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| Volvo self-driving bulldozer based on Lego |
Volvo has launched a new autonomous bulldozer prototype for the construction industry. The new bulldozer can make decisions, perform tasks and interact with people.
This is the first time that a mechanical Lego set model has been transformed into a real machine. Although not yet commercially available, engineers anticipate that the LX03's valuable ideas will find application today and tomorrow.
The LX03 is inspired by concepts created by the technical engineers and designers at Volvo Construction Equipment and Lego and is a milestone in smart building technology.
The next step is to explore Volvo Construction Equipment's machine intelligence and determination to decarbonize the construction industry.
“We need to transform the construction industry into smarter, more sustainable solutions that have a global impact,” said Melker Gerenberg, president of the company. The appearance of the LX03 prototype proves this and also the competence of our engineers. A unified commitment to positive change: Together with the LEGO Group, we push the boundaries of technology and imagination, the result beyond anything the world has seen before.
“As a leader in transport and infrastructure, we play an important role in tackling climate change and accelerating the innovation needed to achieve emissions targets,” said Lars Steinqvist, Volvo Group Chief Technology Officer. “We believe and focus. Work with innovative partners who make innovation a reality and go beyond empty words.” .
Bulldozer's work began with a project between designers and engineers from the two companies to explore the possibilities of future designs.
With the help of a group of children, the project continued to grow over time and successfully launched the LEGO 42081 ZEUX Mechanical Group wheel loader.
"Over the years, the two companies have built a successful partnership. They work together," said Nils Henrik Horsted, Product Manager, LEGO Machinery Group, LEGO Group. But this is the first time we've built a real machine on a model, not the other way around. This makes this project unique.
The next stage in Volvo's efforts to explore artificial intelligence
The LX03 prototype was built by a dedicated team of engineers and programmers from Sweden and construction machinery manufacturers from Volvo in Germany in cooperation with the Swedish design team.
This 5-ton bulldozer was developed as a modular concept that can be enlarged or reduced by one or two production changes.
It also shares a transmission with the L25 Electric. This makes it a zero-emissions machine with a low noise level and a battery life of up to 8 hours.
It is designed to be an intelligent and secure operator, with a mind that can adapt to different scenarios. Besides making real-time decisions and working with people.
Customers can program it to perform heavy, repetitive or dangerous tasks. This reduces the need for on-site personnel.