3D-Printed Autonomous Podcars

This week, NOWLAB introduced LOCI, a design prototype for a 3D-printed autonomous podcar designed for last-mile movement.

NOWLAB is the additive manufacturing innovation arm of the BigRep Consultancy, the team behind the NERA eBike, a 3D-printed electric-motorcycle, and smart concrete walls with embedded sensors. 

First seen on New Atlas, the podcar has airless tires, embedded electronics, and wireless connectivity to transport you through dense urban environments. 

NOWLAB envisions podcars being manufactured on demand using a fleet of BigRep's 3D printers. One highlight of the prototype is that if you need a new component or part, you scan the NFC chip in the piece with your phone and send it to the 3D printer. 

The team could also integrate sensors to monitor parts for preventative maintenance.

According to the company, the podcar was developed using parametric modeling. The design is flexible, not only in that it's printed on-demand, but different features and materials, or even tires, could be swapped out based on the location or application.

According to the company, LOCI has only 14 unique parts, all of which were 3D-printed with BigRep additive system. Even the tires.