Tag Archives: Tesla

What if Tesla made a compact electric microcar?

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Designed as an antithesis of the Cybertruck’s bold presence, the Tesla Mini is a tiny little EV that gives you the electrified Tesla experience in the smallest package ever… barring of course the Cyberquad truck that’s due to ship as an add-on with the Cybertruck.

In an innocuous tweet back in 2018, Elon Musk mentioned that Tesla was working on a tiny car that could “squeeze an adult”. It’s difficult to take Elon’s tweets at face value, just ask the SEC and JP Morgan Bank, but it got a lot of people wondering whether a tiny Tesla Micro-EV would actually work… after all, tiny EVs are more utilitarian than performative or flashy, two attributes that Musk definitely likes in his cars. Moreover, with the fact that the Cybertruck and the Roadster are still waiting to be delivered to customers, Tesla definitely has its hands full at the moment.

That doesn’t, however, stop people from dreaming of what’s going on inside Tesla’s headquarters (I imagine there’s some wild stuff happening behind those doors)… people, in this case, referring to the fine folks at The Clunker Junker, who put together this conceptual Tesla Mini, also fondly referred to as the Model 2, to show what a tiny electric microcar from the homegrown American EV company would look like.

Inspired by the tall-boy styling of Model Y, Model 2 has a pair of scissor doors, four seats, and a full glass canopy. The way the doors open is rather unusual, but for a car that’s designed around tight dimensions, the way the doors open is all about tightness too, allowing you to practically park the car anywhere without worrying about being able to open or close the doors. The car’s doors slide out before opening upwards in the scissor-door fashion, while the inside of the car, staying true to Elon’s tweet, barely squeezes 4 adults with sliding seats to facilitate ingress and egress. As an added feature by the designer, the minimalist interior also features recyclable and sustainable materials derived from hemp fiber, discarded milk cartons, and wine corks, driving home the fact that EVs are ‘cleaner’ than gas cars.

The Model 2 has the tiniest footprint of any Tesla car, but it still manages to provide an uncompromisingly spacious interior. The stretched wheelbase and almost non-existent overhangs promise ample room for four adults, while the forward-designed instrument panel improves legroom in the front. The understated interior features a sliding center console with plenty of covered storage and wireless charging for two smartphones. Speaking of which, you can still use your smartphone as a key and access all driver controls in the central 13-inch portrait touchscreen. The all-glass electrochromic roof extends from front to back, offering passengers a seamless view of the sky or maximum shade if desired.

This novel format does come with its own concerns. For starters, a smaller car means a smaller battery, resulting in a lower range… something that one could, however, brush aside considering the microcar’s intra-city use. The car is also devoid of spacious rear storage, because of its hatchback shape, which could be a caveat for some customers. However, just like the Cybertruck and the Tesla Semi, the Tesla Model 2 fills a gap in the car market, offering a certain type of car that could appeal to a specific demographic. It’s also worth noting that the Model 2, even though tiny, looks unapologetically like a Tesla. Stepping away from the ‘cute’ appearance of most pod-shaped cars, the Model 2 compresses what’s great about Tesla’s wildly popular EVs into a smaller format… effectively giving you a car that’s pint-sized, but still looks like it packs a punch.

Designer: The Clunker Junker

Image Credits: The Clunker Junker

The post What if Tesla made a compact electric microcar? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tesla-inspired automotives designed to prove why this company is at the peak of modern innovation!

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There’s something about Tesla that instantly inspires designers! Or maybe it’s Elon Musk. He’s the kind of innovator who works towards resolving current issues while keeping his eyes wholly focused on the future. He possesses an uninhibited curiosity that he lets run unfettered, and one of the results is Tesla –  a forerunner in the electric automotive industry, especially when it comes to innovation and invention. Their designs are groundbreaking, as well as consistent breakers of conventions in the automotive industry, making them a major inspiration for designers all over the world! The result is unique and breathtaking Tesla-inspired automotive designs that honestly seem like the real deal. And, we’ve curated some of the best of the lot for you! From an autonomous Tesla HGV to a Tesla-inspired module rescue for disaster relief – these innovative automotives will surely blow your minds!

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.

