Swiss idea factory Rinspeed outfitted a robotic BMW i3 named Budii to show the future of connected cars and give drivers a hand, by reaching out to the driver with a robotic arm at the Geneva Motor Show.
In the new “Budii” concept car from Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht robotic arm hands the steering wheel over to the driver of front passenger, when they want to take over (video follows).
The sensitive 7-axis steering column can be set in the center to save space as a table or personal valet. It is powered by “steer-by-wire” technology from Paravan.
For the automotive idea factory Rinspeed, the robotic arm in “Budii” is a symbol and food for thought at the same time for how the mechanics of the car with interact with people.
The company news release notes that in the future, cars will do just as we do. They will keep learning every day, and as a result will get better and better at mastering the complex challenges of modern-day private transport. “Budii” will take information from its surroundings, its own “experiences” and those of other vehicles along its route into consideration.The long-term result will be a cognitive and intuitive auto-pilot.
The Swiss company will demonstrate what such a “friend on wheels” could look like with the trans-urban SUV “Budii” at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Budii features:
- App that allows the car to follow a person running or to pick up a driver/passenger.
- A huge center connected touchscreen.
- Learning from personal preference
- Special offers on the center touchscreen for breakfast.
- Food delivery right to the car window.
- Fast payments by smartphones.
- Portable devices are seamlessly integrated.
- More joyful self-driving supported by the car.
- Drivers don’t have to drive so they can work or entertain themselves.
- An electric unfolding fan side window sun screen.
- Harmon Kardon sound.
- Sensors that detect rocks or potholes.
- Ability for couples to kiss and make-out while the car drives itself.
- Connected car to home that runs the bath on the way home.
- Multiple screens to view cameras.
- Buddi smartwatch.
- Movable steering wheel.
- Telescoping roof LIDAR that extends up to 70 centimeters in the air.
- Air suspension to life the chassis to adapt to the terrain.
- Averts dangerous traffic situations.
- Exterior lighting shows the mood of the passengers.
- Personal Segway-style tranportation pods, so people don’t have to walk.
The partners and suppliers in the realization of the “Budii” many of which are from Germany or Switzerland:
4erC GmbH
Borbet Vertriebs GmbH
Carl F. Bucherer
Dr. Schneider Unternehmensgruppe
Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
Esoro AG –
Evonik Industries AG
Ernst & Young GmbH
GF Automotive
Harman International, Inc.
Konrad Hornschuch AG
Ibeo Automotive Systems GmbH
Kappa optronics GmbH
Kiekert AG –
Kuka AG
Luxoft –
Mansory Design & Holding GmbH
NXP Semiconductors Germany GmbH
Racemark International
Schoeller Spinning Group
Sika Schweiz AG
Strähle+Hess GmbH
Vollmond Werbeagentur
Weidplas GmbH