Sunday, October 24, 2010

Alternate World Technology

Source: Design Challenge


Industry and governments which are not known for implementing new ideas quickly are currently in a race to bring about a new civilization. 

The auto industry working in partnership with the computer and energy industries is a major part of this shift.

Major automakers answered a call for a Design Challenge from the LA Auto Show (18 November 2010) for a 1000 lb four passenger vehicle that is safe and comfortable.

Like an episode of Fringe, the entries may sound like science fiction but manufacturers are working closely with individuals in alternate Earths to bring technologies from these sources to our planet—

  • a compressed-air vehicle that goes 1000 miles on a tank
  • a car grown from two genetically engineered seeds in nursery/factories from proprietary DNA (one creates the interior, the other the exterior)
  • a car with a frame made from an ivy/spider biopolymer and other parts cultivated like agriculture
  • a vehicle “knitted” by “Smart Granny Robots”
  • a car made from seaweed combined with carbon fiber that captures and generates energy.

These vehicles are not so much manufactured as grown using genetic engineering.


MERCEDES-BENZ BIOME

Most of the energy used to power the Biome comes from the sun. It is stored in a lightweight grown material called BioFibre which is much lighter than metal or synthetic composites, but stronger than steel when mature. It is grown in the Mercedes-Benz Nursery through proprietary DNA. The customer’s specific desires are genetically engineered into the Star and the vehicle grows when this combines with the Seed capsule.

The interior of the Biome grows from Mercedes-Benz DNA in the front star, when it fuses with the seed. The exterior grows from the rear star, creating the shape. The wheels are grown separately from four unique seeds.

Mercedes Benz Symbiosis vehicles release pure oxygen into the environment improving air quality standards.


All Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis vehicles are grown in an ecologically sustainable nursery, using primarily organic materials.

Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis vehicles collect energy from the sun and store it in chemical bonds, in the form of a fluid called BioNectar4534. Mercedes has also developed technology to retrofit trees with receptors which can harvest their excess solar energy into BN4534. This creates an incentive to plant more trees and collect more energy, while also helping the ecosystem. The vehicle can be composted after its lifespan is complete or used as building material.


Above—interior of the nursery, below—exterior.



TOYOTA NORI

The Toyota Nori factory is near the sea where chassis and body are created as one Pod from bioplastics technology using “nori” (the Japanese word for seaweed) combined with a carbon fiber weave for strength.

Solar cells that capture and generate supplemental solar energy are woven into the PODULAR form as part of the growing/manufacturing process. NORI utilizes four electric wheel motors.



The color/graphics of NORI can be changed through an electronically generated data charge sent into the surface. There are no doors—ingress/egress is achieved by stepping over and into NORI’s PODULAR form.


NISSAN iV

The iV is a super-lightweight sports tourer made using “organic synthetics,” a revolutionary manufacturing technique in which automotive parts are cultivated like agriculture in a 100% sustainable, carbon-neutral process.

Fast growing material compound along with nano robots are fed through tubes into the support structure which creates the genetically engineered frame. The biopolymer frame is derived from fast-growing ivy and re-enforced with spider silk composite (stronger than kevlar).

The cabin is constructed from an innovative photovoltaic material that weighs 99% less than traditional glass. The canopy collects solar energy while providing protective safety and open-air views of the outdoors. A slim bio-battery provides stability and a near limit-less range made possible by regenerative super-capacitor technology that recoups 60% of kinetic energy spent.

Concentric hub-less in-wheel propel and function as the vehicle’s steering as well as its suspension system, via magnetic levitation and propulsion. Concentric magnetic rings amplify rotation with each outer ring.

Inspired by schools of fish and their fluid movement, Nissan’s pro-active Safety Shield™ renders collisions a thing of the past and reduces weight by eliminating the need for heavy structures (bumpers, beams, airbags, etc.).




CADILLAC AERA

Aera’s highly advanced body structure utilizes a polyhedral structure similar to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g., inside the grouping of bubbles. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially “grown” into a single part lattice structure.

Smoothness and quietness are accomplished using the harnessed power of compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System (PDS). Its 10,000 psi composite air storage tank has ample capacity for a 1000 mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort.



SMART 454 WWT

Manufactured by high-tech robots that look as friendly and cuddly as grandmothers, the Tridion-frame (chassis) is knit by “Smart Granny Robots” (otherwise know as SGRs) out of carbon fibre. The knitting can create complex shapes and forms,.

Different materials for each individual part gives every piece of the car its own specific properties and look. Each part is manufactured with the exact material necessary. Windows, fenders and bumpers are all made of recyclable plastics with ingrained colors. The roof is a thin, but highly durable recycled textile that comes with different prints and weavings.

Construction of the WWT carbon fibre wheels with integrated suspension are very lightweight and make it also impossible to run a flat tire.

The doors, roof, engine and drive-train are very easy to remove or exchange, allowing for perfect functionality, looks, fun and the best tuning for any occasion.



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