ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International
  • News
    • A-L
      • ADAS
      • AI & Sensor Fusion
      • Business
      • Connectivity
      • Cybersecurity
      • Expo
      • HMI
      • Last-mile delivery
      • Legislation & Standards
      • Localization/GNSS
    • M-Z
      • Mapping
      • Off-Highway
      • Robo-Taxis
      • Sensors
      • Shared Mobility
      • Safety
      • Simulation
      • Testing
      • Trucks
      • V2X
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    • January 2025
    • September 2024
    • April 2024
    • January 2024
    • Subscribe
  • Opinion
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Events
LinkedIn Facebook Twitter
  • Automotive Interiors
  • Automotive Testing
  • Automotive Powertrain
  • Professional Motorsport
  • Tire Technology
  • Media Pack
LinkedIn Facebook
Subscribe
ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International
  • News
      • ADAS
      • AI & Sensor Fusion
      • Business
      • Connectivity
      • Cybersecurity
      • Expo
      • HMI
      • Last-mile delivery
      • Legislation & Standards
      • Localization/GNSS
      • Mapping
      • Off-Highway
      • Robo-Taxis
      • Sensors
      • Shared Mobility
      • Safety
      • Simulation
      • Testing
      • Trucks
      • V2X
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    1. April 2025
    2. January 2025
    3. September 2024
    4. April 2024
    5. January 2024
    6. Subscribe
    Featured
    April 15, 2025

    In this Issue – April 2025

    Online Magazines By Web Team
    Recent

    In this Issue – April 2025

    April 15, 2025

    In this Issue – January 2025

    November 29, 2024

    In this Issue – September 2024

    July 23, 2024
  • Opinion
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Events
  • Awards
    • About
    • Shortlist
    • Judges
LinkedIn Facebook
Subscribe
ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International

Rinspeed designs out technological obsolescence with latest self-driving concept

James BillingtonBy James BillingtonFebruary 27, 20184 Mins Read
Share
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

On its 40th visit to the Geneva International Motor Show (to be held on 8-18 March 2018), Rinspeed will showcase Snap, a self-driving concept car designed to weather the rapid changes expected in hardware and software.

The hardware and software, including mechanical and IT components, which Rinspeed believes are bound to become outdated quickly, are part of the high-wear chassis (‘skateboard’), which is separate from the passenger safety cell (‘pod’). These two components ‘snap’ together. When separate, the pod can even be used for stationary applications, for example as a shop or a camping pod. The skateboard is recycled after a few years of intensive use, while the pod is able to remain in service for much longer before being sent for recycling.

The car could be fitted with an optional personal assistant – an autonomous, intelligent robot to handle tasks including errands and purchases.

In keeping with tradition, Rinspeed’s 24th concept car was designed at 4erC, with technical execution at Esoro. An extensive study of the Snap ecosystem, conducted by EY, shows its possibilities.

The electric vehicle is full of technical equipment contributed by many companies. The steering axles and integrated electric powertrain come from ZF. Rinspeed says these would enable Snap to turn practically on a dime and produce no emissions in urban traffic. The Snap runs on weight-optimized 7×18 Borbet alloy wheels shod with 225/35-18 size tires. All bonds are realized with adhesives from Sika Automotive.

The city runabout is brimming with sensors. For example, Gentex contributes an Iris scanner for occupant detection and dimmable front and rear glass elements. Lidar sensors from Ibeo ensure that obstacles on the road are detected.

Harman’s Autonomous Drive Platform is part of the skateboard. It uses the NXP BlueBox, a sensor fusion solution. In turn, the Smart Antenna, jointly developed by NXP and Harman, is designed to ensure safe communication with the world, as well as a high-speed connection to the Harman Ignite Cloud Platform.

With 5G, Car2X, radio tuner, BT, and wi-fi, the entire spectrum of wireless networking possibilities is covered. Sprint, a US telecommunications company, is committed to ensuring stable networks. NXP provides pod recognition and its customized Smart Access solution. Business software company SAP contributes by enabling the digitized ecosystem through technologies and software solutions in the areas of smart cities, connected health, connected mobility and transportation. TomTom provides HD Maps for autonomous driving and navigation technologies that enable predictive driving. Finally, Valens’s HDBaseT Automotive connectivity technology connection is responsible for the fast and secure transmission of even UHD multimedia signals between the numerous vehicle components.

A marketplace net from MHP allows custom use of the wide variety of pods and skateboards with a wide range of service providers. The transmission of data and information was independently tested and certified by Dekra. Harting supplies a quick-charging cable with high-voltage technology.

Harman developed the ‘True Level 5’ HMI. The goal of the development was maximum individualization paired with optimal protection of personal data. To this end, there is a three-level user authentication process, depending on the desired personalization. A token unlocks the vehicle and customizes the displays. Personal cloud content is available after successful facial recognition. The voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant knows the preferences and habits of each passenger. A third level of biometric identification is required if passenger health data is to be recorded and analysed.

Each passenger has three displays at their disposal. Personal settings are selected with the Personal Control Panel, which features an interactive control dial. Personal content and messages are shown on the touch-controlled Hover Tabs, which are brought into position by swivelling arms. Two large centrally placed screens provide route information and movies. Audio is provided by a Lexicon surround sound system with Ambisonics Escape signal processing.

Snap uses six projectors to communicate visually with the outside world. Two use the windscreen and the rear glass to send full-colour messages to other road users. Four laser projections on the side windows are used for communication with boarding passengers. The necessary functional interlayers for all-round glazing come from Sekisui.

Digital license plates and lighting (including interior LEDs that emit UV light to render bacteria harmless) are supplied by Osram Opto Semiconductors. The front and rear panels, as well as lighting elements in the rocker panels, are multifunctional and can display multimedia content – they come from Techniplas. The safe swapping of the pods is ensured by lightweight design supports from Georg Fischer.

Rinspeed also called upon the expertise of textile developers at Strähle+Hess, who work with Stahl. The interior also features leather from Bader; storage systems from Dr Schneider Unternehmensgruppe; partially translucent materials from Benecke-Hornschuch Surface Group; seat and trim upholstery accents from Kolon; and urban farming containers from Kostal.

Share. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
Previous ArticleHumanDrive autonomous vehicle project aims to mimic human driving
Next Article TÜV SÜD and DFKI partner to develop certification for self-driving AI

Related Posts

Safety

Elektrobit and Metoak partner on SDV safety ecosystem development

May 12, 20252 Mins Read
Trucks

Hyundai Motor and Plus unveil autonomous hydrogen freight ecosystem concept

May 12, 20252 Mins Read
Expo

EXPO NEWS: Opens next week!

May 12, 20253 Mins Read
Latest News

Elektrobit and Metoak partner on SDV safety ecosystem development

May 12, 2025

Hyundai Motor and Plus unveil autonomous hydrogen freight ecosystem concept

May 12, 2025

EXPO NEWS: Opens next week!

May 12, 2025
FREE WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER

Receive breaking stories and features in your inbox each week, for free


Enter your email address:


Our Social Channels
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Getting in Touch
  • Free Weekly E-Newsletters
  • Meet the Editors
  • Contact Us
  • Media Pack
RELATED UKI TOPICS
  • Automotive Interiors
  • Automotive Testing
  • Automotive Powertrain
  • Professional Motorsport
  • Tire Technology
  • Media Pack
© 2025 UKi Media & Events a division of UKIP Media & Events Ltd
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Notice & Takedown Policy
  • Site FAQs

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Others

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

SAVE & ACCEPT