Articles tagged with "modular-design"
Foldable flying suitcase Janus-I takes off as a personal aircraft
The Janus-I is a groundbreaking foldable flying suitcase that transforms into a personal VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft and amphibious lifeboat. Compact enough to fit in a car trunk at just 70 kilograms and dimensions of 1099 x 640 x 665 mm, it unfolds into a one-seater vehicle capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms of payload. Powered by a turboshaft heavy fuel engine rather than batteries, the Janus-I achieves speeds up to 160 km/h, operates above 6,000 meters altitude, and maintains stability in harsh weather and terrain. Its design supports both manned and unmanned missions, including cargo delivery, exploration, search-and-rescue, and disaster relief. A key feature of the Janus-I is its user-friendly fly-by-wire control system, which allows operation without a pilot’s license or certification, with new users reportedly able to learn flying in under 30 minutes. The aircraft’s amphibious capability, enabled
robotVTOL-aircraftfly-by-wire-systemunmanned-missionsmodular-designturboshaft-enginepersonal-aircraftKia PV5 Redefines Mobility Through Customer-Centric Modular Design - CleanTechnica
The Kia PV5 represents a significant advancement in sustainable, customer-centric mobility as the first dedicated model in Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy. Built on the all-electric E-GMP.S PBV platform, the PV5 features a modular design and conversion-ready versatility, supporting up to 16 variants across Passenger, Cargo, and High-Roof configurations. It offers practical benefits such as the lowest floor in its class for easy access, especially for children and passengers with limited mobility, a range of up to 416 km, and a 30-minute fast-charging capability. Compact and agile, the PV5 is well-suited for urban driving and is supported by a connected software ecosystem that enables real-time fleet management and monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency. Kia developed the PV5 through a customer-focused process, incorporating extensive feedback from over 120 partners worldwide, including Uber and other professional collaborators. This input influenced key design features like a removable front passenger seat for increased cargo space,
energyelectric-vehiclesmodular-designsustainable-mobilityIoT-connectivitybattery-technologyfast-chargingScientists build modular biobots from human lung cells and cilia
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel class of living, modular biobots called AggreBots, engineered from human lung cells and powered by cilia—microscopic hair-like structures that enable movement by propelling fluids. Unlike traditional biobots that rely on muscle fibers for motion, AggreBots utilize cilia-based propulsion, offering a new approach to controlling microscale robot motility. The team’s innovative method involves assembling tissue spheroids derived from lung stem cells, including genetically modified spheroids with immotile cilia, to precisely control the location and function of cilia on the biobot surface. This modular design allows customizable movement patterns, akin to selectively removing oars from a rowboat to influence its direction. The biobots’ fully biological composition makes them biodegradable and biocompatible, enhancing their potential for medical applications such as targeted therapeutic delivery within the body. Because AggreBots can be created from a patient’s own cells, they may avoid immune rejection and enable
robotbiobotsbiomedical-engineeringciliamodular-designbiohybrid-robotsmedical-robotics35,000-lb vehicle delivered to UK, protects against anti-tank mines
BAE Systems has delivered a new 35,000-lb (approximately 16-ton) armored vehicle, the BvS10, to the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany. Designed for extreme mobility and protection, the fully amphibious vehicle consists of two tracked units linked by a steering mechanism, enabling it to traverse challenging terrains such as snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, swamps, and steep mountains. It meets NATO terrain accessibility standards and can swim in flooded or coastal waters. The BvS10’s modular design allows it to be configured for various missions, including personnel transport, command and control, ambulance, repair and recovery, logistics, situational awareness, and weapons carrier roles, with armaments ranging from 5.56mm to 12.7mm machine guns and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The vehicle offers robust protection against ballistics and anti-tank mines, supplemented by smoke grenade launchers. It features a high power capacity to integrate advanced
robotarmored-vehiclemilitary-technologyelectronic-command-and-controlamphibious-vehiclemobility-systemmodular-designE-Mobility Tech Company Donut Lab Completes €25M Funding Round - CleanTechnica
Donut Lab, a Finland-based e-mobility technology company with teams in the UK and Estonia, recently completed a €25 million seed funding round in July 2025. The company specializes in providing core components for electric vehicles (EVs) across multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, marine, and defense. Donut Lab aims to simplify electrification by offering a modular, interoperable EV ecosystem that enhances manufacturing speed, reduces weight, and improves efficiency without sacrificing performance or driving dynamics. A key innovation from Donut Lab is their "five electric motor family," launched at CES 2025, which includes five motors tailored for various vehicle categories ranging from scooters to heavy-duty trucks and drones. Their flagship motor delivers 845 horsepower while weighing only 88 pounds, emphasizing high power density and lightweight design. Another notable product is the Donut Motor, an in-wheel electric motor that integrates directly into the wheel, eliminating traditional drivetrain components like gearboxes and differentials. This motor achieves industry
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorse-mobilitymodular-designautomotive-technologyclean-energyUS firm builds Iran's Shahed-like drone with 100-pound payload power
Griffon Aerospace, an Alabama-based US drone manufacturer, has unveiled the MQM-172 Arrowhead, an unmanned aircraft system designed with a dual-role capability. The Arrowhead serves primarily as a high-performance target drone for military training but can also be configured as a kamikaze-style strike drone, similar in appearance to Iran’s Shahed suicide drone. It features a modular payload bay capable of carrying up to 100 pounds, allowing it to be equipped with various sensors or warheads depending on mission requirements. The drone’s maneuverable and durable airframe reflects Griffon’s emphasis on reliable, multi-mission unmanned systems, developed entirely in-house after extensive testing. This new platform addresses the growing demand for versatile, affordable drones that can be rapidly deployed for both training and operational combat missions. The Arrowhead’s dual-use design enhances Griffon Aerospace’s competitive position in the US drone market and may appeal to domestic and international buyers. Its introduction aligns with a global trend toward increased reliance on
