This transforming autonomous fleet of electric car pods is built for socializing in 2050

Posted on 31/12/2021 by Gaurav Sood

Imagine a future where living in close quarters will be the norm, and so will the vehicles in about five decades from now reflect that societal bond. The Arrival Chemie is a true example of a minimalist future that will revolve around simplicity, function and of course human bond!

Automotive design is going through a metamorphosis stage wherein the gradual shift to an eco-friendly set of wheels is becoming the priority of manufacturers and consumers alike. This shift in perception has had a domino effect in the basic design of vehicles since the propulsion mechanisms and their placement in the vehicle have changed. This gives more freedom to experiment with the interior as well as exterior form. More emphasis is now on the comfort and lounging experience while traversing from point A to B. While on the exterior the multifunctional approach takes precedence.

The Arrival Chemie is an interpretation of the socially oriented approach because of economic parity amongst individuals living in the year 2050. Designer Bumsoo Kim believes – we’ll be more considerate about living in groups and hence, the cars we drive will also reflect that conscious decision. The autonomous pod-like Arrival vehicle will have minimalistic, yet comfortable interiors with the ability to open up and connect to another couple of such vehicles for a cohesive approach when parked. Lounge-like seats of the vehicle will encapsulate the two riders in comfort and luxury. The rear of the Arrival Chemie gets a cargo space for hauling luggage or turn into a makeshift ladder to access the roof when in connected mode with other Chemie cars.

Bumsoo’s concept imagines three different forms for the connected vehicle ecosystem – one that has a triangular shape called Form A, the second with a more laidback lounging theme for relaxing dubbed Form B, and lastly the more technology-laden pod for entertainment called Form C. All these three vehicles will be wirelessly charged onboard the charging stations. The lounge area on top of the charging station will give riders some break from traveling to socialize and then get going to their destination!

Designer: Bumsoo Kim

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This smart home is a modern living solution designed with fully autonomous utilities to help you live anywhere!

Posted on 15/12/2021 by Shawn McNulty-Kowal

The Space is a sustainable smart home with fully autonomous utilities that blend modern technology with new standards of comfort.

Every day advances in smart technology help redefine what it means to live in the modern world. Setting new standards for how we communicate, consume, and learn, smart technology brings us closer and closer to the future we envisioned back when we were dreaming of flying cars and jetpacks. Seeping into the home space, Stockholm-based iOhouse developed The Space, a sustainable smart home complete with fully integrated utilities that require nothing from “the grid.”

Completely autonomous by design, the utilities that comprise The Space only require a smartphone for operation. Including water, electricity, heating, and wifi, the designers from iOhouse outfitted The Space with all of the modern amenities one might need to live comfortably and free.

From the outside, The Space dons a sleek, futuristic facade that embraces an industrial tech look while staying close to nature with floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, an open-floor layout keeps cozy with subdued tones of gray and unstained, natural wood flooring.

The Space generates electricity from a solar panel roof and generator that runs on a 220V electrical system. Then, an air heat pump and incorporated climate controls maintain the home’s interior temperatures during cold and hot seasons. Complete with a built-in water and sewer system, no matter where residents of The Space choose to live, clean water and plumbing are guaranteed.

Spurred by the freedom that modern technology can offer, iOhouse integrated smart technology into the very build of The Space so that homeowners can move anywhere and rest assured that their amenities won’t stay behind.

Designed for people who want to immerse their home lives in nature while staying close to modern technology, the creators behind The Space say, “Every detail – from the fittings and fixtures to the shape of the rooms – has been carefully considered and designed to maximize the comfort and the aesthetics of the home.”

Designer: iOhouse

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This Level 5 autonomy electric semi-truck is what Tesla Semi could have looked like!

Posted on 07/12/2021 by Gaurav Sood

A Level 5 autonomy electric truck with a peculiar trailer design highlighted by the humungous set of sole rear wheels which provide superior grip on the road at high speeds. Of course, there are some shortcomings of this ideation but I love the overall visual appeal.

Electric semi-trucks developed by companies like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Daimler, Nikola Motors, Ford, and Tesla are paving way for the future of freight trucking across the globe. Some of them even have autonomous mobility dreams, and eventually, we’ll see such semi-trucks speeding past us on the freeway. Joining in on the race to develop fully autonomous semi-trucks is this concept design by Roman Dolzhenko in collaboration with industrial designer Dmitry Voronezhtsev.

The electric tractor christened ATLANTIS is going to have Level 5 autonomy with no compartment for the driver or any human intervention. This will be highly useful in hauling time-sensitive cargo to pre-defined destinations, completely taking the human intervention out of the equation. The electric truck has a very out-of-the-box design which looks nothing like we’ve seen so far. Even the Volvo Vera, Tesla Semi, or the Ford F-Vision look a tad ordinary in comparison to this one. Something relatable to this ultra-futuristic design is the conceptual Polestar 10-wheeler modular trailer or the Tesla Autonomous E-Rig semi concept design.

