Tag Archives: shape-shifting

This shape-shifting rikshaw converts into an e-scooter in less than three minutes

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Having witnessed countless shape-shifting concepts and working prototypes, I always yearn for a set of wheels that is practical in real-life usage and easy enough to transform from one form to the other. To my amazement, an Indian automotive startup has that desire half-fulfilled. Meet the S32 EV that’s an electric scooter transforming into an e-rikshaw and vice versa.

While you won’t be seeing me driving an e-rikshaw in this lifetime atleast, the vehicle seems like a very good option for commercial use. Given the sheer intensity of commute, home delivery and logistics requirements of the nation, this is going to be a successful product. Designed specifically for the Indian subcontinent, the e-scooter can solve a lot of purposes – be it your commute to the supermarket to grab groceries or hauling medium-sized cargo across the city.

Designer: Surge EV

The interchangeable body frame is an industry-first innovation and it’s as easy as popping open the front section (fascia) of the rikshaw and sliding out the two-wheeler. This transition takes less than three minutes courtesy of the specially engineered spring-loaded mechanism, turning the three-wheeled e-rickshaw into an electric scooter so fast you’ll be amazed to see it in real time. All this is done at the touch of a button without the need for any tools. The result is a flexible vehicle that can take either of the two shapes depending on the needs.

The transforming vehicle has very little scope for personal usage, it is a great option for commercial use. For instance, a delivery vendor could configure the S32 on the fly depending on the needs of the client without needing to keep two separate vehicles for each usage. Each module has its separate batteries (independently charged) and motors to make them as independent as they can be. On the inside the vehicle is fitted with LED lighting, digital speedometer and switchgear.

When both of them are combined the three-wheeled rickshaw mode is activated – kicking into action the larger 11 kWH battery, generating 6bhp. It’s powerful enough to haul a weight of 500 kg and has a top speed of 50 km/h. When separated, the electric scooter’s 3.5 KWH battery is activated for commuting, having a top speed of 60 km/h thanks to the 4 bhp output.

Hero Motor Corp says the rikshaw module can be bought in either the hauling option with a cargo bed or the passenger configuration with seats at the back. The company has not revealed the pricing or actual release date but they’ve hinted at a probable production timeline of 2025.

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This sleek shape-shifting vehicle is a four-wheeler, MUV anda city trike in one

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Before video games totally dominated our free time, physical outdoor games were the preferred source of constructive daily activities. Now that we are heading into the era of mixed reality as a source of entertainment, it will totally outshine any other way of interacting with the online world. To be precise, Metaverse is going to be a part of living, directly or indirectly.

While we are still a long way away from the novelty, gamification is trending currently for good reason. A good example is, fusing the physical and online gaming world, but instead of doing things in the Metaverse, it’ll be done in the real world.

Designer: Benjamin Miller

MG-X trike concept with its dual mobility options sets the tone for gamification and urban commuting. Depending on the needs of the rider, the shape-shifting platform can either adapt a wider four-wheeled stance or contract into a three-wheeled chassis for a balanced, compact city ride configuration. This is done by combining two MG-X trikes to form the side body of the four-wheeler. The transition is also dependent on the gamification modes to which the users are guided via the app.

In the trike mode one of the wheels is removed while in the four-wheeled mode, the platform can be extended to have a MUV-like long configuration. Here the vehicle has a two-seater arrangement one behind the other. In the most compact configuration (three-wheeled trike one) users can choose to fit it inside a stylish storage unit – virtually folding up into the body.

MG-X takes a leaf from the book of other such shape-shifting vehicles but with the added advantage of pepping things up courtesy of the gamified zone. The concept has a robust suspension system indicating its ability to be a capable off-roading commuter too. Whether or not modular vehicles will be accepted by the masses in the near future, trikes will always have their merits as personal space-optimized commuters.

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This shape-shifting kick scooter transforms into electric bicycle and vice versa

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Commuting in crowded spaces demands a swift and agile ride that’s easy to store when not needed. A city bicycle, or even better a kick scooter is the best option for an urban lifestyle. If these commuters are high on style and function while not overcomplicating things, it’s the red cherry on top.

When it comes to personal commuters, less is more and vice versa too. So, what if you get the perfect combination of an electric bicycle and a kick scooter in one? To me, that sounds like the ideal product for city exploration or simply going from one block to the other in quick time.

