The Future of
Connected Tools
9 Week Collaborative Project.
Sponsors : Anvil Studios and Milwaukee Tool Company
In partnership with Anvil Studios and Milwaukee Tool, Western Washington University took ten weeks to develop a proposal for a construction tool ecosystem. This ecosystem was designed to monitor processes, enhance communication and facilitate time and cost efficiency.
The goal for this project was to develop a connected tool system designed to improve commercial construction processes. In order to accomplish this mission, four students began working together in a small team and later as a whole cohort of thirteen explore how interconnected tool systems can generate value.
Students began by conducting interviews and gathering secondary research before conceptualizing design solutions that explored emerging technologies.
Disciplines
Industrial Design, InDesign, Graphic Design, 3D Art, Illustrations, Book Design
Credits
ID : Joe Han, Aiden Lee, and Sam Weaver
Special Thanks.
Anvil Studios
Milwaukee Tool Company
"Develop a connected tool system designed to improve commercial construction processes. Envision what a construction site will look like 10 years from now."
Research
Big vehicles are not effective in tight spaces and high inclines can make jobs difficult for land-based vehicles.
There is an opportunity in the market for an autonomous vehicle that tracks material transport and exchanges around the site to streamline productivity. Deliver tools and resources to assist workers on site as well as tracking on-site construction progress.
Proof of Concept
Features: Unmanned cargo system, surveying + GIS UAV
CMF: ABS Plastic (double-shell), carbon reinforced composite
Storyboards
Delivery Service
Sam encounters a complication that requires a drill. He goes to the nearest Hub and requests one.
A Milwaukee UAV is dispatched carrying the drill Sam needs to complete his job.
It will land at the Hub from which it was ordered.
Sam retrieves the drill from the tool carrier and finishes the job with minimal downtime.
Surveillance and GIS mapping
Between deliveries the UAVs lift off their tool carriers and survey the site.
The footage live updates BIM to keep a log of the building construction progression.
Management can then access up to the minute BIM data from the Hubs or their other mobile devices.
Final Concept
Autonomous Tool Carrier in Action
From the transportation of power tools to the handling of consumables, the ways materials are moved on job sites often determines project efficiency.
Effective distribution of site materials can sustain valuable opportunities. Resource management provides project stakeholders with more reliable information that can later lead to improvements in construction processes and security protocol.
UAV Retriever
Advanced transportation methods could aid in the inspection and documentation of discrepancies between building plans and reality. UAV cameras will detect intruders when there is a breach on the perimeter before authorities are notified.
With drone GIS mapping, advanced on-site systems will become the industry standard in order to give stakeholders a more precise estimate of building time and material cost over time.
Deliverables
Book Design : Ellen Huynh & Josh Pehrson
To see the full book, please visit
behance
©2025 Ellen Huynh. All Rights Reserved.