Draped in a completely metallic finish, the bike is destined to have time-traveled from the dystopian future. The clear geometric lines and the definitive aerodynamic build will put most of the other Tesla bike concepts to shame. It is that sexy! The long wheelbase of the Dust Tesla defies the structural stability, but hey, it has arrived from the future, where technologies are definitely beyond our comprehension. Those hubless wheels and the swingarm on the electric bike evoke a sense of dynamism which is hard to give a miss. The sharp lines flowing from the front of the bike to the rear bring a profound sense of superhero’s favored accomplice-like feel at first glance.

This bike by Colorsponge is just what got my adrenaline rushing for a speedy drive to the outskirts of the city. That definitive edgy character and the semblance of the Tesla Cybertruck influence – boy that’s downright dopamine-inducing for an automotive enthusiast like me! According to Colorsponge, the monstrous bike dubbed The Xenotype is a result of his pure gut feel, and an expression of his subconscious in the rawest way possible. The only checkpoint is the requirement to fit the Ducati 916 chassis and engine. It’s got massive rear rime and very sharp aesthetics dominated by geometric triangle shapes – both on the rear and front. In fact, it is s sharp you could cut paper with it.

 The Navetta Volante, which translates to Flying Shuttle, comes with a 2+2 design (hence the term Shuttle) and feels like a cross between the Urus, and what Jamil cites as his true inspiration for the car, a lesser-known Lamborghini concept from 2008 – the Estoque. Jamil clearly sees the Estoque as Lamborghini’s missed opportunity to build a street-friendly car for the average joe (with the right amounts of money to spend). “I believe at the time of the Estoque, 4 door super saloons were quite interesting and I guess it would have fit very well along with the Rapide, Panamera, and Quattroporte”, Jamil casually mentions. The Navetta Volante, however, represents what the Estoque would evolve into in today’s day and age. The designer imagines it with a Plug-In Hybrid Drivetrain, pitting it against other hybrid cars, and taking aim at Tesla’s own Model S – which holds the coveted spot among today’s super-saloons.

This concept Tesla bike by San Diego-based renowned automotive designer Ash Thorp in close collaboration with Carlos “colorsponge” is pure dope. Ash calls this attention-grabbing set of wheels “THE SOKUDO” (meaning measuring in Japanese), and it is a part of the ongoing M.H.C. Collection by the duo. This being the 14th project in the collection. The Tesla-themed bike here exudes a very refined persona honed by the custom-made extruded chassis having a battery pack and electric motor which is mated to a compact USD fork and single swing-arm. The lines and angles of this swing arm match the form of the bike frame – lending it a flowing characteristic. THE SOKUDO also has the Ducati DNA in part as the Ash and colorsponge took cues from their own custom Ducati bike build to create the reference point for this two-wheeler. The bike rides on big carbon fiber wheels have disc covers that match the Tesla theme.

Designer Johnny Jiang gives preference to human judgment while driving a vehicle – and the Infiniti QX90 2028 concept is a testament to that vision. The car’s design focuses on improving commuting by focusing on five key elements. The de-materialization, customization as per user’s needs, the experience of the driver and fellow riders, technological infusion for better function, and facilities that cater to individual needs – giving you the most comfortable drive possible. The interiors of this sedan have a lounge-like space with a panoramic glass roof for an ultimate relaxing drive. The rear passenger seats can make a complete 180 degrees turn for an improved view or help socialize. The exteriors have a futuristic vibe going with the sharp design lines and a flowing aesthetic, striking a balance between the front and the rear. It’s this edginess merging with the fluidity that gives this car an evolved Cybertruck vibe.

This futuristic-looking machine is a mobile health camp capable of housing medical personnel and space for rehabilitating patients in remote areas. The exterior of this module is inspired by the concept designs of supercars but in a much bigger proportion. The whole thing moves on tank-like treads, making it capable of conquering any harsh terrain or weather conditions given its reinforced structure. On the inside – it is all about comfort, spacious areas, and a luminous environment. There are compact sections that house the beds on the upper section, a private section on the bottom, and storage on the middle half of the module. The Tesla Module Rescue’s crew has a command center to devise all the strategies and action plans for the mission. It is nothing less than a sci-fi movie’s setup, and with this being a Tesla-inspired design, it is electric-powered with solar panels on the roof, providing extra juice for long journeys.

