Volvo’s autonomous electric loader that started out as a Lego toy

Swedish automotive giant Volvo has unveiled the battery-electric prototype of a self-learning, autonomous construction vehicle that was inspired by a Lego Technic model released in 2018.  

Volvo Construction Equipment pooled resources with Lego Technic to design a futuristic, autonomous construction machine, leading to the Lego Technic Volvo Concept Wheel Loader ZEUX set which was released to toy stores in August 2018.

Fast-forward three years, and Volvo CE this week unveiled the Volvo LX03 concept, a fully autonomous, battery-electric, self-learning concept wheel loader, able to make decisions, perform tasks, and even interact with humans. 

The LX03 is not now available for purchase, but Volvo engineers expect it to provide valuable insights into future vehicle applications. As it stands, the LX03 represents the next step in Volvo CE’s development of machine learning intelligence and decarbonisation plans. 

“We need to transform the construction industry with smart and more sustainable solutions that will have an impact on a global scale,” said Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE. 

“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.”

The LX03 is a 5-tonne wheel loader that has been developed as a modular concept with the ability of being made larger or smaller with only a couple of changes to the manufacturing process.

The LX03 also shares its driveline with the L25 Electric compact wheel loader, meaning it’s not just smart, it is also zero emission and low noise, with a runtime of up to eight hours depending on the job it is put to. 

“Our two companies have enjoyed an extremely successful partnership over the years in which we have collaborated on several LEGO Technic models,” said Niels Henrik Horsted, LEGO Group’s Head of Product for LEGO Technic. 

“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.”