Waste collection for the 21st century from a Automotive Design student

A final year Automotive Design student from Coventry University has created an innovative final year project looking at a waste and scrap collection vehicle for the future.

Matt Walker, 22, from Whitchurch in Hampshire, came up with the idea for his Degree Show project after hearing a rag-and-bone man coming down his street bellowing out his trumpet.

A far cry from the days of Steptoe and son, this project offers a specialised vehicle for the collection and distribution of waste and scrap in the year 2025. Through adapting existing manufacturing techniques and careful material selections, Matt has created a vehicle that could be produced through a sustainable and environmentally-friendly process.
 
The collection vehicle features a modern day cyclone steam engine that can be fuelled by almost anything, most importantly bio fuels. The main benefit is a low carbon output, but it also provides the owner – or their local communities – with the means to create their own fuels.

Matt said:

I wanted to use this opportunity to design something original and cutting edge, but with a twist – hence the rag-and-bone man theme! I was lucky enough to complete a modelling internship at Aston Martin last year that was linked with my course, so I was keen to use this project to build on that and showcase my clay modelling skills to future employers attending the Degree Show.

This project also links in with the University’s Grand Challenge Initiative in Low Carbon Vehicles – one of six key global themes that have been identified as areas where Coventry University’s expertise and applied research capabilities can have a significant impact.

The Coventry University Industrial Design Degree Show will be held in the Maurice Foss Building on Cox Street, Coventry city centre.  Entry is free and will be open to public from 2nd -10th June 2012.