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Electropositive Three Wheeler Concept Vehicle as Urban Transportation

TheFuture — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:07:43 +0000

This Electropositive three wheeler concept vehicle was derived from the need of a personal electric vehicle for urban transportation. It features a brushless electric motor in every wheel which acts as a generator also when braking. The body panels of this superb vehicle are made of photovoltaic transparent polycarbonate and carbon fiber “exoskeleton”. Normally, this is a single-seater vehicle but the luggage compartment behind the driver can easily accommodate a passenger if needed. When it’s time to lean, the driver can drag the handlebar towards him, so an electro-hydraulic servo will elevate the center of gravity of the vehicle by working on the piston that attaches the swing arm. Releasing the handlebar will stabilize the vehicle by reducing center of gravity.

Designer : Ionut Predescu

BikeBug Communication System for Cyclists

TheFuture — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:49:16 +0000

BikeBug Bluetooth radio concept will diminish the limitation of cyclists when they go out together and want to communicate with each other. BikeBug communication system includes an easy to use, small radio consists of two major components; a radio resided in a stretchy, hook-on exoskeleton, and an earpiece or microphone that includes the volume control mechanism. An incorporated Bluetooth transmitter links the earpiece or mike with the radio wirelessly through which the cyclists will have a wire free convenience. Family Radio Service frequencies, which are being used by most economical hand-held radios, will be mostly used to establish the communication.

Designer : Continuum

The Lamborghini Insecta Car Concept for Extreme Racing

TheFuture — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:38:23 +0000

Iulian Bumbu, a Romanian professional car designer, designed The Lamborghini Insecta keeping an extreme racing supercar in mind. The design of this mid-engined 2-seater supercar combines the styling cues of the brand with elements encouraged by insect exoskeletons. The idea was based on introducing more organic and softer lines and combining them into the geometrical approach of Lamborghini. The inspiration mainly came from nature, particularly from the exoskeletons of insects which can be found in the top and back views of the car. Carbon-fiber is the main material of the panels and body structure of the car and powertrain is the same of a Gallardo.

Designer : Iulian Bumbu via CarBodyDesign

The Balance Mobile Phone Concept with Ergonomics Design

TheFuture — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:00:46 +0000

The Balance of Communication concept was developed with ergonomics in mind. A shape which fits in hand well is coupled with a new weight distribution of the components. The heavy parts are located on the bottom part of the phone, leaving the top with only a very thin and light display. The keypad is big for the ease of use – many people are frustrated by the small keypads on current phones. The design tries to eliminate the sealed case look by using an exoskeleton as a feature. The strong side beams are the structurally supportive elements of the design, giving the aesthetics a visual flow, and communicating the idea of ergonomics.

Heikki says :

“This concept was done as an exercise for my modeling skills, and as an alternative experiment concept for the phone industry. I believe concepts should provoke feelings and discussion, in both good and bad. It’s a great way to learn and develop further designs. It’s also interesting to see how people are willing to sacrifice ergonomics and usability for values that are made up, such as status and the bling factor. I find this an important and challenging thing to consider as a designer.”

Designer : Heikki Juvonen

Yamaha Deus Ex Machina Motorcycle Concept

TheFuture — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:25:48 +0000

Jake Loniak, a student of Art Center Pasadena has crammed the combination of motorcycle and tech-skeleton into an awesome looking Yamaha branded Deus Ex Machina. Jake has beyond his wild imagination to design this concept. The vehicle will be powered by ultra-capacitors and doped nano-phoshpate batteries. Jake believes that this vehicle can achieve a top speed of 75 mph. The recharge time of this vehicle is15 minutes and cycle time is of 1 hour. The qualities are more than the qualities found in hybrid cars. Anyone who uses this vehicle would be protected from any kind of accident. Can’t wait this vehicle to come on roads…!!