Rover missions to Mars have uncovered the secrets of the red planet, and to scout the moon’s jagged terrain, a designer envisions the Moonracer. An exploration vehicle that looks so much inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck with its sharp lines and the signature front and rear design. Of course to tread the toughest unknown terrain and hostile environment in case we humans dig for signs of life on still unexplored planets and their moons. The tires on the NASA exploration vehicle by product design student Robin Mazánek are going to be the most vital, as they need to be ready for any adventure. Tweel airless tires developed by Michelin are going to be the ideal choice as they never get punctured or burst as the hub of the tire is connected to the rim via flexible polyurethane spokes that also double as shock absorbers for a smooth ride.

Build for an eventual apocalypse, the Tesla Roadster Safari is straight out from a Doomsday movie plot with the intention of making it through any Armageddon. It gets the Tesla’s all-electric drivetrain and the solar panels fitted on the roof and sides make sure you don’t run out of power while being ambushed by zombies.

Franz set out on designing the bicycle by conducting extensive interviews and testing phases. Interactions with bike owners, students, or other people who ride their bikes for daily commutes led to the final design. Talking of shaping and modeling the two-wheeler, this bit took the most chunk of the effort since it was a one-man job. The final design centered on a lightweight 7005 series aluminum frame and the striking hubless wheel characteristics. To finalize the hubless wheel design that is functional to the last detail, Franz took help from his mechanical engineering colleagues. In the end, the off-center axle design had the additional gear to spin the wheels at a proper rate with pedaling motion. This is assisted by the onboard motor for that extra boost on inclines when the throttle is pressed. The Pilot bicycle finally came to life after countless edits and alterations to the design. The next step was to finalize the colors, materials, and finishes.

This transforming robotic furniture descending from the ceiling to take your home from bedroom to living room!

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‘The Smile,’ a new apartment complex in East Harlem designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) features smart furniture systems comprised of stow-away storage units, bed frames, workspaces, and wardrobes that rise into and fall from the ceiling on command.

Technology is changing the way we live in cities. Electric scooters and bullet trains are replacing city buses, while public spaces are relying on AI and smart technology for contactless services. In New York City’s East Harlem neighborhood, a new apartment complex called, ‘The Smile’ from BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) integrates a smart, modular furniture system from Bumblebee Spaces into each apartment to take full advantage of each living unit’s full cubic space.

Built around a grid that’s mounted to each unit’s ceiling, the modular furniture systems are comprised of storage cabinets and bed frames that rise and descend according to the changing needs of each resident. When a component of the system isn’t in use, it rises and disappears into the ceiling to enlargen the unit’s available living space. Then, when one is needed, the furniture system recognizes voice commands, remote controls, and programmed settings to initiate a component’s descent from the ceiling to the unit’s floor.

For example, after waking up in the morning, residents can command the bed to merge with the ceiling to conceal it from view. Then, in the same way, residents can instruct for modules like customized workspaces and drawers to lower down from the ceiling for access during the day. Crafted from wood, the furniture system brings a touch of comfort to each unit, giving the apartment’s industrial backdrop some organic warmth. Like a robotic housekeeper, Bumblebee’s furniture system also remembers where residents left certain pieces of furniture or smaller belongings so looking for your keys won’t keep you from getting a move on.

BIG’s ‘The Smile,’ located in New York City’s East Harlem currently features 163 market-rate and 70 affordable apartments, the latter group reserved for mid and low-income residents. While the furniture system, designed by former Tesla and Apple engineers, is currently only available in five units, the future of smart living is surely on its way to every city.

Designer: Bumblebee Spaces x BIG

Each module can be outfitted for specific purposes, from workspaces to wardrobes. 

Integrated organizational systems make each module easy to navigate. 

Residents can control their smart furniture system from their smartphones.

This Tron-inspired Tesla electric bike’s hubless wheels radiate a drag racing character

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What do you get when a Tron bike mates with a Tesla electric bike? It has to be this stunner designed for straight-line speed.

While my analog might not go well with a few, let’s stay put with the design aspect of the Dust Tesla concept electric motorcycle designed by Nazar Eisa. Draped in a completely metallic finish, the bike is destined to have time-traveled from the dystopian future. The clear geometric lines and the definitive aerodynamic build will put most of the other Tesla bike concepts to shame. It is that sexy!

The long wheelbase of the Dust Tesla defies the structural stability, but hey, it has arrived from the future, where technologies are definitely beyond our comprehension. Those hubless wheels and the swingarm on the electric bike evoke a sense of dynamism which is hard to give a miss. The sharp lines flowing from the front of the bike to the rear bring a profound sense of superhero’s favored accomplice-like feel at first glance.

