This Microcar Concept By A Coventry University Graduate Is Here To Revolutionize The Transportation In Megacities

Apr 15, 2024

Picture a busy city of the future, teeming with life, energy, and movement. But instead of just people rushing around, imagine a world where autonomous AI machines are an integral part of daily life, like a new kind of urban wildlife. Just like animals in the wild have their roles to play in an ecosystem, these machines have specific tasks to fulfil in our cities. These AI machines aren't just cold, lifeless gadgets. They've evolved to have something similar to a soul—a ghost of artificial intelligence that gives them personality and character. So, instead of being mere tools, these machines become companions to humanity, helping us navigate our increasingly complex urban environments.

Think of iconic machines like the TACHIKOMA - a Microcar Concept from popular culture—they're the ones we interact with every day, helping us with everything from transportation to communication.

In the world of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the TACHIKOMA are like beloved companions to Section 9, the special operations unit. Now, imagine these iconic robots not just as characters in an anime, but as real-life autonomous transporters in the cities of tomorrow. Just like animals in a big city, these TACHIKOMA would be active members of society, carrying out various tasks every day. Their presence offers a solution to the challenge of communication in massive cities. They'll facilitate connections between vehicles, people, machines, and more, helping to streamline and improve the flow of information and goods.

Their roles will be diverse and crucial to the functioning of megacities. They'll handle everything from personal transportation to public transit, logistics, construction support, and much more. Essentially, they'll be the backbone of urban transportation infrastructure, ensuring that cities operate efficiently and effectively.

The Architecture of TACHIKOMA

TACHIKOMA, inspired by its anime roots, is instantly recognizable by its unique design. Its silhouette, reminiscent of its on-screen counterpart, sets it apart in the realm of urban transport. What makes this concept truly special is its driverless configuration, carefully crafted to excel in delivering goods with maximum efficiency. The design of TACHIKOMA isn't just about aesthetics; it's a testament to the innovative strides made in urban mobility. By removing the need for a human driver, the vehicle can navigate city streets with precision and speed, making it an ideal choice for delivery transport in bustling urban environments.

In the anime, TACHIKOMA's legs are a defining feature, but in its automotive adaptation, those elements are reimagined as its bodysides. Instead of literal legs, these components now form the sides of the vehicle, curving inward sharply. This design not only creates a visual focal point but also gives TACHIKOMA a powerful and commanding presence. With its bodysides arched inward, the vehicle stands tall and sturdy, exuding strength and stability. Its wheels are positioned proudly at each corner, further enhancing its robust stance. This design not only pays homage to the original anime character but also ensures that this microcar concept remains functional and practical in real-world urban environments.

At the heart of TACHIKOMA's design lies the TRI-DOT lenses, a feature inspired by its appearance in the anime. These lenses serve as more than just distinctive lighting elements; they are essential components of its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), providing crucial vision coverage for the vehicle. Resembling the iconic design from the anime, the TRI-DOT lenses are strategically placed to ensure maximum visibility in all directions. They serve as sensors, capturing data about the vehicle's surroundings and feeding it into TACHIKOMA's ADAS. This comprehensive vision coverage enables TACHIKOMA to navigate urban environments safely and efficiently, detecting obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles with precision.

Conclusion

As TACHIKOMA becomes part of the city, it will change to meet people's needs. Like the city itself, it will adapt and improve. As its AI gets better, this concept will develop its personality, like in the anime. People will get used to having machine companions, just like we're used to seeing animals in the city. In the future, it won't just be a machine; it'll be like a living thing in the city and like animals in nature, it will do important jobs in the city, like moving things, helping in emergencies, and even being a friend to people.

About Designer

Daniel Azam bin Azmir, originally from Malaysia, graduated from Coventry University. His passion for motorsports was ignited by his love for cars, nurtured through experiences with Gran Turismo. Daniel has a diverse background, having been involved with Toyota Gazoo Racing in Malaysia, where he contributed to various programs and achieved success in endurance racing. He has served in both design and executive roles, bringing a wealth of experience to the table.

Inspired by his love for mecha and sci-fi anime and movies, Daniel continuously pushes the boundaries of his designs. Through industry projects with Jaguar and participation in corporate motorsport programs, Daniel has honed his skills and is now eagerly seeking opportunities for a fulfilling career in the automotive industry, leveraging his unique background and experiences.

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Daniel Azmir