Volvo CE Unveils CX01 Single-Drum Asphalt Compactor Concept at Utility Expo

Designed for autonomous operation and multi-unit communication, the CX01 concept is already influencing future Volvo CE machine design.

Volvo CE CX01
Designed for autonomous operation and multi-unit communication, the CX01 concept is already influencing future Volvo CE machine design.
Volvo Construction Equipment
Volvo Iron Mark

Volvo Construction Equipment unveiled its CX01 single-drum asphalt compactor concept at the Utility Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The CX01 concept uses one vibratory asphalt compactor drum that’s actually two independent halves (called a split-drum) kept upright by a self-balancing control system. Capable of being operated either by remote-control or entirely autonomously, the machine is also fitted with both a diesel engine and an energy storage system, making it a flexible electric hybrid solution. It can be operated in diesel-only, hybrid or fully electric modes.

Watch the walkthrough:



This concept machine is the latest in the Concept Lab family of prototype machines that push the boundaries of conventional construction equipment.

“While the CX01 is a conceptual product, the research and development that have gone into it will benefit customers in other ways,” says Justin Zupanc, head of the asphalt compaction development team, Volvo CE. “It’s exciting for our engineers to push themselves to develop new and innovative ideas, and we’ve had personnel from the U.S. and Europe involved in the design, build and test phases of this concept.”

Customer-centered Design

By redesigning the compactors themselves, the operator is removed from the unit — reducing exposure to vibration, noise, dust and other associated environmental conditions — and freed up to autonomously control a fleet of CX units working together to compact asphalt surfaces.

A fleet of these units deployed on larger jobs could work together and communicate not only between each CX unit but also to other pieces of equipment on the site. The machines could survey the jobsite, report on the conditions of the mat — things like density, temperature and passes — and determine when and where to compact.

Compaction cycles can be streamlined, costs reduced and more agile work patterns set up, thanks to the machine’s compact design and precise maneuverability. Rolling pattern, weight and number of rollers can all easily be adjusted to match the width, thickness and speed of paving operation.

Volvo Autonomous Compactor3The CX01 can be matched with Volvo’s existing Co-Pilot system so that all work can be handled remotely via a touchscreen interface. In addition, it uses GPS position tracking to monitor job performance and help customers better hit their productivity targets.

While the CX01 concept has been purely an exploration, some learnings could be applied to future products.

“Remote control and autonomous operations are areas of focus for us in R&D. Also, while the low-friction water reduction coating on the drum shell is theoretical, it could be a huge benefit on larger machines to decrease the amount of water needed,” Zupanc says. “It is exciting to think how the theories showcased on the CX01 could be realized on compaction production units in the future.”

Utility Expo attendees can see the CX01 compactor concept up close in the Volvo booth, K129 , and a machine walkaround will be held Sept. 28 as part of the company’s virtual experience .

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