These smart roller skates lend you superhuman walking power using conveyor belt tracks

If you remember Rollkers spotted at CES 2015 – well, the gadget again surprised tech pundits at CES 2023. Created by a French startup that goes by the same name, the walking assistance roller skates are now 8 years in the making and agonizingly close to a production version.

Unlike any usual roller skates, these smart rollers give the user superhuman ability to move (or should I say cruise) at superhuman speed on their feet. The company is working with third-party manufacturers to bring Rollkers to the market at a justified price in the next couple of years, and we are eagerly waiting.

Designer: Rollkers

These smart roller skates can be hooked on and don’t require any practice time to get going. With the embedded smart sensors, they can identify walking motion, running, or when the user is standing. Accordingly, they provide the amount of thrust needed or stopping power to keep the user from going off balance. The conveyer belt tracks on the base of Rollkers move based on the user’s movement – it’s almost like walking and sliding at the same time which is kind of fascinating and weird at the same time. Something like a permanent travelator attached to the feet for effortlessly moving through spaces.

The rubber tracks bend in the middle so that the user can walk with confidence. Everything is synced perfectly for a seamless walking experience – things like walking speed, the direction of motion, or any intention of running. In case the user wants to move fast and swiftly, the motors are set into action and the speed is doubled to around 11 km/h. The two roller skates weigh 4.5 kg each and provide motion input for around 30 minutes on a single charge. For the darker hours of the day, these fancy roller skates come with bright LED lights for better awareness.

While for now, Rollkers seem like a fantasy gadget, don’t be surprised if you see people moving past you on such things in a couple of years’ time. The price could be a deal breaker if they cost anything around $700, so the makers need to bring that down considerably for general adoption by the interested Gen-Z crowd.

The post These smart roller skates lend you superhuman walking power using conveyor belt tracks first appeared on Yanko Design.

This ultra-customizable EV can be a passenger hauler, delivery car or heavy cargo carrier on demand

Customizable vehicles that can go from a passenger hauler to a cargo carrier can have their limitations in expanding the possibilities further. This concept electric vehicle however goes all in with an approach to revolutionize transportation in traffic-inflicted cities.

Meet the Arrival ANT, a modern EV that is a passenger hauler one day and the very next day turns into a heavy load carrier with a visible difference in size. This freedom comes courtesy of the attachable modules that can be hooked onto the EV on demand.

Designer: Mingwei Liu and Benjamin Miller

Primarily envisioned for the sophisticated yet chaotic urban scene of London, the concept is designed to be ultra-customizable to take on the high streets to haul heavy load, as well as the narrow ones where a sleek means of transport is desired. The designers looked beyond the mere commute needs, and also focus on the utility aspect of vehicles. For example, the needs of shopkeepers, delivery providers, packers & movers, entrepreneurs, vendors, restaurateurs and more. To make it easy for a wide array of needs propping up by these individuals, the ANT can morph shape and add to its utility by three folds or even more.

This is achieved by having different modules that can attach to the main vehicle depending on the need. So, any of these individuals don’t need to buy separate vehicles for different tasks.  Being nimble and highly functional is the key to the concept’s success if the idea ever meets fruition. The concept is centered on the base panels and building blocks which bring greater versatility and freedom of all the possible combinations. The rented or purchased configuration modules can be retrofitted at mini-factories on demand.

The corner units of Arrival ANT power the whole thing and reside over the wheels delivering torque depending on the load. It can do autonomous deliveries, move kiosks or add extra passenger seats without any problem.

The post This ultra-customizable EV can be a passenger hauler, delivery car or heavy cargo carrier on demand first appeared on Yanko Design.

This boomerang-shaped urban mobility vehicle fairs well for rough adventures too

The vehicles we’ll see on the roads in a decade’s time will be radically different from what we have at present. Design language will change a lot, as hinted by the concepts and prototypes put together by big names and budding automotive designers.

The focus definitely will be on personal mobility in the most sustainable manner possible. Compact vehicles that will trade off the greatest of luxuries for a more sensible method of commuting will be the norm. This boomerang-shaped two-seater vehicle with multiple use-case scenarios is different from what we’ve seen so far. Even in the automotive landscape dominated by some really bizarre vehicle concepts.

Designer: Artem Smirnov

Christened PIX-L7, the vehicle should be electric motor powered given we’re talking about a future-forward design. The buggy influence is very much evident here with panning fog lights on the front and guard rails over the course of the top body which speaks about the ability to go off-roading when needed. During the normal course, the EV can be a travel buddy for two or used for short hauls of cargo delivery given the ability to convert into a load carrier. The latter is achieved with the different modules that give the owners freedom to carry a bicycle, sensitive cargo, or simply luggage for the next couple trip to the rockies.

The concept car looks quite tough while retaining a very cheeky element of modern that you’ll appreciate. The dimensions look apt for tight urban spaces and the respectable ride height is reassurance for short out-of-city adventures. The peculiar V-shaped body leaves room for ample cargo in the back when the delivery module is attached. The off-roading avatar of the PIX-L7 is what I’m rooting for here owing to the possibility of taking this ride for an adventure unknown. Just look at that cool shape evoked by the bull bars and the shovel on the front!

The post This boomerang-shaped urban mobility vehicle fairs well for rough adventures too first appeared on Yanko Design.

