On-The-Road Modular Vehicle

U-Shift

U-Shift capsules
The payload unit or capsule is lightweight, flexible and designed for a wide range of applications in passenger and goods transport.
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U-Shift prototypes in use at the BUGA 23 Federal Horticultural Show
From the left: The U-Shift 4 travelled in research mode, while the U-Shift 1 gave the opportunity to get to know the passenger capsule from the inside and on the far right a transport capsule.
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Driveboard - autonomous drive module
"The driveboard contains all the high-tech, while the capsules are relatively simple and only equipped with the absolutely necessary technical systems. They can be produced easily and cost-effectively," explains DLR researcher Jürgen Weimer.
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The concept

The autonomous, driverless, U-Shift electric vehicle concept enables a new type of modularity by separating the driving module from the transport capsule, thus creating new intermodality, new products and business models. The drive module can be used in combination with various capsule types to transport both passengers and goods. Examples of applications include autonomous, electromobile night delivery, autonomous intra-logistics and barrier-free passenger transport.

Driveboard

The autonomous drive module integrates all the components and systems required for driving operation. In addition to the electric drive, battery and automation components, the Driveboard has an integrated lifting system for the quick and easy replacement of different types of capsules. The capsules are changed 'on the road', so during operation, to enable new transport and mobility services.

  • Autonomous (up to SAE J3016 Level 5 ), flexible, standardisable
  • Electric drive system
  • High utilisation rates (24/7) and quiet night-time operation

Capsules

The capsules are only equipped with the most necessary technical features and can therefore be produced cost-effectively.

  • Customised and flexible
  • Customised: use of different capsules for passenger transport (people mover, private capsule) and commercial transport (delivery, service, recycling capsule).
  • 'Simple', light and cost-efficient

Automation

The automation is much more closely linked to the infrastructure than today's Cooperative Automated Driving (CAD) approaches. U-Shift takes automation to the next level – Managed Automated Driving (MAD) is a key element of this:

  • Protection via infrastructure sensors
  • Management via traffic control centre
  • Optimised use of the road infrastructure

News about U-Shift

Downloads

Factsheet U-Shift

217.5 KB | PDF

Related links

Project page – DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts

Contact

Tjark Siefkes

Project coordination
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Vehicle Concepts
Pfaffenwaldring 38 – 40, 70569 Stuttgart