Volvo ControlTech
The Next-Gen Construction Solution
Volvo ControlTech, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, is a forward-thinking project envisioning the future of in-cab operator environment in the year 2030. It integrates a Site Management system for managers, Remote Control for operators, and a Modular System for cab interiors, focusing on how technological advancements will reshape vehicle experiences and construction site efficiency.
Timeline
Jan 2023 – Apr 2023 (14 Weeks)
Role
UX Research, UI/UX Design, Product Design, Demo Production, Video Production (for remote control system)
Tool
Figma, Cinema 4D, Unity, After Effects
Teammate
Haoran Xu, Freddie Jiang
Instructor
Chris Chapman, Nathan Allen, Todd Masilko
Volvo ControlTech
The Next-Gen Construction Solution
Volvo ControlTech, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, is a forward-thinking project envisioning the future of in-cab operator environment in the year 2030. It integrates a Site Management system for managers, Remote Control for operators, and a Modular System for cab interiors, focusing on how technological advancements will reshape vehicle experiences and construction site efficiency.
Timeline
Jan 2023 – Apr 2023 (14 Weeks)
Teammate
Haoran Xu, Freddie Jiang
Role
UX Research, UI/UX Design, Product Design, Demo Production, Video Production (for remote control system)
Instructor
Chris Chapman, Nathan Allen, Todd Masilko
Tool
Figma, Cinema 4D, Unity, After Effects
Volvo ControlTech
The Next-Gen Construction Solution
Volvo ControlTech, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, is a forward-thinking project envisioning the future of in-cab operator environment in the year 2030. It integrates a Site Management system for managers, Remote Control for operators, and a Modular System for cab interiors, focusing on how technological advancements will reshape vehicle experiences and construction site efficiency.
Timeline
Jan 2023 – Apr 2023 (14 Weeks)
Role
UX Research, UI/UX Design, Product Design, Demo Production, Video Production (for remote control system)
Tool
Figma, Cinema 4D, Unity, After Effects
Teammate
Haoran Xu, Freddie Jiang
Instructor
Chris Chapman, Nathan Allen, Todd Masilko
Volvo ControlTech
The Next-Gen Construction Solution
Volvo ControlTech, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, is a forward-thinking project envisioning the future of in-cab operator environment in the year 2030. It integrates a Site Management system for managers, Remote Control for operators, and a Modular System for cab interiors, focusing on how technological advancements will reshape vehicle experiences and construction site efficiency.
Timeline
Jan 2023 – Apr 2023 (14 Weeks)
Role
UX Research, UI/UX Design, Product Design, Demo Production, Video Production (for remote control system)
Tool
Figma, Cinema 4D, Unity, After Effects
Teammate
Haoran Xu, Freddie Jiang
Instructor
Chris Chapman, Nathan Allen, Todd Masilko
A bigger screen unlocks the magic
This story has large visuals and videos. For the full experience, please open on desktop 💻
A bigger screen
unlocks the magic
This story has large visuals and videos. For the full experience, please open on desktop 💻
A bigger screen unlocks the magic
This story has large visuals and videos. For the full experience, please open on desktop 💻
On-site Observation
My team and I spent an entire day at Volvo Construction Equipment & Services in Corona, CA, with our class, observing and experiencing firsthand how construction workers operate on a construction site. Based on our observations, we identified three key areas where technology can be leveraged to close existing gaps.
What I Have Observed
Areas of Improvement
Safety & Adaptive Control Gap
Current control systems lack of comprehensive integration of safety features, precise control mechanisms, and adaptive response capabilities, which are critical for efficient and safe operations in diverse and hazardous environments.
Safety & Adaptive Control Gap
Current control systems lack of comprehensive integration of safety features, precise control mechanisms, and adaptive response capabilities, which are critical for efficient and safe operations in diverse and hazardous environments.
Opportunities
Remote Control
Software & Hardware for Operators
Develop a remote control system that utilizes advanced sensors, real-time data, and intuitive digital interfaces to ensure precise and safe operation while maximizing operator comfort and efficiency.
Remote Control
Software & Hardware for Operators
Develop a remote control system that utilizes advanced sensors, real-time data, and intuitive digital interfaces to ensure precise and safe operation while maximizing operator comfort and efficiency.