The reason, this fully autonomous electric semi has a huge rig with even bigger wheels right on the rear. In fact, they are as big as the trailer. On the road, these wheels move independently to the tractor pulling it up ahead, which also has a set of independently moving wheels to maneuver the turns and tight spaces for practicality. The ride height of the trailer is not high enough for it to tread the uneven terrains and the sole set of big wheels poses another challenge for flexibility on banked roads or swapping it with another set of wheels in case the existing ones go rouge. That’s clear indicative, the ATLANTIS is envisioned for freeways just like the Road Trains operational in Australia!

Designer: Roman Dolzhenko and Dmitry Voronezhtsev

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Citroën’s autonomous platform with swappable pods is the future of urban mobility

Posted on 04/10/2021 by Gaurav Sood

The burning question for current generation automotive designers is, how will future electric vehicles and their propulsion mechanics be like? Citroën believes it is going to be level 5 autonomy for urban commuting – riding on an omnidirectional electric skateboard platform that can swap the pods/bodies of the vehicle depending on the user’s needs. The result is an intriguing fully autonomous concept by the French automotive giant that seems perfectly in tune with the future.

Citroën says that mobility is a major challenge for future cities, and thus the Autonomous Mobility Vision developed as a part of The Urban Collëctif in partnership between Accor (hospitality company), and JCDecaux (advertising company) is an answer to the upcoming challenge. The skate platform measuring 2.60 meters is fitted with the next-gen Goodyear Eagle 360 wheels and hydraulic cushions for enhanced comfort. It will move in dedicated traffic lanes at a speed of 16 mph, indicating the concept is tailored for urban scenarios.

The main highlight of the open-source platform is the ability to interchange pods in just 10 seconds, making it highly useful for any needs the riders have. This is nothing short of science fiction as the pod attaches and rides on the self-driving skateboard platform to the next destination. For now, The Urban Collëctif has envisioned three different pods for an urban lifestyle with more destined to be added when it finally hits fruition.

Designer: Citroën

JCDecaux City Provider

The JCDecaux City Provider is a shared space for public transport in crowded cities – hence it is a pod made out of robust, weather-resistant material. It is designed keeping in mind accessibility for the disabled. A maximum of five passengers can board the pod at a time and the interior is clad in useful inclusions like USB sockets and interactive screens.

Sofitel En Voyage

This pod is oriented towards the business personnel and professionals for short trips in a luxurious panoramic windowed space clad in French furniture in blood orange velvet tones from floor to ceiling. Up to three people can travel on the Sofitel En Voyage at a time, and there is enough space for bags or luggage. Scrolling LED strip to display the current news, arrival times and real-time weather. While the bar opens up like a flower for drinks and snacks – and the sound system and customizable mood lighting sets the tone.

Pullman Power Fitness

A true reflection of Pullman Hotels & Resorts’ vision for elite fitness, this pod is a gym on the move for busy individuals who want to utilize every minute of their free time. The futuristic interiors on this one have a rowing machine and exercise bike for short training sessions. The system is assisted by a digital coach for a peak fitness routine. For maximum privacy, the windows are tinted and the rhythmic music sets the rider in the groove for prime fitness.

The Mercedes-Benz EQX Concept’s dynamic character gives the German automaker fresh new “VISION” to chase

Posted on 14/09/2021 by Gaurav Sood

A futuristic Mercedes-Benz concept car that uses the VISON AVTR as a canvas for extending the prototype’s possibilities for an even better human-machine interaction.

Back in January 2020, Mercedes-Benz showed to the world VISION AVTR concept inspired by the blockbuster movie Avatar. The idea revolves around a cohesive bond between humans and machines with a brain-computer interface (BCI) to control the vehicle just with mere thoughts. Now, designer Xiqiao Wang takes this future-forward vision a step further with the Mercedes-Benz EQX concept. The awe-inspiring sci-fi coupe understandably has the Mercedes-Benz EQ influence written all over it.

Mercedes-Benz EQX Concept by Xiqiao Wang

The idea here is to employ futuristic automotive technologies and modern-day design prowess to redefine the travel experience. This is done by amalgamating autonomous driving and unified infotainment systems to build an integrated information space. The airy character of the transparent cabin is reciprocated by the exterior having a glossy metal body and glass screen windshield extending from the wheel arches to the taillights for light refraction on a whole. Therefore, bringing to the fore contrasting internal and external design language.

