Pavelink Intelligent Road Builder by Yan Zhang and Jialu Hou |
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| DESIGN NAME: Pavelink PRIMARY FUNCTION: Intelligent Road Builder INSPIRATION: Road construction is the backbone of local development, yet many underdeveloped regions, disaster-affected areas, and rugged terrains face immense challenges in building and maintaining roads. High construction complexity and safety risks remain persistent issues. Inspired by emerging technologies, PaveLink integrates AI-driven automation and IoT connectivity to address disparities in infrastructure development, making road construction smarter, faster, and more resilient. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: PaveLink is a next-generation intelligent road builder, designed to enhance efficiency and safety in disaster relief and infrastructure projects. Unlike traditional road machinery, it features a modular architecture, allowing its components to detach and function autonomously for excavation, loading, bulldozing, and compacting. The truck head serves as the central control hub, managing all modules and processing real-time aerial drone data for optimized decision-making. This AI-enhanced system redefines the future of road construction. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Initially, PaveLink appears as a single truck, with all road-building modules connected. Upon reaching the construction site, the truck head acts as the command center, operated by technicians. The modules detach and transition into autonomous operation, optimizing workflow through AI-coordinated control. Powered by electricity, all units remain linked via cables, receiving real-time power and instructions. Aerial drones detach to provide precise terrain mapping and safety monitoring, ensuring optimal performance in complex environments. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project was launched in Shandong in February 2024 and concluded in Shandong in June 2024. It was recognized by the Shandong provincial government and participated in the 14th National Art Exhibition of China in 2024. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design follows a human-centered approach, addressing inequalities in infrastructure development while enhancing safety in road construction. A modular design strategy improves efficiency and functionality, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, autonomous driving, and AI-assisted automation to minimize labor dependency. Powered by electricity, PaveLink utilizes drone inspections and backend data analysis for multi-module collaboration. It is not just an improvement of existing machinery but a new category of heavy machines. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 17000mm x 4210mm x 3890mm TAGS: Autonomous Road Construction, Modular Heavy Machinery, AI-driven Paving System, Smart Road Builder, IoT in Construction, Disaster Relief Equipment, Smart Construction Technology, Unmanned Machinery, Collaborative Fleet RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This research is a collaborative project between academia and industry, exploring how emerging technologies can be integrated into large-scale machinery to solve real-world challenges in infrastructure development and unequal access to construction resources. The study combined academic creativity with industrial expertise, where universities contributed design innovation, and companies provided technical support and operator insights through interviews and feedback. This collaboration ensured PaveLink’s feasibility, advancing smart construction solutions that promote efficiency, safety, and inclusivity in future infrastructure development. CHALLENGE: PaveLink is not a traditional construction vehicle but a new category of heavy machinery, making it a pioneering design with no direct reference models. The challenge was to integrate multiple functions while ensuring practicality and efficiency. Setting high design standards required continuous validation. Through multiple iterations, expert consultations, and prototype testing with industry partners, we developed a modular and intelligent collaborative system to meet real-world construction demands. ADDED DATE: 2025-02-11 09:08:51 TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Yan Zhang and Jialu Hou IMAGE CREDITS: Project Assistant Lulu Zhang, Wenyi Qin |
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NAME: Shandong University of Art & Design PROFILE: handong University of Art & Design (SUAD), established in 1973, is a prominent public institution located in Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province, China. As one of the country's 31 independent art and design academies, SUAD offers a comprehensive range of programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, vocational training, and continuing education. The university operates two main campuses: the Qianfoshan Campus, situated near the Thousand Buddha Scenic Spot, and the Changqing Campus, located in Changqing University Town. These campuses are equipped with advanced facilities such as comprehensive laboratories, digital art and communication centers, specialized arts and crafts centers, a modern library, an art gallery, and a museum. SUAD is dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and cultural development, contributing significantly to the creative industries both nationally and internationally. |
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Pavelink Intelligent Road Builder by Yan Zhang and Jialu Hou is Winner in Futuristic Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Yan Zhang and Jialu Hou for design Pavelink here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Yan Zhang and Jialu Hou. · Click here to view the profile and other works by Yan Zhang and Jialu Hou. |
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