Designer: Ugly Duckling

Having come across countless kick scooters with impressive design and functions, this one is a bar above the rest for its dual utility and compact design. Since I’m a big fan of shape-shifting automotive designs, this one has really impressed me beyond comprehension. Christened the Popup Scooter, the two-wheeled electric bicycle transforms into a chick kick scooter, and the other way around. This gives the rider (and his/her family and buddies) the option to choose the configuration depending on the particular needs.

The smooth transformation happens courtesy of the hydraulic cylinder which in normal bicycles is used to adjust the ride height. This hydraulic mechanism is capable enough to lift an adult person, so, lifting and lowering the ride’s body shouldn’t be a problem at all. At the core level, the concept is not just another blueprint that looks good on paper but falls flat on its face when it comes to creating the actual prototype or even a production model.

As per the designer, the future will be dominated by one-person mobility, and to cater to the demands of either sporty driving or comfortable riding experience, design is going to be a challenge. The Popup Scooter has the potential to satiate everyone’s needs since it can evolve into a two-wheeler no one knew existed, but everybody would want in their garage.

The post This shape-shifting kick scooter transforms into electric bicycle and vice versa first appeared on Yanko Design.

This shape-shifting superbike deserves a cameo in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts!

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Motorbike concepts come and go – but there are some that leave a lasting impression. The Hypercycle by Lazzarini Design is one of them, courtesy of its Cyberpunkish personality and the shape-shifting rear design that turns it from a cafe racer to a drag racer in the blink of an eye!

Lazzarini Design has bamboozled the design community with their extravagant yachts and powerboats in the past – but they have also created the odd superbike design that has gone under the radar. Fortunately, this one dubbed the Hypercycle is nothing that you would normally associate with a bicycle, rather, a superbike destined for an expressway skirmish with other fellow bikers. The streamlined shape of the motorbike and the big chunky tires are a tell-tale sign of its racing character. Just as I’m about to label it a cool superbike for the racing tracks (glancing over at the pointy front section), the side profile with the extendable rear wheel section having an independent horizontally aligned wishbone suspension, makes me believe it is a drag racer. Also, I can’t help but give it the café racer tag for obvious reasons. So, this one is your race track bike, drag racer and café racer, all-in-one; thanks to the movable rear wishbone!

Either way, the Hypercycle is made for high-speed, adrenaline-inducing fun. Just look at that color theme dominated by red and white with hints of gray on the bodywork. The spoked golden allow wheels match perfectly with the suspension. Coming back to the front section, the sharp aesthetics and the flashy character give it the Transformers-like vibe, and those mean headlights further strengthen the assumption. It could very well be a part of the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, that’s if Stephen Caple acknowledges the idea!

The rider should be able to hit break-neck speeds without any discomfort or lack of confidence – the wide wheels and the whole visual balance of the bike reassure the fact. Overall Lazzarini Design has managed to create a superbike that doesn’t look overdone, and in a way goes toe-to-toe with other impressive concept bike designs we’ve much appreciated all these years!

Designer: Lazzarini Design

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This shape-shifting bike morphs seating configuration depending on the rider’s posture

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It’s not too often one comes across an adaptive bike design that’s truly awe-inspiring, bridging technology with urban mobility in a way that suits the rider while keeping things ultra-safe on the road. A true example of a holistic man-machine approach for automotive design!

While most of the designers zoom in their focus on the aesthetic design of a bike, Thomas Heyder dares to take an exciting detour. Meet the e_töff motorcycle concept created with the vision to bring a sense of connection with the machine and adaptable safety. This is made possible with a dynamic balance support system that communicates with the rider through tactile feedback. What’s more? The advanced 360 degrees detection system paired with the next-gen assistance system keeps a proactive watch on unforeseen dangers from other motorists.

Now comes the coolest feature of this electric bike that sets it apart from other designs. The geometry of seating position changes depending on the rider’s posture, the traffic conditions and the speed of the motorcycle. This is done with a LiDAR sensor which detects the change in posture and sets the adaptive system into action to modify the ergonomic contact points of the rider. To keep the rider informed of the changes, the tactile feedback from the horse-rider interaction informs of the intervention of the motorcycle’s semi-autonomous assistance system. Basically, the battery acts as a stabilizing counterweight during slow rides and supports dynamic driving processes at higher speeds.

