Quantron AG, a company specializing in eco-friendly transportation, recently wrapped up its QUANTRON Design Award 2024. The award ceremony happened online on March 18, with people from all over the globe, along with project partners, joining in. This event celebrated innovative designs aimed at making transportation more sustainable. The competition attracted 35 entries from over 10 countries and 20 esteemed universities and design schools. It sought to honour and support young designers who had fresh ideas for the transportation sector. These ideas were meant to be unconventional, thinking outside the box to tackle challenges in transportation.
The main aim was to encourage young talents to share their new perspectives and ideas. By doing so, the event hoped to shake up the European transportation and logistics industry with innovative yet practical solutions.
Siddhartha Dutt - Winning Project
Siddhartha Dutt from CCS University in Detroit, USA, won the QUANTRON Design Award 2024. His design showed a thorough approach, demonstrating the full potential of the brief through detailed visuals and extensive research and design work.
↳ Check this another Featured Genesis Concept By A CCS Student
This project was created with the understanding that QUANTRON offers more than just reliability: it offers a complete system for logistics services. Keeping this in mind, the project focuses on a truck equipped with a remote driving solution and the ability to perform various services.
At the heart of this vision are 5 main components:
Quantum Link Tractor: This part of the project was inspired by the designer's passion for semi-trucks and tractors, especially brands like MAN, Mack, and Peterbilt. He aimed to blend Quantron's design cues with the traditional 4x2 tractor silhouette, steering away from the typical industrial look. Instead, he wanted to create a story that captures the non-commercial side of the automotive world.
Q Drone: Integrated into the cabin, this drone is designed to gather crucial information using advanced technology. It ensures data collection even in challenging situations like bad weather, providing drivers with better awareness for safer and more efficient driving.
Q Module: This module enhances the tractor's functionality by offering two modes: a fixed bed tractor mode and a full-length tractor-trailer mode. It adds versatility to cargo transportation, adapting to different logistical needs and improving efficiency on the road.
Q Pod: The upper part of the cabin can detach from the tractor, providing flexibility in driver accommodation. It can be relocated to a Quantron Q Center remote driver facility or even the driver's residence, giving them the option of working regular hours instead of being on the road for days. The lower part of the cabin integrates with a remote driving setup, allowing drivers to control the vehicle from a distance with precision and confidence.
Q Center: Serving as a service centre, remote driver facility, and showroom, the Q Center is a hub for innovation and client engagement. It offers a comprehensive zero-emission product and solution ecosystem, integrating cutting-edge technology and top-tier service. By providing support and immersive experiences, the Q Center is dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
A Quote from Siddhartha: “The Quantron AG challenge was a big push for designers like me to think beyond the usual. Instead of just designing another fancy car, it gave us a chance to add our touch to the technical world of long-haul transportation. Winning the Quantron 2024 challenge feels amazing. It's hard to believe that a designer from India like me could impress the judges enough to win. It shows how Quantron AG is making big efforts on a global scale to drive the future forward. I want to give a huge thanks to the Quantron team and everyone involved for giving us aspiring designers this incredible chance to show our creativity and help shape the future of transportation!”
Ana Alvarez Maestro - 2nd Place
Ana Alvarez Maestro from the University of Navarra in Spain, despite being among the youngest applicants, impressed the jury with her exceptional execution, proficient 3D modelling skills, and compelling visualizations, proving to be the most practical and compatible approach for the QUANTRON-as-a-Service concept.
This project blends digital technology with the real-world challenges of present and future travel conditions. At its core is the driver, and it explores their natural interaction with the vehicle and its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from science fiction, it suggests that integrating technology into our daily lives should be seamless, simple, and elegant—not robotic and unwelcoming. The goal is to create trucks that are faster, safer, and more conducive to a comfortable life on the road.
The main goal of this project is to prioritize and take care of truck drivers, giving them the same respect as ship captains or airline pilots. While the designer focused on technical stuff like how the truck moves and how eco-friendly it is, the main idea is still about supporting and appreciating these hardworking drivers. Everything about the design is aimed at making their time on the road better.
↳ You might be interested in this New CAMPer Pickup Project By Polaris Kwok
Technologies like autonomous driving are part of the plan to enhance safety and comfort, the project's current phase emphasizes the well-being of drivers. Access to the cabin is made easy with a sliding door located in front of the front axle, ensuring comfortable entry and exit even around tight corners. The aerodynamic steps move forward, creating a staircase for elegant and natural movement, akin to walking the red carpet at the Oscars.
The exterior design of the cabin follows a technical-minimalist style, drawing inspiration from the facades of the Guggenheim Museums in New York and Bilbao. The goal was to achieve an elegant look that stood the test of time. The cabin boasts a spacious and well-lit interior, thanks to a large glass area at the front. Metal panels with sleek colours and smooth contours give the cabin a light and futuristic appearance. The design concept originally combined elements from a full-face racing helmet, an F1 sports car, and a sneaker box.
Inside, the interior maintains the minimalist approach, taking cues from the hall of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. This design allows the driver to personalize their space by adapting different components according to their preferences and habits. At the heart of this project is the driver, who is considered the central figure and driving force behind the design. She finds inspiration in people's stories, which drive his creative projects. As a designer, she cares most about people. Using cool new tech like vizcom helped her a lot at the start of the projects, sparking ideas and making designing easier.
↳ Read more on why it's High time to adapt to AI tools and include them in your design phase
Lorenzo Benzoni - 3rd Place
Lorenzo Benzoni, a student of IED University in Turin, Italy, showcased with his project a sophisticated approach to efficiency, seamlessly integrating aerodynamics and innovative cabin structures. Its captivating visualizations and presentations elevate the overall impact, underscoring the courage in both design and execution. The project takes cues from how aeroplanes work efficiently. It focuses on making a vehicle that uses aerodynamics to save fuel and work better. The design is all about being both useful and stylish. The lines on the vehicle flow towards the QUANTRON logo on the front, showing a strong brand identity.
