Volvo, one of the world's leading constructors of excavators, has tried to describe what an excavator might look like in 2020.
They have named the machine "the Sphinx".
Today, virtually all excavators get their power from a diesel engine that pumps hydraulic oil into a complex system of hoses and cylinders that make the shovel move.
At Volvo, they envisage most of the Sphinx's hydraulic system to have been replaced by electric motors powered by "fuel cells".
Using fuel cells is a very effective way to produce energy - and environmentally friendly, too. If the fuel cell uses hydrogen as its fuel, its exhaustion "fumes" will contain nothing but water vapor.
In addition, fuel cells are far smaller and lighter than a diesel engine.
Actually, Volvo imagines fuel cells that can be moved back and forth on the body of the excavator according to the amount of counterweight required when shoveling and lifting.
The position of the cabin will also be adjustable. As all controls are fully electronic and computerized, the driver can actually sit anywhere.
Therefore, the driver's seat can slide up or down to whichever position gives him the best view of the actual task.
If necessary, in connection with, for instance, very dangerous tasks, the cabin can be dismounted and the excavator can be remote controlled from the ground.
The Sphinx's wheels have a very special design, too: A mix of wheels and caterpillars. Usually, an excavator will have two caterpillar tracks, but the Sphinx has four individually controlled tracks that adjust perfectly to any surface, thereby making the machine extremely maneuverable.