The British design agency Layer has teamed up with the Chinese automotive company Nio to develop an electric scooter. This uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to autonomously take you to your preferred routes. The Smart E-Scooter, called Pal, is a modern concept for the near future. It aims to alleviate the growing problem of congestion in cities by providing flexible and comfortable travel.
Called a “mobile platform” by the designer, the Pal electric scooter uses Nio’s intelligent AI system, called Nomi. This allows the scooter to get used to the driver's routes and ultimately get him to his destination independently. A modular,electric batteryalso supplies the electric scooter.
You can charge these in the trunk of a vehicle or at your home. If the trip requires more than a single battery, it can be quickly swapped for another.
You can also control the Pal electric scooter via wireless Bluetooth headphones. It also allows you to connect to the AI Nomi system via an app on the smartwatch or via cell phone. From here, the faithful companion is able to respond to simple voice commands and questions from the user. For example, asking the driver to determine the best route or how much battery is left in the vehicle.
Innovative Technologie
Layer's designers also believe that the future will be autonomous and sustainable. That's why it's important for the team from England to create products and designs that offer more comfort without putting a strain on the planet. This is what Benjamin Hubert, founder of the agency, claims. For him, the Pal electric scooter is also a successful, future-oriented concept.
It's a nimble electric vehicle that addresses the growing congestion and population density of our cities. This innovation is also a possible solution to the resulting challenges that we have to deal with today.
The electric scooter also features a pressure-sensitive “lean steering” suspension that allows the rider to lean forward to increase speed, back to decrease speed, and left or right curve to turn. Each wheel is powered by a single motor embedded in the hub to provide independent wheel speed and steering as this can vary as the vehicle turns.
Practical and futuristic design in one
The chassis and steering column are made of coated carbon fiber. This makes the vehicle robust and light. It is also easy to transport and more efficient in terms of energy consumption. Users who want to fit the electric scooter into the trunk of a small car can fold it into a more compact size to make transport easier.
Various accessories, such as a bag, basket or shopping cart, can also be attached to the front of the steering column to adapt it to your needs. The vehicle is designed to express lifestyle values and sensibilities. It offers a distinctly technology-based language that creates harmony between the way people think about their homes and transport in the future.
The manufacturer showed the Pal electric scooter at this year's Milan Design Week. This took place from April 9th to 14th. This isn't the first time Layer has delved into transportation design. The studio recently developed a smart textile for Airbus seating that allows passengers to monitor and control their seating conditions via phone.
