I really love the French for their innovative spirit. They are just not afraid of anything when it comes to executing unprecedented design in the most non-chalant way. Check out their latest experiment with driver-free public transport - the RobuCAB. The ‘4-seats automated people mover’ was made from a 4-wheel drive electric chassis synched up with an on-board computer that eliminated the need for a driver as it simply trails the kerb thanks to a number of embedded systems including a camera that visually tracks the path edge while another device tracks the angle and direction of the kerb with other devices take control of the gears and accelerator. Since the RobuCAB can only operate over a pre-defined circuit that holds a series of sensors below the ground, you wont see these driver-free taxis become a part of daily life anytime soon, but you might just find a few of these in some quirky tourist town short on other attractions. Price ranges from €35,000 to €100,000.
Via Primidi