Designer : Jake Loniak via Gizmodo via Hell For Leather

Strata Luxury Tower in 2011 by Asymptote

TheFuture — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:37:23 +0000

Dubai is coming out to be the next destination as far as architectural designs are concerned. An example of the same is the Strata tower, a forty story, luxury residential building designed by architects Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of Asymptote. The work has started on the Al Raha Beach and is slated to be completed by early 2011.

The tower would be 160 meters high and will be tallest building in the Al Dana precinct, which is the centerpiece of Aldar Properties PJSC’s prestigious Al Raha Beach development. The project and its development shall be showcased at Cityscape Abu Dhabi from May 13–15, 2008. the Strata Tower is designed to signify an important and dignified future for the Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region.

Its physical presence is striking as it encapsulates the meaning through abstract form which is drawn from both motifs and local cultural landscapes along with forces of global influence. Its design utilizes the mathematical means in design to achieve a highly pertinent architecture for UAE. This innovative form was created using techniques from various influences along with the state of the art advanced parametric modeling tools and factors including economies of production and fabrication with special consideration given to environmental sustainability. Sophisticated computer modeling tools were utilized to produce the building’s intelligent, environmentally responsive louver system which is held in a cantilevered exoskeleton structure. This exoskeleton veils the entire tower in a shimmering curvilinear form set against Abu Dhabi’s surrounding desert and sea, embracing and reflecting the ever-changing light and atmospheres that contain and enfold it.

Designer : Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture via Dezeen

Honda Walking Assist Device for The Elderly and Other People with Weakened Leg Muscles

TheFuture — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:02:59 +0000

Still remember about Honda robotic walking rehab? At that time, we didn’t have much detail information, but now Honda has made official statement regarding this robotic walking assist device. It’s great that Honda tries to extend its areas from cars and motorcycles, but so far we don’t jump in joy for their ASIMO Robot. But this…a robotic assist device for disabled individuals, now you’re talking…

Available in three sizes, the device uses brushless DC motors powered by lithium ion batteries that allow up to two hours of walking assistance per charge. Honda’s Fundamental Technology Research Center will be showcasing the device at the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled, which will be held at Intex Osaka, Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008.

Honda walking assist device is much more compact than similar device such as : rewalk exoskeleton. If this device is working perfectly, not just us, there are going to be a lot of people jump in joy for Honda’s breakthrough.

From the website :
Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with a goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. Currently, the device has entered into the feasibility stage.

The cooperative control technology utilized for this device is a unique Honda innovation achieved through the cumulative study of human walking just as the research and development of technologies was conducted for Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. Applying cooperative control based on the information obtained from hip angle sensors, the motors provide optimal assistance based on a command from the control CPU. With this assist, the user’s stride will be lengthened compared to the user’s normal stride without the device and therefore the ease of walking is achieved.

The compact design of the device was achieved with flat brushless motors and a control system developed by Honda. In addition, a simple design to be worn with a belt around the hip and thigh was employed to help achieve overall weight as light as approximately 2.8kg. As a result, the device reduces the user’s load and can be fit to different body shapes.

Note : This device is designed for people who are still capable of walking on their own.

Designer : Honda via AutoBlog

ReWalk Exoskeleton Helps Paraplegics Walk

TheFuture — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:49:23 +0000

To stand and to walk for some people that could be just a dream. ReWalk exoskeleton is trying to make that dream come true, paraplegics will be able to stand, walk, even climb the stairs The challenge here is to design something that imitates a human walking, including universal fit for a broad range of user height and weight measurements, as well as a low profile that is both contemporary and user friendly. ReWalk exoskeleton is a light, wearable brace support suit featuring DC motors at the joints, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors, and a computer-based control system. Users wear a backpack device and braces on their legs, and select the activity they want from a remote control. A sensor on the chest determines the torso’s angle and guides the legs to move forward or backward to maintain balance. You can expect to see ReWalk Exoskeleton on sale in 2009.

Designer : SolidWorks via GizmoWatch