Mercedes-Benz EQX Concept by Xiqiao Wang

Mercedes-Benz EQX’s voluptuous curved body shape evokes a sense of sensual purity, running back to the rear which lights up gradually from the interior cabin to signify emotional integration of man and machine. The designer fully adapts the VISION AVTR’s design for the individually steered wheels of the car which perfectly compliment the flowing aerodynamic body.

Mercedes-Benz EQX Concept by Xiqiao Wang

Xiqiao with this concept has managed to strike a good balance between a futuristic automotive character and an airy interactive interior that evokes one to jump right into the driving seat and take it for a spin into the woods on a golden sunset draped landscape. Perhaps, Mercedes-Benz could draw some inspiration from his concept to take their highly acclaimed VISION AVTR to the next level!

Designer: Xiqiao Wang

Mercedes-Benz EQX Concept by Xiqiao Wang

This Volvo 360c gull-winged design is a practical vision of ultra-safe Level 5 autonomy

Posted on 02/09/2021 by Gaurav Sood

A self-driving Volvo concept that focuses the lens on Level 5 autonomous driving while keeping the overall vehicle design clean and practical for urban commuting in peak traffic conditions.

While Elon Musk is targeting Level 5 autonomy for his fleet of electric cars, the probability of achieving that is highly unlikely in the next couple of years. This level of autonomous driving will only be possible when the other cars and the roads will have synchronous communication capabilities. A plausible idea that will give all the future-forward autonomous concept cars with no manual driving components a chance of fruition.

The Volvo 360c autonomous concept is a byproduct of that very vision. At the core will be an ultra-safe communication standard that enhances the spatial awareness of the vehicle. Volvo has been akin to the traffic safety standards ever since the introduction of the three-point safety belt in 1959, this concept makes even more sense for the brand.

According to the designer Ivan Marin Lopez, complete autonomous technology will not be an overnight change – rather it will be a gradual process that’ll take a significant amount of time. When the technology is fully proofed, autonomous cars like Volvo 360c concept will be able to tackle mixed traffic situations without any human intervention. Passenger safety is at the forefront here, and the car is loaded with advanced sensors to ensure it is ready for any unforeseen situation on the road.

The gull-winged 360c will have a clutter-free interior that focuses on passenger comfort and an air of openness with the panoramic glass windshield. The boxy design of the electric concept is dominated by a balanced proportion of design that takes into account the crowded city streets. This is truly a classy, compact and appealing Volvo hatchback of the future which keeps its limits to the practical realms of automotive design.

Designer: Ivan Marin Lopez

This 3D printed smart home is autonomous and self-sustainable!

Posted on 23/08/2021 by Chi Thukral

Do you know what the future of architecture looks like? Smart, sustainable, and self-sufficient! You shouldn’t have to choose between a smart modern home and a sustainable lifestyle because you can have it all in one 3D printed unit thanks to Haus.me because they have created the ultimate autonomous self-sustaining shelter!

This off-the-grid home comes fully ready to move in and is equipped with water tanks, solar panels, and autonomous waste disposal — no plug-ins needed! There are two models – mOne and mTwo – available for sale at $199,000 and $379,000. All the features are the same, however, the only difference between the two models is the floor area – the smaller one is suited for two inhabitants and the larger one is made for a small family. The homes also come with a patented window system and insulated walls to help minimize their energy consumption which lets them comfortably depend on solar power as their sole source of energy. The interior is packed with every smart feature that you could want like Nest cameras and thermostats, Apple TVs, and internet connection for complete autonomous living. When you buy any of the models, they come fully furnished with everything because it has all been designed keeping in mind how space can be optimized in the compact dwelling.

Haus.me’s homes also feature an air-purifying system that claims to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria – a USP post this pandemic for future homeowners. These structures are the first fully self-sustainable mobile houses and don’t require an electric grid, propane, natural gas, firewood, or any other fuel – it is 20x more energy efficient than a traditional American home. The 3D printed units have a minimal and modern aesthetic without compromising on the warmth of a home and while enabling us to live our best flexible/remote lives!

Designer: Haus.me

This autonomous Tesla HGV brings ultra-futurism to Elon’s semi dreams

Posted on 22/08/2021 by Gaurav Sood

A Tesla semi-truck with a very Tesla-worthy aesthetics highlighted by the contoured yet sharp design language that in a way reminds me of the iPhone 12!

Tesla’s visionary Semi all-electric truck powered by four independent motors on the rear is scheduled for production in 2022. The semi is touted to be the safest, most comfortable truck with an acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 20 seconds and a range of 300-500 miles. While the prototype version looks absolutely badass, how the final version will look is anybody’s guess.

