How automation can reduce negative effects of construction sites.

2018 - AT FH JOANNEUM FOR WACKER NEUSON

Trucks on construction sites have to deal with increasingly autonomous machines, unstable ground and mud that is carried on the streets. How might we support the mobility on the construction site of the future?

TEAM

Christian Natter

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research
Ideation
3D modelling
Animation

FINDINGS

Understanding the material flow of construction sites.
An easy metaphor can help to get complex ideas across.
Challenging a technical process with creative ideation.

By entering the site in an autonomus 'overshoe' trucks can easily move through diffcult terrain while keeping their engine turned off and staying clean. At the same time the complete material in- and output of the construction can be tracked.

While the modules have to look complete independently their appearance has to also work in a union of multiple vehicles. Therefore a constant horizontal side view was an essential part of the design.

The final design is informed by ergonomic as well as hygienic requirements. Incorporating LEGO elements it offers an infinite number of possibilities to create new characters and machines.

Serving as a gateway for trucks to the building site the ramp is also a refilling station for the modules. The water vapour resulting from the hydrogen combustion can be used to bind dust particles in the air.

Every wheel unit consists of a hub engine and a fork with long suspension travel and variable tire pressure. Platforms can adapt to any type of ground and perform special movements like crab steering and on-spot turning.