F.A.R.S | Fast Autonomous Response Service
Collaboration with the Daimler Future Lab
A future scenario: In 2040, urban passenger and freight transport is largely autonomous. Aerial drones are banned in cities for reasons of noise protection and safety, and even the smallest objects are transported by road again. For the immediate and reliable transmission of time-sensitive small goods, such as tissue samples or medicines, a completely new approach is now needed.
In the course of an evaluation of unused potentials for the transport of such goods, the F.A.R.S. project team discovered a completely unused free space: the space between the underbody of the vehicle and the road surface.
This is the habitat of the F.A.R.S. vehicle. The hyperagile and morphable docking vehicle moves autonomously in the flow of traffic. If necessary, it can lower itself and underride slow or stationary vehicles with no problem. It owes its enormous manoeuvrability to electromagnetically controlled spherical tyres that are completely free to move.
F.A.R.S. follows the principle of commensalism. In biology, this refers to the interrelationships between two or more species in which one species benefits without the other species suffering any discernible harm or benefit.
As an extended service, Daimler installs docking stations in its vehicles as standard. These can be used by the F.A.R.S. vehicles as a mobile charging station and for docking during the same journey to save energy.
F.A.R.S. - an autonomously swarming helper for quick missions. For the urgent transport of tissue samples, for the visual protection of accident sites or for the transport of emergency equipment.
Modes of movement
Flat and jacked
High mode:
-
Better visibility
-
Easier removal of
content -
Necessary jacking function for docking at the vehicle underfloor charging stations.
Flat mode:
-
Improved grip for faster
driving and more agile movement in traffic. -
Driving under cars
Utilization
Underride and docking
F.A.R.S. docked to a vehicle. This is not only energy-saving for the same journey. Due to the simple underbody construction of an electric vehicle, it is possible to install docking stations as standard on which the little helper can hold on to, but also charge via induction. This allows for a longer, continuous period of use.
In its flat mode, F.A.R.S. easily underruns other stationary as well as moving vehicles.
In the exemplary situation of a traffic light jam, it is possible for it to be the first to start at green, despite a long queue, saving valuable time.
Goodjear Eagle 360
F.A.R.S owes its speed and hyperagility to two things:
Firstly, the four adaptable and height-adjustable arms, which are optimally protected from dirt and weather by their elastic but robust rubber covers.
On the other hand, the electromagnetic ball tyre "Eagle 360" by Goodjear. This concept tyre was presented for the first time in 2016 and makes it possible to drive in all horizontal directions. But not only that. Thanks to hardening material on dry roads and the sponge-like absorption of water on wet roads, it provides the best protection against aquaplaning and ensures particularly strong grip.
Usage examples
Transport and traffic
