Sponsored by Volvo CE Group, this project focuses on designing the next generation of electric wheel loaders. Our goal is to create an advanced, sustainable solution that bridges the gap between construction sites, operators, and new technologies. The development includes integrating innovative features such as an AI assistant for enhanced user interaction, a digital twin for real-time monitoring and diagnostics, task automation for improved efficiency, and a personalized workspace to optimize operator comfort and productivity. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to redefine construction equipment for the future, ensuring both environmental and operational excellence.
Sponsored by Volvo CE Group, this project focuses on designing the next generation of electric wheel loaders. Our goal is to create an advanced, sustainable solution that bridges the gap between construction sites, operators, and new technologies. The development includes integrating innovative features such as an AI assistant for enhanced user interaction, a digital twin for real-time monitoring and diagnostics, task automation for improved efficiency, and a personalized workspace to optimize operator comfort and productivity. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to redefine construction equipment for the future, ensuring both environmental and operational excellence.
The Challenge
Creating the future？
The Challenge
Creating the future？
What is the future of construction going to look like？
Understanding the CE industry & After pandemic:
What is the future of construction going to look like？
Understanding the CE industry & After pandemic:
The construction industry was already starting to experience an unprecedented rate of disruption before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming years, fundamental change is likely to be catalyzed by changes in market characteristics, such as scarcity of skilled labor, persistent cost pressure from infrastructure and affordable housing, stricter regulations on work-site sustainability and safety, and evolving sophistication and needs of customers and owners. Emerging disruptions, including industrialization and new materials, the digitalization of products and processes, and new entrants, will shape future dynamics in the industry.
The construction industry was already starting to experience an unprecedented rate of disruption before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming years, fundamental change is likely to be catalyzed by changes in market characteristics, such as scarcity of skilled labor, persistent cost pressure from infrastructure and affordable housing, stricter regulations on work-site sustainability and safety, and evolving sophistication and needs of customers and owners. Emerging disruptions, including industrialization and new materials, the digitalization of products and processes, and new entrants, will shape future dynamics in the industry.
Research & Insight
Research & Insight
In our design process, we start with extensive market research and analysis of future technological developments. We then proceed with firsthand surveys and conduct on-site user research.
In our design process, we start with extensive market research and analysis of future technological developments. We then proceed with firsthand surveys and conduct on-site user research.
Main Pain Points & Opportunities:
Main Pain Points & Opportunities:
01 Lack of Skillful Operators
Operating next-gen electric wheel loaders requires advanced skills. Without proper training, operators may struggle, causing inefficiencies.
Operating next-gen electric wheel loaders requires advanced skills. Without proper training, operators may struggle, causing inefficiencies.
02 Manual and Repetitive Tasks Leading to Fatigue and Boredom
Repetitive manual tasks can tire operators. Automating processes and using ergonomic designs in electric loaders can reduce fatigue and improve productivity.
Repetitive manual tasks can tire operators. Automating processes and using ergonomic designs in electric loaders can reduce fatigue and improve productivity.
03 Limited Communication Leads to Inefficiency and Lack of Motivation
Poor communication slows down work. Integrating smart connectivity in electric loaders can enhance coordination and boost team efficiency.
Poor communication slows down work. Integrating smart connectivity in electric loaders can enhance coordination and boost team efficiency.
“We are always in search of quality operators that are skilled. Also, for new operators, there is nothing that can replace experience, they need to be in the cab and experience different situations to learn.”
-Interviewee
The Idea
The Idea
Creating an OS that will enhance the working and learning experience of future operators. VOS is the solution for the next generation of construction Equipment.
Creating an OS that will enhance the working and learning experience of future operators. VOS is the solution for the next generation of construction Equipment.
New Opportunity
New Opportunity
During our research, we discovered several fascinating digital solutions specifically designed for the construction equipment team. The standout innovations include the implementation of a digital twin, which creates a virtual replica of physical equipment to monitor performance and optimize operations in real time, and an advanced operating system tailored for construction management to ensure seamless integration and coordination of tasks and resources. Additionally, an AI chatbot is set to assist team members by providing instant answers to queries and offering guidance on equipment usage, while task automation tools will streamline routine operations by handling repetitive tasks.
During our research, we discovered several fascinating digital solutions specifically designed for the construction equipment team. The standout innovations include the implementation of a digital twin, which creates a virtual replica of physical equipment to monitor performance and optimize operations in real time, and an advanced operating system tailored for construction management to ensure seamless integration and coordination of tasks and resources. Additionally, an AI chatbot is set to assist team members by providing instant answers to queries and offering guidance on equipment usage, while task automation tools will streamline routine operations by handling repetitive tasks.
001.
Personalized Workspace
001.
Personalized Workspace
The icon draws inspiration from the wheel of a printing machine, symbolizing the dynamic nature of printing. Additionally, it incorporates four elements inspired by the traditional CMYK color model used in printing, representing cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) colors, which are fundamental to the printing process. This symbolism not only reflects the brand's connection to the printing industry but also underscores its commitment to innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
The icon draws inspiration from the wheel of a printing machine, symbolizing the dynamic nature of printing. Additionally, it incorporates four elements inspired by the traditional CMYK color model used in printing, representing cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) colors, which are fundamental to the printing process. This symbolism not only reflects the brand's connection to the printing industry but also underscores its commitment to innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
002.
Digital Twins
002.
Digital Twins
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical entity, process, or system. This technology uses real-time data and other sources to mirror the actual environment accurately. In the context of construction, a digital twin can replicate every aspect of a construction site, providing a detailed and dynamic virtual model.
Digital Twin creates a detailed and dynamic virtual representation of a construction site, including wheel loaders and operator habits. This digital solution provides a holistic view, enabling better decision-making, efficiency improvements, safety enhancements, and cost savings.
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical entity, process, or system. This technology uses real-time data and other sources to mirror the actual environment accurately. In the context of construction, a digital twin can replicate every aspect of a construction site, providing a detailed and dynamic virtual model.
Digital Twin creates a detailed and dynamic virtual representation of a construction site, including wheel loaders and operator habits. This digital solution provides a holistic view, enabling better decision-making, efficiency improvements, safety enhancements, and cost savings.
003.
Auto Mood & Task Cloud
003.
Auto Mood & Task Cloud
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical entity, process, or system. This technology uses real-time data and other sources to mirror the actual environment accurately. In the context of construction, a digital twin can replicate every aspect of a construction site, providing a detailed and dynamic virtual model.
Digital Twin creates a detailed and dynamic virtual representation of a construction site, including wheel loaders and operator habits. This digital solution provides a holistic view, enabling better decision-making, efficiency improvements, safety enhancements, and cost savings.
Roles
Roles
HMI Design
System Design
Interior Design
Future Casting Design
Sally （Interaction Designer）
Joy （Interaction Designer）
Hood （Transportation Designer）