This electric Tuk-Tuk raises the bar for comfort and luxurious travel in future metropolis

The cute little Tuk-Tuk has been the staple of developing countries in ferrying around people in crowded cities. This three-wheeled cart invented in Thailand, around seven decades ago gets its name from the sound of the small engine propelling it forward. This economically and city feasible means of transportation slowly trickled down to other countries in Asia, and eventually developed countries seemed intrigued by this idea too.

Apart from a few superficial modifications depending on the region where it is used, the good old Tuk-Tuk has retained its age-old magic. The evolution into electric-powered motors has taken precedence, and if you always wanted a more modern, luxe avatar of the three-wheeler, this cool Tuk-Tuk concept fuels the imagination.

Designer: Encho Enchev

An ultra-futuristic version of the Tuk-Tuk that seems to have taken a bold leap astray from its roots. Unlike the traditional versions which are shared rides, this one is for solo travelers and adventure seekers. The rider is cocooned in super comfort on the lounge seat, inside the gull-winged Tuk-Tuk having panoramic glass on all sides to enjoy the outside views. Those big chunky wheels hint at this vehicle’s use as a capable three-wheeler for rough roads or taking a detour from the highway limits.

The Tuk-Tuk when parked opens up like a can of tuna on all sides for that feeling of airiness. The swivel seat can rotate in the left or right direction for daring riders who want to hang off the edge for a breath-taking view of the valley. The rear of the vehicle houses a sleeping area for campers to dwell. It’s more like those pop-top campers built for extended adventures or for people who fancy having a road adventure to a destination unknown.

It’s more like your comfy cocoon that’s operated like a video game racer with the joysticks and push-buttons. While it’s just a digitally penned concept, for now, the idea is unique in its own rights, and could turn out to be a luxe commuter in the coming years.

The post This electric Tuk-Tuk raises the bar for comfort and luxurious travel in future metropolis first appeared on Yanko Design.

GOGO Ride Sharing System for Chicago lets you choose other passengers

The future of an autonomous world may be possible with inventions, innovations, and ideas like this. The GOGO Ride Sharing is a concept that is designed especially for the commuters of Chicago. However, if this becomes a success, it can also be implemented in other states and even countries.

The designer’s idea may be four years old, but it can still be used, especially during this pandemic. This actually reminds us of the Ford Clint Autonomous Vehicle Interior. This time, we see an autonomous ride-sharing service that includes an app and a modular interior for future vehicles.

Designer: Conner Stormer

GOGO Ride Sharing Details

GOGO Ride Sharing System Concept

The system requires users to use and access the Gogo app. Your frequented locations are saved automatically within the app. This allows easier access for faster use during future rides.

Within the GOGO app, you can also view the places of your friends, family, and other contacts. In addition, you can check out new connections by linking with other social networks. The more contacts and connections, the more the app can remember and provide information that you need.

GOGO Ride Sharing Information

GOGO Ride Sharing Concept

The app lets you customize passenger preferences. For example, riders can control and check who they will be paired up with. Usually, like most ride-sharing apps, Gogo connects riders that travel similar routes. Users can also select to add passengers as potential ride buddies. You can set your profile to private if you want more privacy and security.

The modular interior also allows a more customizable commuting experience. It comes with a monitor table that can hold up to the wall when you don’t need it, allowing riders to sit back and relax simply. The interior system also provides the commuters peace of mind as their stuff is secured and safe.

GOGO Ride Sharing System

There are individual rail-mounted seats that slide together. The system creates a shared space for pairs or a group of four. For easier identification of one’s seat, there’s LED lighting in the seat landing on floor panels.

GOGO Ride Sharing Designers

The GOGO Ride Sharing Serving is ideal for a night out with your friends or business meetings on the go. The modular interior allows riders to configure the seats, while the mobile app will enable you to choose if you want to share the ride with another passenger or more. Ridesharing actually has benefits including the freedom to be entertained on your own (play games, surf the web, watch a TV show), meet new people, be productive by preparing for work or catching up on the news, and efficiency. Ridesharing is also good for the environment, your expenses, and traffic.

GOGO Ride Sharing Concept

GOGO Ride Sharing System Concept

Concept GOGO Ride Sharing Design

GOGO Ride Sharing Designers

The post GOGO Ride Sharing System for Chicago lets you choose other passengers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Uber still can’t have cars in London, but it’s buying a ferry on the Thames

Uber may have lost its license to operate vehicles on the streets of London, but that isn’t stopping the company from offering a boat service. The Thames Clipper commuter service will soon be rebranded Uber Boat, and it will be bookable through the U...

Single Bike, Double Frame

btwin_bike_1

The BTwin looks like just any bike from the side. However, if you take a better look, you see the frame split in two near the rear wheel, and again, right before the handlebar. Why, you ask? Why not, I say! The bike aims at being a dashing commuter bike. The split frame on the front accommodates for a laptop/tablet case, that can snugly fit in the gap between the frame. The case is also designed to be easily pulled out and carried to work when you’re in a rush. I would have personally liked to see more of this bike, I’m sure you would too, but on the aesthetic front, the BTwin already has my attention!

Designer: Xavier Lescourret

btwin_bike_2

btwin_bike_3

btwin_bike_4

btwin_bike_5