Autonomo: A fully autonomous vehicle for 2030

Autonomo: A fully autonomous vehicle for 2030 Jancy James: AutonomoFully autonomous vehicle for 2030 by Charles Rattray The world is reeling with futuristic concepts that can hit the universe in a few years from now. Scientists are working overtime to do away with the major problems that we face in all areas and introduce solutions without changing the existing resources. The Concept of Autonomo Autonomo is a completely autonomous vehicle that is waiting to hit the road in the year 2030. The vehicle is so designed that it helps in overcoming traffic congestion, increase accessibility without changing the existing road structure, increase energy efficiency and to develop a transportation scene that is entirely carbon neutral. Autonomo is tuned to work on the concept of biomimicry, information technology, sustainability and artificial intelligence. Inspiration To sustain our universe, we need to replenish the resources that are constantly being used. There are instances in the animal kingdom that shows how collective unity leads to the achievement of goals that are common to all. Autonomo is inspired form such a concept. Biomimicry studies reveal that when energy is considered as a scarce resource, it is conserved more responsibly and unity can help achieve this conservation more efficiently. Where we are now in terms of concept development Going by the progress that we have achieved in all areas of development, the concept that is at its rudimentary stage will soon be implemented by year 2030. Let's assess as to how this is possible. Moore's law predictions in the year 1970 states that technology grows exponentially. Taking the example of the CPU, it is calculated that the CPU's efficiency becomes double every 2 years. Thus a mass market computer chip would have become 1024 times more efficient than it was in the year 2010. Computer chips will then outweigh human brains by achieving more tasks every second. Along with this increase in performance, there will be increase in energy efficiency and an equivalent drop in price as well. This graph can be applied to all kinds of technology and we are not far away in achieving the Autonomo goal by those standards. What makes Autonomo stand out? As per the concept, Autonomo vehicles act in perfect synchronisation to improve energy efficiency, safety, communication and swiftness. All Autonomo vehicles come equipped with a sensor technology which consists of radars, lidars, microwave, infrared and optical sensor technologies which help them assess the road and vehicle conditions that are nearby and act according to the demands of the traffic and environment. As all Autonomo vehicles are connected together in real time, they can collect important data about road congestions and traffic congestions and update the central traffic management system, which helps in updating the existing resources as per the need that are updated constantly by the unified efforts of Autonomo vehicles. Traffic congestions will be a thing of the past as traffic can be diverted to less congested areas through the central management system. All Autonomo vehicles that travel along the same route can be put into a synchronised group or a platoon where they will save up to 25% energy and can share the energy among themselves. The transparent photovoltaic layers located underneath converts solar energy into electricity, required for the function of the vehicle. Where do we go from here? With the inception of Autonomo vehicles, the roads will always be free of clutter and confusion. The collective efforts of the vehicle will help in energy consumption, efficiency, smooth mobility and easy management of road traffic according to the demands of the moment. Road safety will be maximized as the technology incorporated in Autonomo helps in sensing human gestures, predicting pedestrian paths, detects road signs, cyclist, vehicles and other hazards on the road beforehand and avoid accidents. Advanced batteries are used in an Autonomo which can be charged automatically through energy transfer lasers positioned on the road. The vehicle will be charged while they move through these roads and energy transfer can take place while many vehicles move in platoon mode as well. Our need for visiting as station every now and then will be a thing of history with its introduction. The electronic system of Autonomo is so competent that an in built computer system controls all the normal functions like driving, monitoring, controlling etc. which makes the driver's job as easy as a cakewalk. This highly sophisticated vehicle does away with the need for monitoring or directing form the driver's part, making driving as pleasant an activity as a back seat passenger who enjoys the lovely views outside. Autonomo comes with a futuristic design that is sleek with a small front facade and hence two Autonomo vehicles can fit in one parking space. This makes way for efficient management of space as well. The facade also helps in reducing from resistance as well. Related trends Technology is fast advancing in all areas and in the coming years there would be revolutionary changes, be it in the field of medicine, information technology or science. Here are some interesting technological changes that are waiting to take the world by storm. 1. ATNMBL autonomous vehicle ATNMBL autonomous vehicleDesigned from Mike and Maaike studio This concept car is such that it will take care of everything, including navigation, driving and what not, leaving the driver to enjoy the view and the ride as much as others who are onboard. 2. ARC personal rapid transit ARC personal rapid transitDesigned by Zack Stephanchick A concept created by Zack Stephanchink, the system provides easy and quick transport for those residing in urban areas. It moves on a web of rails. 3. Saucer vehicle concept Saucer Vehicle ConceptDesigned by John Bukasa The vehicle comes with interiors that are sound proof and also allows the driver to lie down and relax and take a nap while the vehicle is being managed. The idea spurred from flying saucers. 4. Jaguar Mark XXI bionomic Jaguar Mark XXI bionomicDesigned by Christopher Pollard A luxury vehicle that drives itself and harvests solar energy for its need. Its electric batteries get charged by the photovoltaic panels that are raised at a higher level to face the sun.

