The FutuRE:BUILD exhibition, arranged by Volvo CE in partnership with LEGO Technic - takes place at the London Transport Museum Covent Garden, London, from May 10–16.
Volvo CE and LEGO Technic invited members of the public from around the world to come up with their own inventive concepts for future construction machines.
The ten models that will be shown - chosen from a large number of entries - showcase a range of technologies, including driverless automation, 3D printing, solar panels and drones.
Entrants were asked to build their own models utilising at least 50% existing LEGO Technic bricks, and using the futuristic LEGO Technic Volvo concept wheeled loader ZEUX as inspiration.
Arvid Rinaldo, brand communication & partnerships at Volvo CE, said: "We were overwhelmed with just how far people went with their creations. The best-in-show were picked because they prove that the boundaries of our future construction machines are seemingly limitless. Some of these designs look like they have come straight out of a sci-fi movie. We are at an exciting point in time for the industry and these models are actually not too far removed from what could be coming to our construction sites of the future."
The grand prize winner – Transylvanian native Vida András – is a 27-year-old Romanian architect who was inspired by the challenge of finding an environmental solution to construction machines and presenting that in the most elegant way. His self-driving model, the Volvo Rottweiler is fitted with a pneumatic drill, a dozer and a 3D printer – which Volvo CE says makes it capable of autonomously taking on any construction challenge in the most hard-to-reach places.
"To me, the design is not just about playability, it's about really exploring the potential for future technologies," András said. "In my industry, 3D printing is one of the biggest trends at the moment, so I wanted to incorporate that into my model. I have 20 years' experience playing with LEGO sets. I've loved it forever and have always had this confidence that I could sit down and build for hours and eventually it would all come together in the end."
A panel of judges, including members of LEGO Technic and Volvo CE, critiqued the entrants on a number of factors: overall coolness and originality, most inspired details, relevance to the contest theme and best use of LEGO elements. The winners range in ages from 14 to 47 and come from countries including the UK, Hungary, the USA and South Africa. Other winners include Volvo ICARUS, a mobile solar power plant with advanced off-road capabilities, and The Volvo Excavadrone built to operate on land and in the air.
