rinspeed budii autonomous driving concept car based on electric BMW i3

rinspeed budii autonomous driving concept car based on electric BMW i3
images courtesy of rinspeed

set to make its debut at the 2015 geneva motor show, the rinspeed ‘budii’ concept is an autonomous driving electric car that sources its pilot information from the surroundings, past experiences and other vehicles along its route. the swiss idea company, led by frank rinderknecht, aims to exhibit how driverless private transport will transform automobile and man-machine systems, and open an array of connected capabilities that will enhance people’s daily lives. based upon the body of the BMW ‘i3’ but modified by 4erC, it boasts a sporty set of borbet’s 19 inch eight-twin-spoke alloys and features a telescoping laser scanner from ibeo automotive systems. named ‘track view’, the technology can be raised by 70 centimeters from the car’s roof, and delivers a precise 3D perspective that along with kappa optronics’ cameras, maps out the forthcoming terrain.

‘the autonomously driving car will require more than solving technical problems and legal issues in the next two decades. we not only have to redefine the interaction of man and machine, but must also raise questions about responsibility, tolerances and expectations.’ explained rinspeed boss, frank rinderknecht.

the self-driving automobile is based on the BMW i3 model

‘even the best technology will not be perfect, albeit less prone to error than humans. that is something we will have to accept,’ he continued to say. ‘we should not develop a blind, but rather a healthy trust in the new capabilities of the hardware and software.’

‘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.’

although functioning with an intuitive and cognitive autopilot mechanism, the concept features a robotic arm that hands the steering wheel to the driver, when the passengers desire to be in command. this sensitive seven-axis unit is more than just a conducting column, it provides endless adjustment options such as serving as a personal valet, and can compact with minimum space requirements, when not in use. in the center of the interior which is accessed through a pair of electronically opening doors, is a new operating and display platform developed by harman. it hosts an innovation of entertainment, safety and service functions, and showcases payment transactions such as automatic installments for parking. the connected vehicle has an efficient heating system, contrived by eberspacher, that can even pre-warm the battery, and is controlled via a smartwatch or smartphone. the emotion-generating cabin, designed by hornschuch and strahle+hess, exposes silver and midnight blue surfaces that complements the orange-highlighted cognac textiles, to create a feel-good lounge atmosphere.

it receives its pilot information from the surroundings, past experiences and other vehicles along its route

the telescoping laser scanner rises by 70 centimeters to deliver a 3D perspective map

the connected car’s entertainment, safety and service functions are controlled via a smartwatch or smartphone

two electric two-wheel mini vehicles are housed conveniently in retractable automatic drawers

during autopilot, the users can relax throughout

the robotic arm can provide a steering wheel for when the passengers want to be in control

an emotionally charged interior is created by the silver and blue surfaces complementing with the cognac textiles