10 best ‘Nano Houses’ for small-scale living Posted: 18 Nov 2011 03:51 PM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Nano houseDriven by a commitment to reduce energy consumption and built space, there's a growing trend among the eco-conscious to build tiny homes. Shrinking spaces have given birth to the idea of Nano houses, which is being accepted with open arms. These small sized homes are perfect for a small family and provide all the basic facilities. They are being designed in an attention arresting manner and vow to provide all the comfort in a restricted area. Below is a list of ten best 'Nano Houses' that are perfect for small-scale living. 1. Nano living system Nano living systemThe Nano is built using a passive design and prefabricated metal SIPs that are capable of supporting structures as high as four stories. Bridge Development Corp. has created a perfect house that can accommodate four people. Christened the Nano Living Systems, the house is small but ranks high on the sustainability factor. The US based company made sure that the house had Eco-friendly qualities, hence fitted it with rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels and also a green roof. This house measuring 200 feet can easily support structures running up till four stories, thanks to the usage of prefabricated metal Stricture Insulated Panels or SIPs and its passive designing. The inside has been crafted keeping in mind accents from traditional Chinese Feng Shui, which will ensure complete well being. The house comprises of a bathroom, kitchen, closets, two king sized beds and a dining room as well. 2. Roll-It Nano house Roll-ItThis modular prototype offers all the necessary facilities within minimum space. Roll-It Nano House is very attention-grabbing and will definitely leave people in a state of awe. It is an experimental house that looks fun and has been given a cylindrical shape. The house is modular in nature and will unfurl a space that will be flexible enough to perform various tasks that too in a restricted area. The overall design consists of an inner and an outer shell. The outer shell rests neatly over the inner one with the help of four support rings. The inside of Roll-It Nano House features a kitchen with a sink, a section dedicated for a bed and a table plus an exercise cylinder. The side has circular openings that will let natural light inside the structure. The entire structure has been wrapped in a translucent membrane that can be used by advertisers to publicize their products. 3. FabLab House Fablab HouseThis solar panel-coated passive house is rounded and built off the ground. The FabLab House is an interesting creation by Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. The house has an ellipsoid shape and stands off the ground as it rests nicely on three legs. The space below the structure makes sure that air circulation is not restricted and in turn helps natural ventilation. The rib like structure has been prefabricated from wood and is pretty eye-catching. It has been designed keeping in mind the conditions prevalent in Madrid, but can easily adapt in other parts as well. The efficiency of this structure increases manifolds because of its passive designing. The temperature of this house and energy consumption is controlled as well as monitored using smart systems. The roof has been enveloped with tailored photovoltaic cells that can double as a place for rainwater collection. 4. Sunset Cabin Sunset CabinThe cabin has several sustainable components, such as a composting toilet and a green roof. Sunset Cabin is nothing but a glass box that measures 275 square feet and comes wrapped in cedar plank screen. Taylor-Smth, an architecture firm based in Toronto, was given instructions to come up with a simple structure that would be perfect for connecting with the nature. The structure ranks high on the durability scale as the outside, which includes windows, claddings and doors made form cedar. The inside has been completed finished using birch plywood that gives it the much needed elegance. The overall design is quite sustainable and consists of a green roof and a composting toilet. 5. Blob dmvA Architecten Blob dmvA ArchitectenThe nose of the blob and a side door can be opened to create an airy pavilion. Blob vB3 is a capsule shaped building that is a fine work of craftsmanship by dmvA Architecten. This can be flexibly exploited as a mobile office, garden house, reception, guest house and of course a moveable home. It is an eye-appealing design that was supposed to be used as an office for XfactorAgencies, but the structure did not meet the local building regulations and hence was rejected. The mobile unit looks beautiful and is a nothing less than a great piece of art. The egg shaped structure consumed a good 18 months to come to life and comes injected with all the necessary features. The design of Blob vB3features a bed, storage space, kitchen, bathroom and lighting. The nose of this structure can also be opened and doubles as a porch. 6. The Gypsy Junker The Gypsy JunkerThis little home is quite cost effective and best of all, is eco. The Gypsy Junker is a small house on wheels, which is portable and measures just 24 square foot. The awe-amazing structure is a brainchild of Dereck Diedricksen that started as a hobby in the designer's backyard. The tiny house has been made using salvaged materials and almost 90 percent has been crafted using junk that keeps piling up and ruins our beautiful planet every single day. The cost-effective and Eco-friendly Gypsy Junker comes tagged with a price tag of just $3000, which makes it fall in the affordable range. 