Develon has put its Real-X autonomous excavator into practical use with Swiss construction and building materials group KIBAG.
The Develon DX225LC-7X crawler excavator, fitted with the AI-powered Real-X system developed with Gravis Robotics, is now operating autonomously at a former KIBAG quarry in Tuggen, Switzerland.
The machine is being used to excavate a trench measuring 300 metres long, six metres wide and three metres deep as part of work to restore the site to its natural state. The trench will be filled with rocky material to help stabilise the foot of the hill.
Unlike a remotely controlled machine, the excavator operates without an operator in the cab. It is supervised by a technical supervisor while working on KIBAG’s private land.
Christoph Duijts, CEO of KIBAG, said: “Today is a special day for all of us. This is no ordinary machine handover, but a step into the future of construction.”
KIBAG operates a fleet of around 2,000 construction machines and replaces approximately 200 machines each year. The company is investing in new technologies, including electric-powered equipment and autonomous machinery.
Urs Kordeuter, CPO at KIBAG, said Develon’s progress in autonomous machine technology had prompted the company to work with the manufacturer for the first time.
Real-X was launched by Develon at bauma 2025 and is designed to autonomously carry out trench excavation, earthworks and truck loading. It is the result of a collaboration between HD XiteSolution, Develon’s parent company, and Swiss robotics business Gravis Robotics.
Gravis Robotics develops learning-based control systems and software designed to turn conventional construction machinery into autonomous equipment capable of carrying out complex site tasks.
Dominic Jud, CTO and co-founder of Gravis Robotics, said: “We were able to build on experience gained through the use of autonomous machines in pipeline construction, yet every project presents new challenges, whether that is the depth of the trench or the ground conditions.”
The project was first discussed in 2024 following demonstrations of a Develon prototype. KIBAG decided in summer 2025 to use the DX225LC-7X in the Real-X configuration.
Develon says the system can deliver productivity improvements of up to 30% in trench excavation, earthworks and truck loading, while helping contractors address skilled labour shortages and improve site safety.
Urs Helbling, CEO of Develon dealer AG für Baumaschinen Schmerikon, said: “This has been two years in the making. It is a significant step forward for everyone involved and shows what can be achieved when a contractor is prepared to adopt new technology.”
Gilles Bendaoud, Vice President Key Accounts/Remarketing Europe at Develon, added: “We will continue to enhance safety and efficiency on construction sites with our innovations.”
The Tuggen project provides a practical demonstration of how autonomous machinery could be used on controlled construction sites, as legal and operational frameworks continue to develop.