Anna Haupt, mobility tech renaissance woman, discusses robotaxi design, vehicle safety, customizable autonomous taxis, challenges in AV ecosystem, and the future of profit-based companies and Neves.
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Quick takeaways
Designing robotaxis requires rethinking vehicle design, including doors and premium features.
Shifting to autonomous vehicles challenges traditional car design and requires a focus on passenger experience.
Deep dives
Designing for Easy Ingress and Egress
Designing a vehicle with quick and easy ingress and egress is crucial for robotaxis. Doors need to be designed in a new way, as they will open and close frequently throughout the day. Premium features in a robotaxi differ from those in traditional cars, focusing more on convenience and practicality rather than luxury. For example, having easy phone charging capabilities would be more valuable than luxury wood trim. Designing the vehicle for autonomous driving means rethinking the entire car design, including the interior and exterior, as it removes the driver and private ownership from the equation.
Challenges in Shifting to Autonomous Vehicle Design
Shifting towards autonomous vehicles poses challenges, particularly in the automotive industry. The concept of removing traditional elements, such as the steering wheel, mirrors, and pedals, can be met with resistance from engineers who have expertise in these areas. The driving experience and design of a traditional car are centered around the driver, but designing for autonomous vehicles necessitates a different focus on the passenger experience. Designing vehicles without drivers also challenges the conventional private ownership business model, requiring a shift towards a new mindset and approach in car design.
Flexible Interior Design for Robotaxis
Creating a flexible and modular interior design is crucial for robotaxi success. Understanding the various mobility needs of passengers throughout the day is essential for designing a fleet that can efficiently serve different purposes. This involves analyzing peak hours, different categories of travel, and corresponding utilization rates. By offering different settings and seating configurations in robotaxis, passengers can have their own private space when traveling with strangers, ensuring comfort, safety, and personal security. Designing vehicle exteriors to facilitate easy ingress/egress and effective communication with users is also vital for the success of robotaxi services.
The Role of Governments and Public Transportation
Governments and public transportation companies have an important role to play in the future ecosystem of autonomous vehicles. Collaboration between AV companies and public transportation providers can help solve congestion and infrastructure problems. AVs can complement existing public transit systems by targeting private car owners and encouraging them to switch to AVs. By involving public transportation companies in the design and development process, AVs can be designed to meet specific needs, such as addressing safety concerns and providing both private and social travel options. However, currently, governments often lack the knowledge and understanding to fully embrace and support AV development.
Anna Haupt is a mobility tech renaissance woman, having worked in everything from the development of the Hövding inflatable bike helmet to the transition at NEVs toward a robotaxi strategy. Now a venture capitalist at Industriefonden, she joins The Autonocast to discuss her wide range of interests, with a special focus on robotaxi design and strategy.
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