LA Design Challenge: GM OnStar ANT

tags: GM | in: Concept Cars 10 November 2007

Inspired by ants’ self-regulating traffic system, the OnStar concept study by General Motors features a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system and omni-directional propulsion.

The OnStar Concept is GM’s entry for the 2007 Los Angeles Design Challenge, based on the theme “Robocar 2057″.

General Motors Advanced Design, California
Design Team: Frank Saucedo, Steve Anderson, Jussi Timonen,
Jose Paris,
Lorne Kulesus,
Tony Liu,
Jay Bernard,
Phil Tanioka

From the official Press Release:

Much like the self-regulating traffic system found in nature’s best commuter, the ant, OnStar enabled vehicle-to-vehicle communication and ubiquitously embedded intelligence allow GM’s ANT to act independently yet communicate with other vehicles to optimize traffic flow.

Quantum computing power also allows each ANT to virtually recreate a highly personalized space for any occasion or personal need.

Omni-directional propulsion, provided by three independent Nanorb wheel systems, operate as independent robots and can arrange themselves in different configurations, turning virtually anything into a mobile device.

Layered, environmentally friendly, single-walled, carbon-polymer nanocomposites form the flat surface panels, which incorporate the carbon nanotube battery.

All body panels are connected with electro-active polymer actuators (a.k.a. artificial muscles), allowing the easy and silent reconfiguration of body panels, depending on their optimal street use.

(Source: LA Auto Show)