Communications of the ACM
Autonomous Car Prototype Folds, Shrinks, Drives Sideways
A prototype of a new type of electric micro car can convert from conventional driving to driving sideways in seconds.
Credit: Timo Birnschein/DFKI GmbH
A group of engineers, software developers, and designers in Germany have developed a design for a new type of electric micro car.
The prototype, now in its second phase, is able to convert from conventional driving to driving sideways in just seconds. Each wheel is powered by its own motor, which enables the two-seater car to shrink from eight feet to less than five feet in length. The car shifts its rear axle to the front and slides on a set of rails to raise the interior upwards, all while the occupants are comfortably seated.
The Innovative Technologies Electromobility (ITEM) initiative is an undertaking of the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building & Urban Development's New Mobility in Rural Areas project. Under ITEM, the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center is designing and implementing the vehicle as a technology demonstrator for "(electro)mobility of the future." Project partners include H2O e-mobile and Fraunhofer IFAM.
The prototype has a top speed of 40 miles per hour, and can travel 30 to 44 miles on a single four-hour battery charge. A foldable docking interface fits into the body of the car for charging, and when not charging the vehicle, it can be used to connect range extenders and passenger or cargo modules.
From Scientific Computing
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