The designer models the electric bike in two variants – one in a complete black hue and the other in contrasting one with silver finish and matte black inserts to lend overall depth to the design. I still can’t get over the long-wheelbase which hints at the bike’s drag racing character. The ground clearance is quite low, in fact so low you will struggle to slip through a rim of paper under it. So, don’t expect it to take on the twisty tracks of the Moto GP calendar.

Just imagine the Dust Tesla parked by your Cybertruck’s side in the mansion’s garage. When the night hits, you take it out for a stint on the freeway, as the wind cuts through your hair. It goes without saying, this Tesla concept bike is going to be every automotive enthusiast’s dream come true. Now if you’ll pinch me, I want to get back to reality and stop daydreaming about riding this beautiful monster on the outskirts of my city limits!

Designer: Nazar Eisa

The Lamborghini Navetta Volante concept is what you get when the Italians decide to make their version of the Tesla Model S

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With its edgy Urus-meets-Model-S design, the Navetta Volante concept is the perfect blend between Lamborghini’s raging-bull sports cars and a street-friendly high-end sedan. The concept comes from the mind of Jamil Ahmed, an automotive designer who’s love-affair with the Lamborghini brand started when he saw a Diablo for the first time back when he was younger. The Navetta Volante, which translates to Flying Shuttle, comes with a 2+2 design (hence the term Shuttle) and feels like a cross between the Urus, and what Jamil cites as his true inspiration for the car, a lesser-known Lamborghini concept from 2008 – the Estoque.

The Estoque came as quite a surprise in 2008, since it was a clear deviation from what Lamborghini had built its reputation on – 2-door sportscars. The first-ever 4-door modern Lamborghini to be unveiled to the public, the Estoque never made it to production, however the chairman of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann was spotted saying that they hadn’t ruled out a 4-door Lamborghini in the future. A decade later, the company launched Urus – a 4-door SUV aimed at diversifying Lamborghini’s lineup. Jamil’s Navetta Volante concept sits square between the Estoque and the Urus – borrowing the super-saloon proportions from the former, and the design language from the latter.

Jamil clearly sees the Estoque as Lamborghini’s missed opportunity to build a street-friendly car for the average joe (with the right amounts of money to spend). “I believe at the time of the Estoque, 4 door super saloons were quite interesting and I guess it would have fit very well along with the Rapide, Panamera, and Quattroporte”, Jamil casually mentions. The Navetta Volante, however, represents what the Estoque would evolve into in today’s day and age. The designer imagines it with a Plug-In Hybrid Drivetrain, pitting it against other hybrid cars, and taking aim at Tesla’s own Model S – which holds the coveted spot among today’s super-saloons. “As we merge rapidly into the electric era, we know Lamborghini will have to make the transition at some point, I knew the Navetta Volante platform would be perfect for that transition due to its practical nature.”

Running on a hybrid powertrain, the car comes with the signature large air-intakes underneath Y-shaped headlights (both iconic Lamborghini features). It sports two charging ports, one on each side underneath the rear-view mirrors, making it convenient to charge your car no matter where the power station is located.

The taillights present a unique deviation. Unlike the Estoque or Urus’ Y-shaped taillights, the Navetta Volante uses three hexagonal shapes, staying square within Lamborghini’s language while clearly thinking outside the box.

Clearly built for a variety of scenarios (other than racing), the car comes with a skylight on the top, and the designer’s even visualized what the Navetta Volante would look like with a luggage carrier on the top. One would argue that any sort of consumer-based embellishment corrupts the car’s bad-boy attitude, but then again, the Navetta Volante wasn’t designed for the race track – it was made for streets, roads, and highways. Even for its broad approach, the Navetta Volante looks like it has the spirit of the raging bull in it. Its edgy, racy design would arguably put the Tesla Model S to shame… now if only Lamborghini built the damn thing!

Designer: Jamil Ahmed

This Tesla electric bike’s frame shape-shifts form depending on riding conditions

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A Tesla-branded electric bike concept designed to shape-shift the frame according to the rider’s position and the riding condition – ideal for the future of comfortable bike riding.

Tesla has gripped the electric four-wheeler market by the scruff of the neck and it’s only growing stronger with each passing year. The two-wheeler segment is by far untouched by the California-based EV maker. Given the visionary Elon Musk is, getting into the more lucrative two-wheeled electric vehicle market is not a far-fetched dream for him. So, how would a Tesla motorcycle be like? Will it have the same sharp characteristics as the Cybertruck or the flowing design of the Tesla Model 3?