Site Planning & Coordination Gap
Low efficiency in distributing and planning resources, task tracking, communicating with operators, and providing a real-time site overview.
Site Planning & Coordination Gap
Low efficiency in distributing and planning resources, task tracking, communicating with operators, and providing a real-time site overview.
Site Management
Software for Site Manager
Design a more efficient site management system that features a control panel for easy resource allocation and planning, coupled with real-time tracking visualization and enhanced communication capabilities.
Site Management
Software for Site Manager
Design a more efficient site management system that features a control panel for easy resource allocation and planning, coupled with real-time tracking visualization and enhanced communication capabilities.
Future-Proof Upgrade Challenge
Rapid technological advancements lead to frequent obsolescence of construction equipment components, requiring adaptable and upgradable solutions.
Future-Proof Upgrade Challenge
Rapid technological advancements lead to frequent obsolescence of construction equipment components, requiring adaptable and upgradable solutions.
Modular System
Hardware for Cab Interior
Import a modular system for the physical space that allows for easy updates and customization of components, enabling construction equipment to stay at the forefront of technology and meet diverse operational needs efficiently.
Modular System
Hardware for Cab Interior
Import a modular system for the physical space that allows for easy updates and customization of components, enabling construction equipment to stay at the forefront of technology and meet diverse operational needs efficiently.
01 Remote Control
Utilizes advanced sensors, real-time data, and intuitive digital interfaces to ensure precise and safe operation while maximizing operator comfort and efficiency.
Why Using Remote Control
Why Using Remote Control
Safety
Perform tasks without being physically present in the hazardous environment
Safety
Perform tasks without being physically present in the hazardous environment
Efficiency
Allow one worker to monitor multiple machines at the same time
Efficiency
Allow one worker to monitor multiple machines at the same time
Accessibility
Access hard-to-reach areas, such as underground mines or high-altitude construction sites
Accessibility
Access hard-to-reach areas, such as underground mines or high-altitude construction sites
Comfort
Stay away from dirt and bad weather conditions, and able to task breaks more flexibly
Comfort
Stay away from dirt and bad weather conditions, and able to task breaks more flexibly
The Scenario
It's 8 a.m. in 2030, and Max finishes his morning conference with the construction team. They've discussed the day's tasks and planned the most efficient approach. As the meeting ends, Max gets a notification about a new task assigned to him.
Receive a new task.
Receive a new task.
Decide to remotely control.
Decide to remotely control.
Enter and set up the remote cab.
Enter and set up the remote cab.
Start remote control with autopilot.
Start remote control with autopilot.
Switch to manual control in the dangerous area.
Switch to manual control in the dangerous area.
Resume autopilot.
Resume autopilot.
Supervisor assigns a new demolition task.
Supervisor assigns a new demolition task.
Receive the demolition task.
Receive the demolition task.
Switch to the demolition mode while the transport task continues under autopilot.
Switch to the demolition mode while the transport task continues under autopilot.
How It Works
The remote cab connects to the wheel loader on the construction site through WiFi. The controller in the remote cab operates both the wheel loader and a camera-equipped drone on the construction site.
How It Works
The remote cab connects to the wheel loader on the construction site through WiFi. The controller in the remote cab operates both the wheel loader and a camera-equipped drone on the construction site.
This integration significantly enhances operational efficiency and safety, as operators can manage equipment from a distance, reducing the risk of onsite accidents. The drone provides a bird's-eye view, allowing for precise, real-time monitoring of the site, which is instrumental in making informed decisions quickly.
Multi-modal Driving Enhancements
Enhanced connectivity and diverse vantage points on construction sites significantly increase safety and efficiency through our software integration.
Multi-modal Driving Enhancements
Enhanced connectivity and diverse vantage points on construction sites significantly increase safety and efficiency through our software integration.
