Vehicles have always been a need for the human beings for commuting. Vehicles available today are basically a space defined rigidly by a metal capsule. So, when we use a vehicle, it occupies space when not in use; and also, leaves considerable footprint on the road while commuting. Since it is rigidly defined, we cannot change the vehicle to suite the requirement and the available space. The present vehicles have rigidly defined passenger capacity; for example, a small hatch back can take 4 or maximum 5 people in it. But if a single person is going to use that, he has to take that vehicle as it is. This means, that person will waste the space for 3 extra people. So we need a vehicle that can adjust itself as per the number of passengers which are going to travel in it.
Today, another problem that we are facing is the depletion of fossil fuels. So it is essential to device a vehicle which will use non conventional energy sources and if possible, generate energy on its own while commuting.
Amoeba, the space adaptable vehicle was an attempt to solve these problems together. It can run in three modes, namely, Personal Mobility Vehicle, Microcar and a family car mode. From personal mode, it can shift its rear portion to make sapce for another person and turns into a micro car, a two seat tandem sitting vehilce. It can also expand sideways and make space for two more people and turns into a family car or a car for four people.
Fitted with omni wheels makes the vehicle suitable for city rides. Freedom of lateral sideways movement makes it easy to park the vehicle in tight spaces. The vehicle runs on a series hybrid mode. This power source is comprised of a main battery and an air engine as a range extender.
The capability of adapting on the move, make Amoeba a temporary solution to the traffic congestion problems, till the total infrastructure level solution gets developed.
Case Study Download:
• Amoeba - The Space Adaptable Vehicle - Pdf