This concept Tesla bike by San Diego-based renowned automotive designer Ash Thorp in close collaboration with Carlos “colorsponge” is pure dope. Ash calls this attention-grabbing set of wheels “THE SOKUDO” (meaning measuring in Japanese), and it is a part of the ongoing M.H.C. Collection by the duo. This being the 14th project in the collection.

The Tesla-themed bike here exudes a very refined persona honed by the custom-made extruded chassis having a battery pack and electric motor which is mated to a compact USD fork and single swing-arm. The lines and angles of this swing arm match the form of the bike frame – lending it a flowing characteristic. THE SOKUDO also has the Ducati DNA in part as the Ash and colorsponge took cues from their own custom Ducati bike build to create the reference point for this two-wheeler. The bike rides on big carbon fiber wheels having disc covers that match the Tesla theme.

According to the designer, both the suspension and the rear control arm move independently for a smooth ride. Further, the futuristic concept has a flexible outer shell that folds and takes shape according to the riding position and the road conditions.

Designer: Ash Thorp and Colorsponge

The post This Tesla electric bike’s frame shape-shifts form depending on riding conditions first appeared on Yanko Design.

IKEA meets Tesla in these tech-enhanced furniture designed to make your home a smart one!

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I truly believe the right furniture designs make or break a home! After all, furniture is an integral part of any home, it sets the tone for it and contributes to the essence of the home. You can express your tastes, preferences, and personality via the furniture pieces you choose for your living space. They are an extension of you. Now, as pleasing as aesthetic and visually intriguing furniture designs can be, people are now shifting towards furniture designs that are more focused on function and utility (that simply put make our lives a whole lot easier) and one such interesting genre is Smart Furniture! Tech-enhanced furniture is a whole new ballgame, catering to our multiple needs, and making our daily lives more comfortable. From smart work desks that run on food waste to smart beds that charge our devices and come along with an integrated home theatre system, smart furniture is in a league of its own! They’re an explosive meeting of IKEA and Tesla! And, we’re exploring a few super innovative and unique designs today.

The Hariana Tech Smart Ultimate Bed was designed to have everything you will need to relax within your bed frame. It has an integrated reclining massage chair with a remote, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, a bookshelf, a reading lamp, an air cleaning system, an area to plug in and charges your devices, a foot-stool that opens up for extra storage, and a pop-up desk for the ultimate WFH setup, Netflix marathon or cozy reading hours. The sound system also features an SD card slot, an auxiliary port, and a USB port. Another interesting detail about the Hariana bed is a password-protected safe box for you to store your most precious belongings – for me, it would be my passport and snacks!

This table is called a Clock and I want you to keep that in mind for the rest of this story. Clock was designed to be compact and fit in the growing trend of smaller living spaces. The designer wanted to create something that seamlessly blended into our workdays (especially when working from home!) without disrupting our office hours or eating habits. The hybrid station converts food waste into energy to power itself wirelessly but also includes the systems to be plugged into a wall if needed. It is an innovative product that combines technology and functionality to sustainably manage waste and encourage more people to shift to natural/renewable energy sources. When you aren’t working, simply slide the parts back and close the product into a slim bench. In its closed state, only the power icon and energy levels are visible, simply tap the power icon to light up the panel.

The IKEA STARKVIND air purifier comes in two variants, a floor-standing model (in black and white) or a side table version (in a dark or light finish) – costing $129 and $189 respectively. Mind you, to have access to all the smart functions via the compatible app, the $35 smart home hub needs to be purchased as well. The air purifier will hit the IKEA stores from October 2021 in the U.S., so keep an eye on this one. While their form factor is a bit different depending on the intended use-case scenario, on the inside they contain the same three-filter system. This layered filtering system captures bigger particles like hair or dust, 99.5 percent of small airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometers, pollutants, dust, pollen, and even bad odors are not spared.

Meet the COMODO shoe closet that doubles as a pouf to sit on while you wear your freshly cleansed pair of sneakers for the weekend basketball game. The name is derived from the Spanish word “Cómodo” which means convenient and pleasant in Spanish. Design Studio Designer Dot and designer Hyeona Cho have ideated a cool shoe closet loaded with new-age sanitization tech to keep your pair of shoes moisture-free and free from any bacterial or fungal build-ups. Taking inspiration from modern multifunctional furniture that has compactness and minimalism at its core, the shoe closet solves a very basic but important purpose.

