U-Shift concept
The U-Shift is an autonomous, modular, electrified vehicle concept that sets new standards for sustainable mobility. The innovative separation of driving module and use case takes centre stage.
Technology transfer
With the U-Shift, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is enabling a new concept of modular, autonomous vehicles for sustainable mobility. Technology transfer takes centre stage: together with companies, start-ups and the scientific community, the Institute of Vehicle Concepts is developing intelligent solutions to actively shape change in the mobility and vehicle industry. The innovative separation of the drive module and flexible interchangeable body in the form of a capsule makes it possible to move people and goods as well as services and even spaces in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner in line with demand.
U-Shift Technologietransfer
The U-Shift is an autonomous, modular, electrified vehicle concept that sets new standards for sustainable mobility. The innovative separation of driving module ("driveboard") and application (in the form of "capsules") takes centre stage. This creates maximum flexibility for a wide range of applications: goods and passenger transport can be implemented as required, barrier-free and electrically - for example as an autonomous delivery vehicle in the city centre, as a shuttle for local transport or as a transport solution for the last mile - and can be variably supplemented by other applications.
Industrial partners benefit from the open interface concept and diverse cooperation opportunities, while U-Shift brings innovative technologies directly into practice on demonstration platforms such as the Federal Horticultural Show 2023 (Link: Bundesgartenschau 2023). In this way, the project not only strengthens the regional economy in Baden-Württemberg and beyond, but also shows how sustainable mobility, jobs and technology leadership can be advanced together. This promotes the strengthening of scientific and economic cooperation.
The development of U-Shift takes into account the requirements of start-ups, SMEs and industrial partners from Baden-Württemberg and beyond. The integration of external expertise plays a central role: technology workshops, joint development of prototypes and the open design of interfaces ensure that new solutions are developed in a practical manner and can quickly reach market maturity.
Concept and functionality
The drive board contains all the components required for driving: Electric drive, batteries, automation system including sensors and a smart lifting system for quickly changing different capsules - even during operation. As a result, these capsules can be designed cost-effectively and simply (i.e. no electronics, wheels, lifting systems, etc. are required). Their modular design enables universal application possibilities, from parcel and delivery services to barrier-free passenger transport.
The capsules and driveboard have a compatible rail system, allowing the capsule to be picked up by the driveboard (similar to the way a forklift truck works). A locking mechanism holds the capsule securely on the Driveboard.
Advantages of the modular, automated concept
- The separation of technical functions and cost centres (high-tech in the driveboard, simpler, interchangeable capsules) enables new business models and lowers the barriers to entry for companies.
- Capsule shapes are different, but the interface to the driveboard is always identical, which enables high scalability and cost-effectiveness.
- Automation enables the driveboards to be used 24/7, which maximises capacity utilisation and reduces running costs.
- Overall, this reduces the need for vehicles and traffic congestion.
- The night-time journeys made possible by automation can also be carried out with particularly low noise levels thanks to electrification
Economic and social significance
U-Shift promotes technology transfer processes in the automotive sector, strengthens regional value creation and jobs and is a platform for innovations in the mobility of tomorrow. The demonstrator serves as a practical illustrative object and test vehicle for testing future topics such as automation, digitalisation and multimodal transport directly with companies and in real-life scenarios, creating a development platform for further products and applications in the BW automotive industry strategy dialogue and beyond.