The designer chooses an elastic textile for the concept bike for a valid reason. When changing the seating position by moving the handlebars, footrests and seat – the bike maintains a consistent appearance and protects the rider from the mechanical components. At the same time, the textile forms a tactile interface through which the balancing oscillating movements of the battery are mirrored to the inside of the driver’s thighs. This continuous, subtle communication informs without affecting the primary perception channels of the driver. At the same time, a clear aesthetic decision is chosen for the textile, giving the motorbike a less sci-fi but more product-oriented character.

Designer: Thomas Heyder

Renault’s concept SUV can expand to become bigger and more spacious, like a travel suitcase!

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It’s always interesting to see concept cars because they’re probably the biggest playground for a transportation designer. Given the nature of the car industry, consumer automobiles are usually governed by a bulletproof design and marketing brief with little room for absolute creative freedom. You don’t see that sort of rigidity with concept cars – their purpose isn’t to deliver sales or market share, but rather to showcase the company’s direction as far as creativity, design, and innovation go.

I imagine the Renault Morphoz EV would be this year’s most talked-about car if the Geneva Motor Show hadn’t been called off. Unlike most concept cars that showcase electric drivetrains, or self-driving features, or rotating car-seats and talking dashboards, Renault’s Morphoz concept pushes the boundaries of concept car design by literally pushing boundaries! It comes with a longitudinally expanding design that allows the car to grow longer on command, giving you more space on the inside. Words do little justice to this absolute beauty so I’ll take a minute while you watch the video above, or some of the GIFs below. Referred to as an adaptive cabin design, the car’s body comes in multiple parts that fit into each other, expanding and contracting on command. Renault definitely deserves credit where it’s due because the split-lines on the car are just beautifully positioned, with the car’s expanding rails manifesting themselves as design details in the headlights, taillights, and even the Renault logo up front. The car doesn’t just expand like a telescope, it does so with a great deal of sensitivity towards aesthetics. The side-profile silhouette of the car changes ever so slightly as it expands, allowing the car to look absolutely breath-taking in both profiles.

Taking the name Morphoz seriously, the insides of the car were designed to morph and change depending on need. The car comes without a B pillar, and uses a reverse-hinged rear door to give you complete access to the inner cabin. The doors are programmed to open without you needing to touch them. The car senses your presence when you’re nearby, and opens the doors when you perform a wave-gesture. The passenger seat beside the driver is designed to rotate and face backward, transforming the interiors from a regular car format to a more social one. On the driver’s side, the car comes with a futuristic dashboard featuring a steering wheel with an inset screen. The 100% electric vehicle comes with level 3 autonomy, which allows the car to take control under fixed scenarios like traffic jams or open motorways, while constantly under the supervision of its driver.

According to Renault, The Morphoz comes in two variants, one for City and another for Travel. With higher specs, the Travel variant features a front-wheel-drive, powered by a 160kW engine and a 90kWh battery that Renault says can also be used to power appliances in your house or the immediate locality via smart charging devices and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) bi-directional technology. With a great deal of design, innovation, and engineering poured into what is easily one of the most eye-catchingly sophisticated vehicles of the year, I can pretty much guarantee we’ll definitely see more of the Morphoz in greater detail… perhaps at the next motor show!

Designer: Renault

DARPA’s wheel switches shapes with terrain!

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Designed as a collaborative project between Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center and DARPA researchers, the Reconfigurable Wheel Track, dubbed the RWT, helps vehicles move on any sort of terrain… and it does so in spectacular fashion, by shapeshifting to turn from a rotary wheel to a track system.

On much harder terrain, the RWT works like a regular wheel, rotating to help move the vehicle from point A to B, but the minute it reaches terrain that’s softer, like mud, silt, snow, or sand, the RWT shapeshifts (within as quick as 2 seconds) to a triangular format, and the rubber grip around the tire runs like a conveyor track you’d see on tanks. The wheel ultimately allows vehicles to move around effectively, regardless of the terrain type or the weather, and will see itself being used on vehicles for defense purposes.

And while the GIF below definitely makes me go “whoa”, my favorite wheel reinvention will probably still be NASA’s incredibly light and versatile chain-link wheel.

Designers: DARPA & Carnegie Mellon University NREU

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