Meet Volvo prototype LX03: the intelligent future of construction

Rhea-AI Summary

Volvo Construction Equipment has unveiled the LX03, a fully autonomous, battery-electric prototype wheel loader that represents a significant advancement in smart construction technology. This machine, developed in collaboration with LEGO Technic, is the first real-world application of a self-learning concept machine capable of making decisions and performing tasks autonomously. Designed to reduce emissions and improve safety, the LX03 can adapt to various scenarios and complete heavy tasks without human intervention. While not commercially available yet, insights gained from this project are expected to influence future applications.

Positive

• Introduction of the LX03 prototype as a groundbreaking autonomous wheel loader.
• Collaboration with LEGO Technic demonstrates innovative engineering and design.
• Prototype aims to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions in the construction industry.
• Flexibility in manufacturing process allows for different sizes based on needs.

Negative

• None.

GÖTEBORG, Sweden, Oct. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This fully autonomous, battery-electric prototype by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is the first real-world example of a self-learning concept wheel loader with the brains to make decisions, perform tasks, and interact with humans. It is also the first time ever a LEGO® Technic model has been turned into a real machine. While not commercially available, engineers expect that valuable insights from the LX03 will feed into applications for today and tomorrow.

Inspired by a concept devised by Volvo CE and LEGO® Technic engineers and designers, the Volvo LX03 is a remarkable milestone breaking new grounds in smart construction technology. It represents both the next stage in Volvo CE's exploration into machine intelligence and its determination to decarbonize the construction industry. 

Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, says: "We need to transform the construction industry with smart and more sustainable solutions that will have an impact on a global scale. The unveiling of the LX03 prototype today represents just that – and is testament to the incredible expertise of our engineers and our united commitment towards positive change. Together with the LEGO Group, we are pushing the boundaries of both technology and imagination and the result is beyond anything the world has seen before."

Lars Stenqvist, Chief Technology Officer of Volvo Group, says: "As transport and infrastructure leaders we have a vital role to play in taking action on climate change and stepping up the pace of innovation needed to deliver on emissions targets. We believe in working with driven and creative partners who, like us, are focused on making innovation real and moving beyond just words."

Pioneering partnership

What started out as an exciting project between designers and engineers at the two companies, to explore the potential for future construction, evolved over time with the help of a team of children into the successful launch of the 42081 LEGO® Technic Concept Wheel Loader ZEUX. 

The LEGO Group's Head of Product for LEGO Technic, Niels Henrik Horsted says: "Our two companies have enjoyed an extremely successful partnership over the years in which we have collaborated on several LEGO Technic models. But this is the first time we are making a real machine based on a model and not the other way around – and that is what makes this a truly unique project."

Collaborative machines

Text BoxThe prototype LX03 has been built by a dedicated team of engineers and programmers from Volvo CE sites in Eskilstuna, Sweden and Konz, Germany, in collaboration with the design team in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is a 5-ton wheel loader that has been developed as a modular concept, with the capability of being made larger or smaller with just one or two changes to the manufacturing process. It also shares its driveline with the L25 Electric, making it a zero emission, low-noise machine with a runtime of up to eight hours depending on its application. 

It is designed to be a smart and safe worker, equipped with a brain that has the capacity to adapt to different scenarios, make decisions in real-time and most importantly collaborate with humans. It can be programmed by customers to complete heavy, repetitive or dangerous tasks, reducing the need for a human on site.

For more information on what makes this game changing concept machine so unique please visit https://www.volvoce.com/global/en/this-is-volvo-ce/what-we-believe-in/innovation/zeux/

For more images: https://images.volvoce.com/categories 

Journalists wanting further information, please contact:
Åsa Alström
Head of Strategic Communications
Volvo Construction Equipment
asa.alstrom@volvo.com

For more information, please visit volvogroup.com 
For frequent updates, follow us on Twitter: @volvogroup 

The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers' uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs almost 100.000 people and serves customers in more than 190 markets. In 2020, net sales amounted to about SEK 338 billion (EUR 33.6 billion). Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

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SOURCE AB Volvo

FAQ

What is the significance of the Volvo LX03 prototype announced in October 2021?

The Volvo LX03 prototype represents a major advancement in smart construction technology as it is the first fully autonomous, battery-electric wheel loader capable of making decisions and performing tasks without human intervention.

How does the LX03 prototype contribute to sustainability?

The LX03 is designed to be a zero-emission machine, which aligns with Volvo's commitment to decarbonizing the construction industry and reducing environmental impact.

Is the LX03 prototype available for purchase?

No, the LX03 prototype is not commercially available yet, but it aims to provide valuable insights for future applications.

Who collaborated on the design of the Volvo LX03?

The LX03 was developed in collaboration between engineers at Volvo Construction Equipment and designers from LEGO Technic.

What are the capabilities of the LX03 wheel loader?

The LX03 can adapt to different scenarios, make real-time decisions, and program tasks to handle heavy or dangerous operations, enhancing safety on construction sites.