Driving Enhancement 1
More intuitive Mapping
Our redesigned controller simplifies operation by mimicking the wheel loader's movements, merging movement and rotation controls for a more natural experience. This synchronization of tilt and rotation with joystick movements allows operators to control the machine with precision and ease, making tasks like bucket loading and unloading straightforward with a simple press of the top button.
loader.move
loader.rotate
bucket.move
First Person View
(Wheel Loader Camera)
Third Person View
(Drone Camera)
Focus View
(Drone Camera)
Driving Enhancement 2
Multiple Perspectives
Utilizing multiple camera angles from both the machine and drones offers a comprehensive view of the construction site. This not only enhances operational awareness for vehicle operators and the site team but also significantly improves safety and the efficiency of the construction process.
Driving Enhancement 3
Guidance Overlay
Featuring a live video feed and graphical displays of the machine's status, including loader arms position and load weight, this enhancement offers critical data at a glance. It greatly improves operator safety and facilitates the training and automation of construction processes, making precision tasks more manageable.
Building Structure
Weight of the Load
Hit Obstacles
Wheels Off the Road
Driving Enhancement 4
Haptic Feedback
Experiencing haptic feedback through seat vibrations or tilts when encountering obstacles or veering off the road provides operators with immediate physical cues. This direct feedback enhances the driving experience by increasing awareness and reaction times, further ensuring operator safety and contributing to a smoother operation.
Unity Demo
To best simulate the remote control experience we’re aiming to create, we built a Unity demo using VR and game controllers to replicate the visual and haptic feedback.
Unity Demo
To best simulate the remote control experience we’re aiming to create, we built a Unity demo using VR and game controllers to replicate the visual and haptic feedback.
02 Site Management System
Features a control panel for easy resource allocation and planning, coupled with real-time tracking visualization and enhanced communication capabilities.
Why Site Management Software is Essential in Construction
Efficient Resource Allocation
Efficient Resource Allocation
Effective Task Delegation
Effective Task Delegation
Real-Time Progress Tracking
Real-Time Progress Tracking
Enhanced Collaboration
Enhanced Collaboration
Informed Decision-Making
Informed Decision-Making
Clear Visualization
Clear Visualization
The Scenario
The site manager creates a new task to transport construction waste from the demolition area to the waste area.
Add a new task
Add a new task
Draw the task route.
Draw the task route.
Assign the waste area
Assign the waste area
Assign an operator
Assign an operator
03 Modular System
Allows for easy updates and customization of components, enabling construction equipment to stay at the forefront of technology and meet diverse operational needs efficiently.
Why Using Modular System
The hardware backbone for both the Site Management and Remote Control systems. It allows rapid adaptation to new technologies and offers customization.
Why Using Modular System
The hardware backbone for both the Site Management and Remote Control systems. It allows rapid adaptation to new technologies and offers customization.
With modular system, operators can easily replacing old components with our newly designed ones.
Design Versatility
Design Versatility
Customization
We believe everyone is unique, including their habits when using these machines. Thanks to the modular system, we can easily move the controller from one side to another.
Left-handed operators can switch our modular controllers to the left side.
Left-handed operators can switch our modular controllers to the left side.
Apart from that, other components can be relocated along the rails
Apart from that, other components can be relocated along the rails
Just be careful not to attach the screen in blind spots.
Just be careful not to attach the screen in blind spots.
Consistency
The remote cab could set up the exact same way as the onsite cabs. In this way, we could achieve the maximum level of simulation.
On-site Cab
Remote Cab
Emergency Takeover
Designed for the emergency situation, this feature allows another operator to set up their cab modularly and remotely take over any on-site cab.
Remote control for demolition task
Remote control for demolition task
A warning indicates that an on-site loader needs an emergency takeover.
A warning indicates that an on-site loader needs an emergency takeover.
This is the current on-site cab that requires a takeover.
This is the current on-site cab that requires a takeover.
The remote cab operator quickly sets up and manually takes over the machine.
The remote cab operator quickly sets up and manually takes over the machine.
Universal Control
A greater picture behind this, is that now it’s possible to use one remote cab to control different types of machines, as we are getting more vehicles remote controlled. Operators can easily configure remote cabs according to task category.
Future Potential: Subscription Services
Future Potential: Subscription Services
The modular feature reveals potential of subscription services
The fleet could subscribe to modules with the latest technologies, or rent specific type of modules based on projects, and delivered to job site.
