Meet Volvo prototype LX03: the future of construction

Volvo has launched a new fully-autonomous prototype wheel loader for the construction industry. The new vehicle has the capability 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, said: "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 a 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."