Tesla is ahead of many competitors when it comes to autonomous driving thanks to its Autopilot technology.
Despite that, the Californian company has yet to unveil an autonomous pod concept like the ones we’ve seen from many other automakers. Imagining filling this void is the Tesla Pod study, which the author also calls a “Modular Autonomous Electric Platform for Urban Transport of People and Goods.”
Created by Portuguese designer Fabio Martins for his Design Master’s Thesis, the Tesla Pod envisions a versatile platform equipped with LIDAR, RADAR, Ultrasonic and Optical Sensors for Level 5 autonomous driving capability.
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Different modules can be attached to the core platform, each of them fulfilling different tasks “related to the transport of people and goods through urban environments.” In order for that to work, the platform is symmetrical – the front console is identical with the rear console.
This allows to reduce the cost of production of each platform and the integration of autonomous systems while maintaining a low price for the consumer. Another advantage that derives from this solution is the platform has four-wheel steering (each wheel offers the same steering degree). Furthermore, the four in-wheel electric motors making the vehicle very maneuverable in tight urban areas.
At the center of the platform one can see the central retention system which secures the modules and then releases them for transport by small valet vehicles to parking stations. When needed, they can be picked up again from those locations scattered across the city.
Thanks to this modular and independent approach, Fabio Martins claims each module can be developed “at a substantially lower cost than current concepts of mobility.” Obviously, this would open up various possibilities for new and innovative urban mobility concepts. Over to you, Elon Musk.
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