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-systemmilitary-technologypayloadmodular-designaerospaceChina's secret 2-blade wind turbine runs 500 days with 99.3% uptime
China’s Envision Energy has unveiled a breakthrough two-blade onshore wind turbine prototype that has operated continuously for over 500 days with a 99.3% uptime. Built on the company’s Model X platform, the turbine features a modular design and high-speed Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology, delivering enhanced stability and performance. The prototype achieved 2,444 hours of Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and 3,048 full-load equivalent hours annually, matching the output of traditional three-blade turbines at the same site. This marks a significant advancement in overcoming the historical structural and balance challenges that limited two-blade turbine adoption. The turbine’s development stems from over a decade of research, including a 2012 offshore two-blade model called the Game Changer. Extensive field and lab testing, including on a multi-degree-of-freedom loading rig, validated its commercial readiness and operational stability under demanding conditions. The design’s lighter weight, fewer
energywind-turbinerenewable-energyEnvision-Energygreen-technologymodular-designDFIG-technologyLimX Dynamics launches LimX Oli full-size humanoid robot - The Robot Report
LimX Dynamics Inc., a Shenzhen-based robotics company, has launched its latest humanoid robot, the LimX Oli, building on the dynamic walking technology of its earlier LimX CL-1 model introduced in December 2023. Standing 165 cm tall and featuring 31 active degrees of freedom (excluding end effectors), LimX Oli is designed with a modular hardware-software architecture supported by a comprehensive development toolchain. Unlike the CL-1, which was a research platform without functional hands, LimX Oli supports interchangeable hardware components including two-finger or five-finger hands and various third-party sensors, enabling customization for diverse research and application needs. The robot targets AI researchers, robotics developers, and system integrators, and is offered in Lite, EDU, and Super editions to facilitate training, validation, and deployment of perception, motion-control, and interaction algorithms. The LimX Oli platform integrates cloud-based APIs with local control and supports over-the-air updates for motion libraries and controller modules, allowing
robothumanoid-robotmodular-designAI-developmentmotion-controlsensor-integrationrobotics-innovationa16z-backed Infinite Machine shows off cheaper, modular electric scooter
Infinite Machine, a New York-based micromobility startup backed by a16z, has unveiled the Olto, a seated electric scooter priced at $3,495, set to ship later this year. The Olto offers a 40-mile range powered by a swappable 48V lithium-ion battery and features a 750W rear hub motor capable of reaching 20 mph in bike lanes and 33 mph off-road. Designed with modularity in mind, the scooter allows users to attach accessories such as child carriers, rear racks, or baskets. It also includes fold-out pedals that provide pedal-assist propulsion, enabling it to function similarly to an e-bike. The dual-suspension frame supports two riders, enhancing comfort and versatility. This launch positions the Olto as a more affordable alternative to Infinite Machine’s flagship P1 scooter, which costs $10,000 and resembles a Cybertruck-style two-wheeler. Despite the competitive and challenging U.S. micromobility market
electric-scootermicromobilitylithium-ion-batterymodular-designelectric-vehiclee-biketransportation-technologyJony Ive’s LoveFrom helped design Rivian’s first electric bike
LoveFrom, the creative firm founded by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, collaborated with Rivian on the development of the electric bike that marks Rivian’s first entry into micromobility. Over approximately 18 months, LoveFrom staff worked closely with Rivian’s design and engineering teams within a skunkworks program led by former Specialized executive Chris Yu. This secretive project, which began in early 2022, aimed to leverage Rivian’s EV technology to create a smaller, modular, and more affordable vehicle than its existing electric trucks and vans. LoveFrom’s involvement, starting in early 2023, focused on refining prototypes, user interface, user experience, and industrial design, bringing an interdisciplinary and international perspective to the product’s aesthetics and packaging. The skunkworks program eventually evolved into a startup called Also, backed by $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures and staffed by talent from Apple, Google, Tesla, and others. While details about the bike remain scarce, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe described it as “bike-like” with basic components such as a seat, two wheels, a screen, computers, and a battery. Both Scaringe and Yu hinted at a broader vision for Also to explore various micromobility formats beyond the initial electric bike. The company plans to unveil its first designs later in 2024. LoveFrom’s collaboration with Rivian extends beyond this project, having previously consulted on Rivian’s infotainment system and retail experience, underscoring a close and ongoing relationship between the two firms.
electric-bikeRivianmicromobilitybattery-technologyEV-technologymodular-designtransportation-innovationUK’s Humanoid teases new robot for retail and logistics revolution
robothumanoidautomationlogisticsretailAImodular-designUS startup unveils rugged Titan robot for tough industrial workspace
robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsprecision-engineeringmodular-designoperational-efficiencyTitan-robotSS Innovations to submit SSi Mantra 3 to FDA in July
robotsurgical-roboticstelesurgeryFDA-approvalhealthcare-technologymachine-learningmodular-designThe Bluetti Apex 300: Scalable Power, Smarter Energy, & A Step Beyond Backup
energyenergy-storagesolar-powersmart-energy-managementbackup-powermodular-designoff-grid-solutionsEcoFlow STREAM Ultra: A Game-Changer For Plug-&-Play Home Solar Systems
energysolarbattery-storageclean-technologyresidential-energymodular-designrenewable-energy