↳ Don't miss on this Latest Alfa Romeo F3 Concept By an IED Graduate
The goal of this project is to make the truck super efficient which could use as little fuel and energy as possible and help the environment a lot. The idea came from looking at how aeroplanes are designed. By studying how planes fly, the designer learned about the importance of shapes that guide the air smoothly and movable parts that can change the surface area facing the air, like flaps on a plane.
The designer emphasised strong and clear lines, just like planes do. One important thing he did was to make a line that connected the trailer to the front of the truck. This makes the whole truck look smooth, and fast and helps the driver see better, which makes driving safer.
There are big surfaces on the truck, with five at the back of the cabin and one at the back near the diffuser. These surfaces move to help the truck in different situations, like stopping quickly in an emergency or turning sharply with the trailer. They also help the tractor and trailer work together better, making them more aerodynamic. There are also air channels and a diffuser that stretch out to fill the space between the tractor and trailer. This helps reduce drag, which is the force that slows the truck down.
↳ Check this Cadillac Semi Iq Concept by Lucas Jeong
Furthermore, the trailer has small parts behind the wheels that help clean the air and reduce turbulence caused by the wheels rolling. This makes the lower part of the truck more aerodynamic too. All these things, along with a cool design, make the truck stand out and look fast.
With this truck, the designer aimed to envision the future in alignment with Quantron's forward-thinking approach. The goal was to explore new ways of understanding mobility by optimizing resources. Additionally, the designer sought to evoke the awe and wonder that people experience as children when they see a plane in the sky or when they encounter a truck for the first time.
Siu Fung George Lau - Mention Award
Siu Fung George Lau a student of Istituto Europeo di Design IED in Turin exhibited an exemplary problem-solving and industrial design-oriented approach, characterized by its ingenious out-of-the-box solutions. Its innovative design choices and exceptional execution make it a standout contender, worthy of recognition alongside our top three winners. In his project, he addressed the logistical and environmental hurdles of long-distance transportation. He carefully thought about how to depict QUANTRON, drawing inspiration from its iconic logo.
The goal is to build trust with customers by showcasing the excellence of QUANTRON's products and services. This strategy aims to establish the hydrogen fuel cell truck as a distinctive representation of QUANTRON's core values: reliability, energy, and bravery.
↳ Don't forget to check out this amazing RAM ARVO Concept by Dylan Horn
Before starting, the designer thought about how to make sure this truck represents Quantron well. He got ideas from Quantron's logo. It's all about making customers trust Quantron and showing how good their products and services are. That's why the Q-Ring truck is special—it represents Quantron's important values of being reliable, energetic, and brave. The Q-Ring is a new and different idea for future hydrogen trucks. It's a key part of the Quantron-as-a-Service Ecosystem, which is changing how trucks are used in the future.
This special system helps with safety, the problem of not having enough truck drivers, and worries about the environment. Besides being useful, the design also makes sure all the trucks look the same, making Quantron's brand stronger.
The tricky part is making a design that looks good and works well, even though it's different from what people are used to. The design also focuses on making the truck look friendly and not too big or tough, especially because it's important for pedestrians to feel safe around trucks. That's why the truck has round shapes and feels more like a product than a big machine.
Next to the fuel tank cap on the Q-Ring truck, there are two small extra hydrogen tanks. These tanks are made to switch with full ones at special stations easily. This means the truck can be refuelled quickly when there's not much time. When not being used, Q-Ring trucks can be stacked on top of each other to save space. This helps make the most of parking areas, saving valuable space. Plus, since the trucks are shorter, they don't block the view as much and make it easier for people to walk around.
Quote from George Lau: “Being part of the competition taught me a lot about designing trucks. Seeing the work of other students from different countries also inspires me. I also got to try out cool tools like Vizcom and Gravity Sketch. I even became a student ambassador for Gravity Sketch because I liked it so much.”
The success of this international design competition highlights the importance of collaboration and the power of creativity in driving innovation within the automotive design sector.
Andreas Haller, CEO & Founder of QUANTRON stated: “We were truly impressed by the calibre of the submissions we received. The level of talent and dedication demonstrated by the participants was remarkable, making the selection process extremely challenging. We are recognizing the exceptional talent and innovative ideas that emerged from this competition, these designers have demonstrated their ability to push boundaries and shape the future of the transportation design industry. This reflects our approach to changing the industry with unconventional solutions, empowered by a deep understanding of technology, intelligent engineering, and innovative design.”
Statement from Partners
Jordan Taylor, CEO & Co of Vizcom stated: “We were excited to partner with QUANTRON in the Design Award. As a company deeply committed to the future of design, we were both honoured and excited to be part of this celebration of creativity, innovation, and excellence. Our mission has always been to empower creators with the tools they need to bring their visions to life. By sponsoring the QUANTRON Design Award, we are reaffirming our commitment to this goal. We not only got to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible talent within the design community but also to inspire and be inspired by the groundbreaking work being done in our field.”
Oluwaseyi Sosanya, CEO of Gravity Sketch stated: “Gravity Sketch was thrilled to partner with Quantron AG, Automotive Design Planet and Vizcom for the QUANTRON Design Award! I was consistently more impressed with the work I saw in academia than that of our industry partners. Students are leading the charge of more creative and sustainable design solutions, which both play important roles in our company mission and vision. This collaboration highlighted our shared values in creativity, innovation, and style.”
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT YEAR'S QUANTRON DESIGN AWARD
