Autonomous supplying of the center of a metropolis
David Stingl and Filip Sobol
Czech Republic
Description:
Autonomous supplying of the center of a metropolis
Our project deals with the issue of supplying metropolises. Large expansive cities have a significant economy larger than even some countries in their complex center in relatively small areas. Supplying such an economy is a major concern right now. Supplying into cities is currently based on trucks, large or small, blocking the infrastructure and the aesthetics of the city.
We are working with an alternative of using the subway as a means of supply, which, in addition to transporting people, can also transport products and supplies underneath the entire complex infrastructure of the city.
At the beginning of its travel, the metro will be loaded at the depo with a supply box, for which a special space is created directly in the metro train, which, if it is not used for transporting cargo, can still be used to transport passengers and not affect the flow of traffic in any way. The box that the subway will transport to the city center will be picked up by our autonomous platform at the subway station using an elevator from the other side of the station, so that the system does not restrict the movement of passengers. After the platform brings the box back to the surface, the platform continues its journey with the supply box directly to the destination, where it ejects the box and leaves it until its contents are empty, then the platform replaces it again with a filled box.
We work with several variants of boxes. On the one hand, with a box that works as a parcel box, replacing courier services and goods delivery points; and also with a variant adapted for supplying businesses, such as restaurants.
The platform itself is adapted for the best possible maneuvering in the city thanks to a fully independent axle that allows the wheels to turn independently. The design is also capable of driving in both directions.
We based the design on functionality and robustness. The frame in the middle of the platform surrounding the box is the main technological center of the platform, ensuring autonomous operation, it contains long-range sensors and antennas, while in the lights and on the side are sensors intended for short-range scanning, the platform uses cameras, LiDars, radars, and GNSS antennas. The platform is designed for robustness and simple service. At the same time, the aesthetics of the platform is adapted to autonomy, we wanted the platform to have a pleasant, yet stable and trustworthy effect.
We wanted to adapt the visuals, especially of the box, to the modern look of a city without affecting the surrounding architecture and not attracting too much attention with its neutral design, but at the same time creating an impression of trust in the autonomous technology. Every element of the design is designed for the best possible maintenance and impact resistance to protect both the vehicle and the cargo being transported.
To a large extent, with this system, we are eliminating the freight traffic in the city and repositioning it below the surface of the city, with minimal economic burden, since the difference in weight and size creates practically no burden on the metro. With this approach, we reduce the ecological, economic, and ergonomic burden of supplying the city.
Biography:
David Stingl
A bachelor’s student at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague, majoring in industrial design, and formerly at the Brno University of Technology majoring in Industrial Design and Engineering.
Designer specialized in Transportation. Focused on bringing a story, emotions, and functions to a simple and reasonable design. Designs within 3D technologies and implements digital fabrication.
Filip Sobol
A bachelor’s student at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague, majoring in industrial design. Engaged in a wide range of design activities and working in various 3D programs to help the process of design of objects that carry functionality and simplicity of design.
Your Privacy Choices