The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility
Object 1 – Solar Roadway Panels
Who designed it?
Solar Roadways
When was it in production? Or when it will be produce? Moreover, when it will be distributed?
It was made in 2018, but is not in major production or in motion to be distributed.
If it is a 3D object, what material/s is the object made of?
Cables, glass, circuit boards, solar cells.
What technology is used to make it or incorporated in its design, if any?
Solar powered technology is used in its design to make the road panels.
What is its usage? The benefits? The innovation?
It is used to harness solar power, which is beneficial in that it is clean and renewable energy. It is a new way to make energy and one that takes no space as it is on the road and is already being used as a road.
Object 2 – Accessible Olli Shuttle
Who designed it?
It was designed by Local motors in collaboration with International Business Machine Corp. (IBM) and CTA Foundation.
When was it in production? Or when it will be produce? Moreover, when it will be distributed?
It was created in 2018, but has no plans to be produced and distributed.
If it is a 3D object, what material/s is the object made of?
The original was 3d printed carbon fiber acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blend and vinyl.
What technology is used to make it or incorporated in its design, if any?
It uses software to detect and interact with passengers and make it more accessible to disabled passengers.
What is its usage? The benefits? The innovation?
It is used to make transportation more accessible for disabled people. It is a clean and advanced vehicle that is inclusive for its riders. Better for the environment and for its riders.
Object 3 – Starship Delivery Robot
Who designed it?
Starship Technologies designed this in 2015.
When was it in production? Or when it will be produce? Moreover, when it will be distributed?
They began production in 2016-2017 have been producing starship robots to be distributed to anyone who needs it.
If it is a 3D object, what material/s is the object made of?
It is a robot with GPS, cameras, and other sensory technology. It can carry up to 100 pounds so the material is likely durable and somewhat heavy. Some mix of synthetics and metals.
What technology is used to make it or incorporated in its design, if any?
To help the robot navigate and communicate with the world, it has a lot of sensory technology like GPS, cameras, and a inertial measurement unit.
What is its usage? The benefits? The innovation?
It is used to transport goods in a clean and efficient manner. Its is electric so it is better for the environment than a car that delivers.
Your reflection on the overall exhibition
I was very intrigued by this exhibition. I believe that we really need to take more steps to green and renewable energy so this was a very hopeful look into the future. I was also fascinated by the idea of being involved in this area just by following my future career. The amount of ways and innovative design that we can come up with to find new and alternative ways of living is always exciting. You have to think of things that have never been done before or use things that we haven’t seen since before we started burning fossil fuels.
