The wraps were taken off Volvo鈥檚 latest concept construction machine at the Las Vegas Convention Centre this morning when the GaiaX compact excavator was introduced to the attendees at ConExpo. The new machine draws from Greek mythology and is inspired by the primordial goddess Gaia, the creator and mother of Earth and the universe. It joins Volvo鈥檚 other previous concept machines 鈥� the SfinX excavator, Centaur hauler, Gryphin wheeled loader and Fenix paver.

鈥淭he Mother Earth figure embodies many characteristics of the concept compact excavator 鈥� its innate affinity with the ground, its power, strength, and all-seeing control, as well as its protective qualities. This is a machine, designed to work in harmony with nature, with minimal environmental impact, and that cares for the user and site staff, keeping them safe from harm. Like Gaia, the excavator is also the first of a generation 鈥� and of exceptional beauty,鈥� says Stina NilimaaWickstr枚m, design director at Volvo CE.