Meet the Duoo Bed designed by Andrei Mogila for Zegen which brings a pragmatic approach to winding down after a long day’s work. The aesthetically crafted furniture piece combines minimalism, smoothness, and geometry of lines to appeal to anyone. Duoo is the result of prime attention to detail when it comes to design aesthetics. Usability-wise, the bed brings the convenience of charging mobile devices or battery banks right from the headboard. Plus it has dedicated led night lights on each side for late-night readers which bring the convenience of privacy without bothering your mate. Keeping comfort and visual neatness at the core, Andrei has managed to strike the right balance of form and function.

Designed for use by the public, both the Fluid Cube and the City Snake primarily function as city benches with the same technical attributes. The Fluid Cube is a 9 cubic meter cube structure that partially encloses two parallel benches with an overhead roof for shelter during bad weather. The City Snake, a 7.5-meter outdoor bench that curves and bends to provide unique sitting options to travelers looking for a bit of respite. While the two structures provide seating for the public, they also come equipped with solar panels that generate power for some of the structure’s more technical features. Raised parts of the City Snake accommodates traditional solar panels, while solar cells are overlaid on the Fluid Cube’s glass roof. The solar panels on both of the structures yield power to use the built-in USB charging outlets, the WiFi hotspots, as well as the benches’ lighting systems.

Dubbed the Coway Icon Air Purifier, this is a reworked and modified variant of the plasticky box-like utilitarian purifiers. It boasts a smaller and flatter form factor to sit along a wall, presenting users with more flexibility in room placement. The quiet and powerful Icon integrates smart technologies to be more than a simple box doing its chores – it comes with its own smartphone app that can be used to control the functions of this air purifier remotely. The app also provides a status report of the air quality and its lifecycle, informing when cleaning or replacement is necessary.

Equipped with a built-in 4K projector that can be synced with a series of devices to binge-watch movies/TV shows on a 70-inch retractable screen, the HiBed by  Fabio Vinella (for Hi-interiors) is the epitome of in-bed relaxation. A built-in surround sound system with invisible speakers makes the bed feel more like a movie theatre. The bed is connected to an app and monitors our sleep patterns and movements, adjusting the temperature according to our comfort. It also records body weight, air quality, and noise level to provide a foolproof check on our health. Some good news for the late risers, the HiBed comes with an inbuilt smart alarm system that wakes us up with loud recitations of the weather and daily news.

Designed by Modern Sprout, the Smart Landscape Growframe is a minimal frame that can be mounted on any wall on your home, and whose functionality is more complex than its simple looks! It nourishes all kinds of plants – from ones that seek low light, to ones that seek bright light. Once mounted on a wall, you can slide your favorite plants into the Growframe, and connect to the Modern Sprout app. The app is a complete godsend! The app features an on/off switch and can be used for customizable programming and pairing recommendations for partial shade, partial sun, and full sun plants. You can easily select and switch between light settings.

Kuube comes in three different sizes, each of which offers the same services to varying degrees. The Kuube Nano, their mid-sized bench, is solar-powered and accommodates up to four people, complete with a WiFi hotspot, two USB chargers, two wireless Qi chargers, and a single display screen, which provides environmental information like weather, air quality, and UV index. For the makers behind Kuube, adapting their conceptual design process to help mitigate the current global climate crisis in micro mobile ways (i.e.; city bikes, electric scooters) was their top priority. On the choice to generate each smart bench with solar power, the designers behind Kuube say, “Living in the times of climate crisis we believe it is very important to achieve sustainability in as many ways as possible…Our goal is to achieve sustainable smart cities [through] micro-mobility.”

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

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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

Tesla-inspired Designs that show why Elon Musk is such a major inspiration for designers!

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There’s something about Tesla that instantly inspires designers! Or maybe it’s Elon Musk. He’s the kind of innovator who works towards resolving current issues while keeping his eyes wholly focused on the future. He possesses an uninhibited curiosity that he lets run unfettered, and one of the results is Tesla –  a forerunner in the electric automotive industry, especially when it comes to innovation and invention. Their designs are groundbreaking, as well as consistent breakers of conventions in the automotive industry, making them a major inspiration for designers all over the world! And this inspiration isn’t limited to only automobiles. From conceptual electrified Tesla football shoes to a Tesla-inspired cat tower – designers have managed to incorporate the essence of Tesla and Elon Musk into a whole range of products. And we’ve curated the best of them for you!