7. House Arc House ArcThe idea for this house has its origins in a bike shed. House Arc is a prefabricated construction that has been made by Joseph Bellomo. It will shun all thoughts that people hold against prefabricated structures and win over them with its brilliant features. The idea of this nano house cropped from a bicycle rack that was made by this California based designer. House Arc is based on the same design and has been priced $100,000. The 800 square foot construction fetches all the power for internal use from the photovoltaic film it comes coated with. The attractive house comprises of two modules that are well separated by a breezeway. 8. Lumenhaus LumenhausThe integrated controls in the house let you adjust the entire lighting and climate system from an iPhone interface. Lumenhaus is an incredible little house that will woo many with its construction style, thanks to the Virginia Tech team. This house will prove to be a winner in a variety of weather conditions and hence will blend well in almost all areas. The sustainable structure comes injected with Bauhaus tradition traits that make it all the more attractive. The moveable construction will provide all the basic comforts that one would expect in a regular home. The roof has been fitted with solar panels that help to run a dual heat pump, which make the house all the more efficient. It comes fitted with advanced LED lighting system that lets users alter the light color as per their whims and fancies. The best part being that Lumenhaus can be controlled by smart phones that are ruling the globe presently. 9. Mercury house one Mercury house oneIt is powered only by solar panels. Mercury House One is a great example of a mobile housing unit that comes coated with all the necessary features that make a home. The house stands off the ground and can be accessed by a ramp. It will be powered by solar panels that have been crafted using semi-transparent photovoltaic cells. Mercury House One will unfurl a peaceful space that will help soothe those frazzled nerves. The main body has been crafted from glass fiber that has been further covered with a thin layer of white marble skin. The house will leave you refreshed and pamper your soul like never before. 10. Nano Rescue House Nano Rescue HouseIt Provides Flexible Emergency Housing. Nano Rescue House consumes just 200 square foot of space and its designers claim it to be the smallest in the world. The design is stackable and as many as eight units can be placed one above the other. It will prove to be a perfect house in case an emergency strikes. The bed system is very interesting and drops down or can also be placed vertically to the ceiling as per a user's wish. The design will make sure it receives ample sunlight, thanks to the presence of windows that also allow great cross ventilation. Nano Rescue House will also unfurl a much needed outer space that will be semi private.

Escort Shopping Phone could be a girl's best friend Asmita Prasad: Escort Shopping PhoneDesigned by Allen Liu Not that there is any actual scientific research to prove this, but a well established social fact states that when a woman asks another woman to go shopping with her, she basically is asking the other woman to be her best friend. Shopping personality compatibility plays a big role in the way women bond, and a woman who doesn’t display her full support to her friend when out shopping with her is immediately billed "a real bleep". Though most women, given their mental make-up towards socializing, always have a female friend or two who is a great shopper and can be trusted with all retail-related help and support, there still are a few women who have been burnt by bleepy female friends and ex-BFFs who cannot trust anyone to go shopping with them. To counter these trust issues, designer Allen Liu has come up with what we can safely say, would be the fastest selling phone targeted specially at women if it ever made it into reality! Picture Gallery Escort Shopping Phone Designed by Allen Liu The Escort Shopping Phone is essentially part-smartphone-part-new-best-friend-part-personal-shopper which comes geared with some pretty amazing features to ensure that even a solo female shopper can enjoy the process of buying clothes on her own. The phone comes with truly phenomenal software that allows the user to turn the phone into a digital projector. To use, user simply has to log on to a shopping website and select the item they want to virtually "try on". They can then stand in front of a mirror and use the phone to project the image of the selected clothing item onto the mirror to allow users to see what the item would look like on their person. This would allow users to make intelligent decisions while shopping online and also allow them to bypass the process of trying on clothes and waiting for the fitting room to be vacant which can be very stressful when time is of the essence. For people who love shopping online or are stuck in a situation where going into a store and trying clothes on is just not feasible, the Escort Shopping Phone can be a real time saver. Though the software can never truly replace the walk-into-a-store-and-try-clothes-on experience, it can drastically alter the way we approach online shopping by allowing users to critically examine whether a listed product would look good on them before the click the "add to cart" button!