Epec, a leading provider of machine system solutions, has entered into a technology partnership with Qualcomm Technologies to advance digital transformation within the off-highway mobile machinery sector, including industries such as mining, construction, and agriculture. This collaboration aims to address key industry challenges while unlocking new opportunities through enhanced connectivity, advanced assistance systems, and AI-enabled innovations.
The partnership will focus on enabling reliable communication beyond traditional cellular networks, facilitating seamless machine-to-machine and machine-to-cloud interactions. By incorporating predictive maintenance and edge computing for complex algorithms, the collaboration is set to improve safety and efficiency in off-highway machines, offering features like collision avoidance, dynamic fleet management, and load optimization.
Founded in 1978, Epec is a Finnish technology company that specializes in electrics and electronics for non-road mobile machines (NRMM) and commercial vehicles. The company has extensive experience in control systems, custom products, electric and hybrid vehicle systems, as well as autonomous and assistance systems.
Earlier this year, Epec unveiled the SL8X Control Unit, a high-performance platform designed to meet the demanding needs of off-highway machines. With real-time control, functional safety, and flexibility, the SL8X provides a versatile solution to adapt to the evolving requirements of modern machinery. The platform supports both centralized and distributed system architectures, allowing manufacturers to optimize machine designs with simplified wiring and reduced hardware complexity.
By combining Epec’s automation expertise with Qualcomm’s advanced computing, AI, and connectivity solutions, the partnership will integrate generative AI (GenAI) capabilities to enhance automation and decision-making. Qualcomm’s Dragonwing processors will power in-cab display units, providing real-time guidance on machine functions and diagnostics. The collaboration also aims to go beyond traditional cellular networks, utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform and high-performance charging systems to support heavy-duty machinery electrification and autonomous systems.
The firms will also explore how on-device and on-premise GenAI capabilities can improve machine performance, with Qualcomm’s Dragonwing IQ8 processor offering in-cab display units for real-time operational feedback. Additionally, the Dragonwing On-Prem AI Inference Solution will provide multi-language support and offer maintenance and safety procedure recommendations with multi-modal interaction.
As part of the partnership, Epec and Qualcomm will investigate high-performance connectivity solutions for megawatt charging systems to support the electrification of heavy-duty machinery, as well as M2X capabilities from the Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform for intelligent mobile machines.
Epec CEO Jyri Kylä-Kaila expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies to bring state-of-the-art technology to the off-highway heavy machinery sector. Together, our solutions are a perfect fit for this industry, and we are pushing the boundaries of connectivity, AI, and autonomous systems to drive digitization, automation, and sustainability.”
Eric Mazzoleni, Vice President of Industrial and Embedded IoT Sales for Qualcomm in Europe, added, “Through our collaboration with Epec, Qualcomm Technologies’ solutions will help drive digital transformation and enhance productivity across the off-highway machinery sector. By utilizing high-performance, low-power computing, AI, and advanced connectivity, Epec will deliver new capabilities to machines used in forestry, mining, construction, agriculture, and beyond.”