Systems of mobility deeply impact the inhabitants of cities. The main question that drives our project is "how can we improve micro-mobility in a more sustainable way?"
We developed a compact, environmentally conscious, new way of moving in urban environments for single users looking to travel short but unwalkable distances. We call this new category of experience "Glide".
The main chassis of the vehicle is 3D printed in aluminum, which is recyclable, and manufactured & engineered through a generative design process, which reduces excess material from where it is not needed. The outer shell consists of detachable parts that are customizable and made of Chitin, which is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, making it compostable and fully recyclable.
The powertrain is a drive-by-wire system controlled by a central "CPU" which allows the user to control each wheel independently for a 360° omnidirectional sensation. The vehicle is controlled remotely via mobile phone. The tires are made of 8 identical solid parts, making it airless and if damaged, only 1/8th of the tire needs to be replaced. The suspension is manufactured in a single piece with a membrane string structure using natural elastomers via generative design in order to optimize and reduce moving parts.
The upper front part of the vehicle is a solar charging surface which transmits the energy directly to the Lithium battery pack in the center of the unit. It also has a contactless induction platform underneath to charge indoors if needed.
Urban environment scan be noisy, yet beautiful. Wandering through a city, getting lost in the sights and sounds is a special experience. This project provides our users the option to travel in an aesthetic, enjoyable, comfortable, and sustainable manner. Furthermore, the MAGRAY can be used in diverse ways. The MAGRAY has a system of attachable parts and can be compactly carried by the user. This design is ideal for urban commuters who have limited storage space and who need to combine different forms of transportation in their daily commute. Each vehicle’s design can also be personalized according to individual needs.
Cities are facing the consequences of increased transportation. Congestion, the loss of public green spaces, and the reduction in social mobility affects people’s everyday life. Our goal is to create a sustainable vehicle in mobility as well as storage inspired by its design. In order to make it more sustainable, we reduced the amount of parts for the whole system and looked for materials that follow the circular economy philosophy. The main chassis is 3D printedAluminum, which is recyclable, and the main parts are made out of Chitin, an abundant polysaccharide which is fully compostable and recyclable.
We created this new transportation category, “Gilde”, using technology to create a 360omnidirectional freedom of movement. To achieve this sensation while riding, we developed a three-wheel platform with spherical tires that work with magnetic induction motors. The tires are airless spheres, split into 8 parts, and are easy to change without needing to dispose of the entire tire. Using advanced technologies, like magnetic brakes in place of traditional brakes, we can reduce wear and align better with our design intent. Each design choice has been made to enhance the micro-mobility experience and to provide the ultimate gliding experience.
The MAGRAY incorporates AI technology to analyze the immediate environment and predict the user's journey. This includes the possibility of sensing terrain, via lidar sensors in the fenders, and using this knowledge to adjust the wheel heights and rotational movements. This leads to a smoother riding experience, and is especially beneficial for users with accessibility needs. Gliding in space is a feeling that is exceptionally rare but is achievable with technology embedded in MAGRAY. By engaging the body in motion that is not just bi-directional, forward and back, users will be able to experience space in amore multifarious way.