The conceptual Tesla Football Shoes combine Hussain’s love for football and for the Tesla brand into one positively radiant pair of performance sportswear. The shoes come in pristine white, with electroluminescent fabric woven into the sides and back, creating bright lines on the side, leading to a glowing, pulsating Tesla logo at the back. Moreover, the studs on the base of the shoes glow too, making them look exceptional in the dark but even more so when you’re dribbling away with the ball, creating one of the most beautiful light streaks as you run!

Designer Víctor Groten Rico has envisioned the Tesla Module Rescue concept. This futuristic-looking machine is a mobile health camp capable of housing medical personnel and space for rehabilitating patients in remote areas. The exterior of this module is inspired by the concept designs of supercars but in a much bigger proportion. The whole thing moves on tank-like treads, making it capable of conquering any harsh terrain or weather conditions given its reinforced structure. On the inside – it is all about comfort, spacious areas, and a luminous environment. There are compact sections that house the beds on the upper section, a private section on the bottom, and storage on the middle half of the module.

Designers Hyeonji Roh and Yeonhong Kim have conjured up the Model L – a cat tower named after the letter ‘L’ and is inspired by the cat’s tail. Drawing inspiration from the Tesla logo, which designers believe resembles a cat’s nose, this rather unusual cat tower has more to it than a traditional scratching post, perching slot, and a route to it. The Model L is pretty unique in the choice of material and finish. The glossy idea is rare for a product that usually utilizes wood and fabric. Nonetheless, it doesn’t let down on modernism. This tower with Tesla symbolism may not have the customary scratcher, but it gives your cat a high position to perch in when resting.

While Mars remains the ultimate inhabitable destination for mankind, the moon’s surface is still unexplored. Rover missions to Mars have uncovered the secrets of the red planet, and to scout the moon’s jagged terrain, a designer envisions the Moonracer. An exploration vehicle that looks so much inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck with its sharp lines and the signature front and rear design. Of course to tread the toughest unknown terrain and hostile environment in case we humans dig for signs of life on still unexplored planets and their moons. The tires on the NASA exploration vehicle by product design student Robin Mazánek are going to be the most vital, as they need to be ready for any adventure.

The Toadi is practically the Tesla of lawnmowers. Designed to work less like a robot and more like a living organism, the Toadi reinvents a category that hasn’t seen a significant-tech upgrade… and yes, Toadi is a ‘her’. The Toadi uses 4K cameras to ‘see’ the way humans do. She accurately differentiates between grass, gravel, cemented paths, and even identifies and avoids objects like animals, toys, flowerbeds, and fences. Using a sensing and tracking system that’s much more superior to the LiDAR sensors and GPS chips found in home-cleaning robots, the Toadi effortlessly moves around the lawn on her own, mowing in straight lines, crossing over to other parts of the lawn if need be, avoiding flower-beds, objects, or pets (and other garden animals), and staying clear of fences. In fact, her camera sensors are so advanced, the Toadi even serves as a surveillance device, allowing her to spot intruders in your yard at night.

Meet the Cyberphone… an indestructible mobile with a 7-inch screen and nifty stainless steel finish. Flip the phone over and it begins really looking like its inspiration. An angled design with a windscreen-esque black glass on the upper half, and a slatted lower half resembling the truck’s vaulted bed. Under the ‘windshield’ lies a triple camera setup, but what really has my eye is the nifty strip-light on the top, modeled after the Cybertruck’s headlights, that I assume works either as a flash or a notification light. Plus, extra points to the designer for rendering out this beauty on a marble surface, paying a hat-tip to the Cybertruck’s marble interiors.

Designed at 1:10th scale, Mattel’s Cybertruck replica comes with its own remote control as well as a Cyberquad. As far as I can tell, the windows on the toy pickup truck break much more easily… Mattel’s 1:10 RC Cybertruck comes with that unmistakably polarizing design, authentic wheels + tire treads, working head and taillights, and a flat-bed that’s big enough to fit its free-rolling Cyberquad. The truck itself is controlled by a pretty neat-looking controller that mimics the shape of the Cybertruck’s own steering wheel and allows you to operate the truck up to 12 MPH (which may seem paltry at first, but it makes Mattel’s Cybertruck one of the fasted remote-controlled cars on the market).