Industrial and transport designer Jeremy Dodd takes the vision of the Tesla heavy goods vehicle to the next level with the Tesla Autonomous E-Rig semi. This ultra-futuristic Tesla concept identifies the basic problem with HGVs that have an average speed of 50 mph, and have to drive for virtually 9 hours of the day, 5 days a week. This creates an environmental impact, and a pure, purposeful and functional method of hauling heavy goods is the need of the hour. This Autonomous trailer in a way is destined to solve this with even more to make it highly useful.

The HGV has an extendable extension to adapt to the needs of the client, the geographic location, and the nature of the cargo to be hauled. The driving cockpit’s top and the bay of the trailer are solar powered to charge the battery reserve on the go. Further, the regenerative braking system recycles energy from the wheels to the turbines to add to the power reserve.

Tesla Autonomous E-Rig is designed keeping in mind the future of transportation – as the road space is going to get even more cramped. That’s why it has a zero turning radius on all the wheels to make sharp turns or maneuver around in tight spaces without much hassle. There’s just one shortcoming though, it can only haul cargo on top of the trailer, and adding the option to have an enclosed rig will increase its utility ten folds!

Designer: Jeremy Dodd

This fully autonomous car delivers luxury interiors that make traveling a relaxing experience

Posted on 09/07/2021 by Gaurav Sood

Making a trip to the next big meeting or traveling to your loved ones is more than just starting at point A and reaching point B. We live in times where multitasking and squeezing out the most productive moments in life is of value. That’s why concept vehicle designers emphasize the interior ambiance and the minimal yet highly functional aspect of futuristic commuters. The exponential rate at which technology upgrades lends designers the freedom to conjure up designs that are well worthy of a sci-fi movie.

GAC 2030 U- journey by transportation designer Ray Lyu from the central academy of fine arts Beijing, China, is the perfect example. As the name implies, this desirable concept car envisions transportation in the year 2030 (which is not that far off) dominated by autonomous vehicles that’ll be mostly powered by clean energy. The self-driving feature of the future cars gives the designer leverage to maximize interior space for lounging, working, or socializing with close ones. Furthermore, this concept car influences oriental beauty in the interiors that are calming and decluttered for complete peace of mind. A perfect haven on the road for sustaining the right state of mind when you’re working on the go or simply want some time out from a busy lifestyle.

Ray’s design centers around the cozy interiors that feel like home – with a comfy lounge seating at the rear and a movable lounge seat that can be oriented in any direction and place. To the front is the working space with a low height table for placing a laptop or journal. On the outside, GAC impresses without question owing to its flowing design highlighted by the cool white tone with a tinge of subtle cool blues giving it a sexy future-worthy personality. In addition, the semi-transparent panoramic windshield glass brings an airy character to the rental ride, well complemented by the unibody design tires. And what can I say about the door opening mechanism? It is pure genius to have on a modern vehicle like this.

GAC’s design is not just a mere digital contraption, as Ray has created a scale model of the 2030 car, and I appreciate the attention to detail put in it. Overall, this concept is a very balanced design not going down the infeasible realms, which can be overdone. A big thumbs up to Ray for GAC 2030 U- journey!

Designer: Ray Lyu

This biomimicry based car comes with bioluminescent microbes, showing the organic design trend is here to stay!

Posted on 02/07/2021 by Gaurav Sood

Directing our attention towards a very different kind of automotive concept design is the Microbial Loop, the brainchild of designer Jianhui Zheng (a.k.a. Jeffry). The ultra-futuristic concept imbibes the design language of life with the character of industrial traditional geometric modeling. The concept car is dominated by curved surfaces and contoured designs that aid in aerodynamic airflow for high-speed scuffles. But the USP of the Microbial Loop is the dynamic biological effect in a rhythmic motion for a dynamic interactive visual experience. The idea is something similar to the Volvo Haven which has a UX tunnel enclosure right in the middle running the length of the car that houses plants, algae, and moss!

The car’s core structure is inspired by the infinite space cycle of the Klein bottle for morphological evolution. This creates a hollow interconnected interior and exterior where the light-emitting microbes circulate and put forth a symphony of driving and space wrapping masterpiece. The two-seater autonomous coupe has a semi-transparent covered roof sans any windows – clearly not a space claustrophobic people would prefer. The whole section running from the front to the back opens up to give access to the internal cabin. The interior has a very minimal feel to it, with the focus centered on the microbial movement lighting the vehicle in the dark of the night.

Jianhui chose MG Motors as the branding for this very future-forward ride and the renders suggest it is as good on the water as it is on land. How it exudes the amphibious character is anybody’s guess. I can’t stop but think of the Microbial Loop as a Batmobile for the geeky Batman on a mission to save the world from robotic AI invasion!

Designer: Jianhui Zheng