator with IMC 3.0. This is a game-changer for contractors who want the benefits of advanced automation on space-restricted job sites. Komatsu's most advanced technology package ever SMS Equipment Smart Construction Operations Manager James Barr can't wait for Canadian contractors to get their hands on the new PC158USLCi-12, which was previewed at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. Barr has been representing the Canadian Komatsu dealer since the first IMC excavator was introduced in 2014. IMC 3.0 debuted on the PC220LCi-12 in 2025, and reception from owners and operators has been very positive, says Barr. "Operators are telling me it's incredibly responsive, quick, and accurate. While technology in equipment is evolving, they see IMC 3.0 in particular as a major step forward for construction automation." Expanded in-field design capability, an advanced payload meter, auto swing, advanced attachment settings, swing-to-line, 3D boundary control, and auto stop control are all new to IMC, but IMC 3.0 is also designed to evolve further. Komatsu can send even more new features to machines in the field via over-the-air updates and recently pushed travel-along-line to IMC 3.0 machines. Barr explains, "In a pipeline ditch application with a 3D design, you can tie the machine to the centre of the ditch in the plan and use the thumb control wheel to travel in reverse. The machine will stay directly centred, so even if the ditch curves, the machine follows and steers to that curve and always keeps you centred." The operator just has to focus on digging. Travel-along-line pairs nicely with IMC 3.0's swing-to-line function, which automatically swings the bucket to the line specified in the 3D plan. Barr also praises the safety features new to IMC 3.0. A big one is the 3D boundary control system that allows the operator to set fixed height, depth, and swing boundaries tied to GPS coordinates, not the machine. Those boundaries do not move, ensuring that the machine can't penetrate them, even if the operator tracks and returns. The takeaway from IMC 3.0 on the PC220LCi-12 is that operators are more precise, the machine requires fewer inputs, and the job site is safer. Now there's an appetite for more machines with the latest IMC package, says Barr. "Contractors say, ‘It's a great product, but when are you going to release a zero-swing or tight compact excavator with the same technology?'" With the PC158USLCi-12, Komatsu is satisfying that request.
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When the PC158USLCi-12 comes to market later in 2026, it will be the first tight-tail-swing Komatsu excavator with factory-integrated IMC (Intelligent Machine Control) and the second excavator with IMC 3.0. This is a game-changer for contractors who want the benefits of advanced automation on space-restricted job sites.
Komatsu's most advanced technology package ever
SMS Equipment Smart Construction Operations Manager James Barr can't wait for Canadian contractors to get their hands on the new PC158USLCi-12, which was previewed at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. Barr has been representing the Canadian Komatsu dealer since the first IMC excavator was introduced in 2014.
IMC 3.0 debuted on the PC220LCi-12 in 2025, and reception from owners and operators has been very positive, says Barr.
"Operators are telling me it's incredibly responsive, quick, and accurate. While technology in equipment is evolving, they see IMC 3.0 in particular as a major step forward for construction automation."
Expanded in-field design capability, an advanced payload meter, auto swing, advanced attachment settings, swing-to-line, 3D boundary control, and auto stop control are all new to IMC, but IMC 3.0 is also designed to evolve further. Komatsu can send even more new features to machines in the field via over-the-air updates and recently pushed travel-along-line to IMC 3.0 machines.
Barr explains, "In a pipeline ditch application with a 3D design, you can tie the machine to the centre of the ditch in the plan and use the thumb control wheel to travel in reverse. The machine will stay directly centred, so even if the ditch curves, the machine follows and steers to that curve and always keeps you centred."
The operator just has to focus on digging. Travel-along-line pairs nicely with IMC 3.0's swing-to-line function, which automatically swings the bucket to the line specified in the 3D plan.
Barr also praises the safety features new to IMC 3.0. A big one is the 3D boundary control system that allows the operator to set fixed height, depth, and swing boundaries tied to GPS coordinates, not the machine. Those boundaries do not move, ensuring that the machine can't penetrate them, even if the operator tracks and returns.
The takeaway from IMC 3.0 on the PC220LCi-12 is that operators are more precise, the machine requires fewer inputs, and the job site is safer. Now there's an appetite for more machines with the latest IMC package, says Barr.
"Contractors say, ‘It's a great product, but when are you going to release a zero-swing or tight compact excavator with the same technology?'"
With the PC158USLCi-12, Komatsu is satisfying that request.
