Light & Local Transport Innovations: ATOM
(Electric tricycle design using natural fiber for trimming body parts)
Mr. Pwinn Rujikietkhomjron, School of Architecture, Art, and Design, KMITL
A big part of a smart city relies heavily on improved mobility and transportation. With innovations that help create more environmentally safe and effective methods for getting around town, congested communities stand to benefit greatly.
Great initiatives from KMITL include Electric tuk-tuk designs using natural fibers to build light-weight frames Environmental Sustainability: Natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, or flax are renewable resources. Using them in car manufacturing reduces dependency on non-renewable resources like plastics or metals. This aligns with the goal of reducing carbon footprint and mitigating environmental impact.
The great thing about these new approaches to smart transportation includes:
- Weight Reduction: Natural fibers are often lighter than traditional materials like steel or fiberglass. Reduced weight can enhance the energy efficiency of electric cars, extending their range and reducing energy consumption.
- Improved Safety: Some natural fibers offer excellent impact absorption properties, potentially enhancing the safety of electric cars in the event of collisions. This could contribute to better occupant protection and reduced injuries.
- Biodegradability: Unlike synthetic materials, natural fibers are biodegradable. At the end of their lifecycle, cars made from natural fibers may be easier to recycle or dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing landfill waste.
- Energy Efficiency in Production: Processing natural fibers typically requires less energy compared to traditional manufacturing processes for metals or plastics. This can contribute to lower carbon emissions during the production phase of electric cars.
With all these benefits, transportation can take a new test drive into more effective and efficient ways to promote better mobility for the society while helping out the environment.
Join us at KMITL and KRIS today to learn more about our smart city projects!