Sunglider
Public Transport System for SUNGLIDER AG
Sunglider is an autonomous, photovoltaic-powered public transportation system for urban areas. It consists of autonomous suspended passenger and freight vehicles and small autonomous buses on the ground. The track is made of glulam and supports a PV roof that generates around 120 percent of the energy required for the entire system. The metro is controlled by artificial intelligence, resulting in a maintenance-free cycle of 3 minutes. All vehicles are 3D printed in microfactories. Investment and operating costs are drastically reduced, making the ride free.
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Sunglider by Peter Kuczia
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Public Transport System by Peter Kuczia
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Peter Kuczia Sunglider
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Peter Kuczia Public Transport System
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Unique Properties
Sunglider is an autonomous, PV fuelled public transport system for urban areas. It consists of autonomous people & cargo movers and small autonomous busses on the ground. The track is glulam constructed and carries a PV roof generating 117% of the energy required for the entire system. The Metro is controlled by AI, creating a wait-free cycle of 3 minutes. All vehicles are 3 D printed in micro-factories. Investment and operation costs are drastically are drastically reduced, making the ride free
Tags
sustainable mobility, public transportataon, suspension metro, suspended monorail,
Production Technology
The Sunglider system, based on Local Motors' bus Olli, incorporates an overhead chassis derived from roller coaster tech for noise reduction. Integrated Super-Caps charge energy at stops, with over 80% of vehicles 3D printed. Digitally parametric designed and manufactured in micro-factories by humans and cobots, they also serve maintenance. The track, with a 4.5m ground clearance and a total height of 9m, includes a semitransparent photovoltaic roof. Spaced 25-30m apart, pylons support barrier-free island stations. Named »Xylo-Solar«, the track is constructed from sustainable recycled glulam, transforming urban spaces underneath.
Design Challenge
The challenge was to create a public transportation system that not only would be economically viable in operation and construction but also seamlessly integrate with the urban fabric of densely populated areas.
Project Duration
2022-2024, Osnabrueck, Germany and worldwide
Operation Flow
The Sunglider operates through AI software, ensuring vehicles run on a wait-free cycle of 3 minutes. The AI efficiently manages vehicle availability, seamlessly transitioning between passenger and cargo transport as needed.
Research
Sunglider: AI-Controlled Urban Transport The Sunglider, managed by AI software, operates on a seamless 3-minute cycle, adjusting availability for passenger or cargo needs. Offering a free tariff for metro citizens, it's financially sustainable through diverse revenue streams, eliminating the need for municipal subsidies.
Inspiration
The project envisions a true zero-fare urban transport accessible to all residents. Through innovative vehicle design, 3D printing manufacturing, advanced propulsion tech, autonomous AI-driven driving, and photoelectric fuel, we aim for profitable metro operation without ticket sales. This holistic approach revolutionizes urban mobility, fostering accessibility, sustainability, and economic viability for communities.
Project Overview
Sunglider Public Transport System has been a Silver winner in the Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.
Image Credits
For design images and photos please credit Peter Kuczia.
Silver Recognition
Peter Kuczia was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Sunglider Public Transport System.
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