The wax truck is a special vehicle for waxing athletes' skis. Waxing is a key service technology that determines the friction between the ski and the snow, which matters the performance of skiers. Ski waxing requires a strict working environment, therefor, an advanced wax truck is particularly important. However, the core technology of wax trucks has been long monopolized by developed winter sports countries. In the past, Team China could only rent foreign vehicles or shipping container homes when participating in competitions.

Design director of National Industrial Design Institute in Intelligent Manufacturing and skiing wax technicians for the Chinese cross-country skiing national team in front of the wax truck

The National Industrial Design Institute in Intelligent Manufacturing, council unit of the Global Design Industry Organization (GDIO), as head of the design team, has cooperated to develop a wax truck for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games with over 10 companies such as Sinotruk Group, Taishan Sports Industry Group, Haier Group, Hisense Group and so on. It has also undertaken the design, R&D and manufacturing of wax tables, ski cabinets and other professional core components that affect the quality of waxing. For 11 months, the team has been through from digital simulation to the first set major technical equipment verification, from several times of experimental data and iterative development to the precise manufacturing. This “China's first, world-leading and Independently developed” wax truck for the first time has formed all domestic BOM parameters and specification data, producing more than 80 patents, filling the gap in China’s wax trucks.

Interior rendering of the extended wax truck

·The extended area of the wax truck can reach 92.5 square meters. In addition to waxing service, it is also a comprehensive service vehicle for athletes to rest, relax and treat during the event.

·The wax truck is top-level in terms of environmental protection and energy saving. It adopts hydrogen fuel cells and a hybrid engine, and is equipped with a photovoltaic power generation system.

·The wax truck is equipped with China’s largest intelligent integrated display screen, which is accessible to 5G connectivity and 8K transmission, making it a reality for real-time game process watching.

Chinese President Xi Jinping boards the wax truck

On 4 January 2021, Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, inspected the preparatory work for the Beijing 2022. During his visit, President Xi also boarded this wax truck. Xi stressed that in today's world, the role of technology in competitive sports is becoming more and more prominent. To build a leading sporting nation, China must achieve a high level of self-reliance and self-improvement in sports science and technology. China must integrate multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary strengths, coordinate and promote technology development and technology transformation, and provide strong support for China's competitive sports to achieve greater breakthroughs.

Terje Bjarte Langli, wax technician for the Chinese cross-country skiing national team

The humanized design of the wax truck has been unanimously praised by the wax technicians for the Chinese cross-country skiing national team. Terje Bjarte Langli has praised the light tracing system of the wax table: "This is really useful. Compared with ambient light in the past, the current adjustable light source can facilitate wax technicians to observe skis from different angles, so as to avoid subtle waxing defects, which will affect the performance of skis."

Rysin Vladimir, wax technician for the Chinese cross-country skiing national team

"The countertop suction system is very effective. Wax powders produced during waxing can be sucked out quickly, avoiding damage to our bodies. The light is also adjustable and very helpful for our work,” said Rysin Vladimir.

Juha Kärkkäinen, wax technician for the Chinese cross-country skiing national team

Juha Kärkkäinen, a wax technician with 35 years of waxing experience, has a high opinion of this wax truck: "The operation table is very convenient and scientific overall, and there are some thoughtful designs that make me feel good.”