Designer Ivan Venkov has created a concept home that makes me curious – is this what homes would look like if Elon Musk was in charge? Venkov mentions that the original idea was for the modular aspect to only be included in the interior spaces, but the exterior sculptural look could also be shaped differently if desired – this means only the interior foundation and platform will remain as is. His aim was to make modular spaces more than just functional, Venkov wanted it to be striking without costing a fortune to execute. The aesthetic is based on pillars of modern, minimal, and calming design while still catching your eye. I particularly love the wide glass stairs leading up to the house, it gives such an airy and spacious feeling especially because it is only one floor allowing the trees to tower over you and build the view.

There’s something incredibly pure about the 296 GTB’s design. At first glance, it does look quite inspired by the surfacing of the Tesla Roadster, although there’s nothing wrong with embracing purity over aggressively contoured surfaces and an overdose of air-intakes. Equipped with a short wheelbase and a flowy, monolithic design, the 296 GTB is perhaps the most compact berlinetta to emerge from Ferrari’s Maranello factory. The car comes fitted with Ferrari’s 120° Twin-Turbo V-6 hybrid engine (you can see a picture of it at the bottom of the article), perhaps one of the company’s most interesting pieces of innovation (there’s an entire article exclusively on the engine from Road & Track). The 296 GTB is also the first Ferrari hybrid automobile to not electrify the front axle, helping save weight and maintain the sheer dynamic purity of a rear-wheel drive.

The Tesla G (that’s what designer Prokop Strnka calls it) concept is basically an outdoor lawn-trimming Roomba. It runs autonomously, driving in lines around your garden, trimming the grass but avoiding your prize rose shrubbery or your microgreens nursery. The lawnmower relies on a version of Tesla’s autopilot algorithm to actively scan and sense its environments as it drives through tall grass. Sensors on the mower can help detect the difference between grass and plants, and can actively map out your lawn so the mower doesn’t end up crossing over the cobblestone onto the road, or your neighbor’s property. The mower runs on solar power, but when it’s low on juice and it’s relatively dark out, it scoots over to its wireless charging hub to quickly juice up its battery.

This Tesla-inspired Module Rescue is a futuristic mobile health camp and rescue machine for disaster relief

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Elon Musk has his eyes set on colonizing Mars, and given the visionary he is, it is not looking like a pipedream after all. While the natural catastrophes show no sign of muting down on planet earth, a company like Tesla can design a rescue module capable of remote emergency healthcare to the affected people. This makes even more sense in third-world countries where rescue missions need to be handled with more finesse. With this motive in mind, designer Víctor Groten Rico has envisioned the Tesla Module Rescue concept.

This futuristic-looking machine is a mobile health camp capable of housing medical personnel and space for rehabilitating patients in remote areas. The exterior of this module is inspired by the concept designs of supercars but in a much bigger proportion. The whole thing moves on tank-like treads, making it capable of conquering any harsh terrain or weather conditions given its reinforced structure. On the inside – it is all about comfort, spacious areas, and a luminous environment. There are compact sections that house the beds on the upper section, a private section on the bottom, and storage on the middle half of the module.

The Tesla Module Rescue’s crew has a command center to devise all the strategies and action plans for the mission. It is nothing less than a sci-fi movie’s setup, and with this being a Tesla-inspired design, it is electric-powered with solar panels on the roof, providing extra juice for long journeys. The size of this automotive is tailored to accommodate a large number of people, and roam around freely over vast open areas, although I can’t think of it treading the treacherous mountainous regions. On top of that, it would have been better if the designer penned it as a concept that could disintegrate into separate modules depending on the region’s terrain and the needs of the reuse mission.

Designer: Víctor Groten Rico

Given the angular design sported by the CyberTruck, the Tesla Module Rescue’s bulky design seems like a logical aesthetic upgrade.

The interiors of the Tesla Module Rescue seem almost inspired by a starship/SpaceX interiors – sporting a simple black and white design.

The interior holds a command center that seems to control the navigation of the ship, along with information needed by the captain for making informed decisions.

Whatever the terrain, we hope the tank-like tires can easily traverse the difficult locations as rescue is always a venture into the unknown.

Solar panels keep the vehicle up and running even in the harshest conditions.