U-Shift shows how a modular vehicle concept can take on a wide range of tasks - from passenger and goods transport to mobile services and temporary spaces. A wide range of applications and capsule types are possible, from low-barrier shuttle services, noiseless night logistics and flexible parcel delivery to mobile doctors' surgeries or study rooms. U-Shift thus opens up a wide range of applications and capsule types - from prototypes that have already been developed to visualised concepts and other conceivable fields of application.
The strength of U-Shift lies in the separation of the drive module and capsule. The drive board contains all the central components for driving operation, including the electric drive, battery, sensors, automation technology and the lifting system for holding the capsules. This means that the capsules themselves can be designed to be simpler, more application-specific and more economical. They are safely picked up, lifted and connected to the drive module via a compatible rail and locking system. Standardised interfaces enable the use of different capsule types and create the basis for flexible, scalable mobility and logistics solutions. The consistent interface also allows capsules in different formats and geometries, customised to the respective use.
The vehicle module and capsule can be easily exchanged - this ensures maximum utilisation and adaptability.
The interfaces are standardised so that different capsule variants can be used for individual requirements and new business models.
With the help of autonomous driving, the vehicles can be in use virtually 24/7 thanks to their versatility.
U-Shift brings the future of urban and rural mobility to the road - safely, efficiently and sustainably.
The U-Shift passenger capsule is a central component of the modular vehicle concept and is specially designed for local public transport and flexible mobility solutions over the last mile. It combines low-barrier access (developed in close cooperation with people with reduced mobility), a high level of passenger comfort and clear information in a compact interior.
The U-Shift passenger capsule is particularly suitable for the following applications, which were developed together with a public transport operator:
Public transport support at peak times
At night or at off-peak times when large buses are not worthwhile
Less frequented routes on which large buses are not economical
Last-mile connection of outlying areas to public transport
On-demand transport such as on-call buses or shared taxis
Comfort on board is ensured by air conditioning, generous lighting, ergonomic seating, luggage racks and USB charging sockets. This is complemented by safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and emergency hammer. Handrails, colour-contrasting handles and clearly visible signals support safe use.
The passenger capsule can therefore be flexibly adapted to the requirements of urban and rural mobility and makes a decisive contribution to the future of sustainable, networked transport services.
These capsules are designed for the transport of goods, materials and logistical units. Depending on the application, they range from standardised transport solutions to specialised or prototype capsules for specific requirements. They therefore cover a broad spectrum for urban logistics, local supply and other goods applications.
Goods capsule for the transport of general goods and logistically relevant units.
Multi-use platform for the flexible transport of different goods, tools or bulky materials and for prototype testing of new application scenarios.
Cooling capsule for the temperature-controlled transport of sensitive products such as food or pharmaceuticals.
Parcel box capsule as a mobile parcel station for the contactless receipt and dispatch of consignments.
Micro-depot capsule as a compact interim storage facility for bundled and efficient last-mile delivery.
Delivery capsule for the flexible transport and distribution of parcels and smaller consignments in urban and regional areas.
Disposal container capsule for the mobile collection of recyclable materials and waste in the waste and recycling industry.
Bike sharing capsule for the redistribution of shared bicycles and demand-orientated rebalancing logistics.
The Cargo capsule - prototype
The U-Shift goods capsule
Goods capsule - prototype
The U-Shift goods capsule is designed for the flexible transport of different goods in urban and rural areas. It has a deliberately simple design so that it can be manufactured cost-effectively and adapted to different logistics tasks. Depending on the application, it can accommodate smaller consignments, palletised goods or bulky goods and can also be equipped for special applications such as mobile sales solutions.
The U-Shift goods capsule is particularly suitable for flexible transport tasks in urban and regional logistics. Typical application scenarios are
- Transport of palletised goods, crates and general cargo
- Night-time logistics and low-noise deliveries.
- Distribution of goods over the last mile.
- Feeder services between depot, transshipment point and destination.
- Flexible logistics for changing requirements in urban and rural areas.
A multi-use platform (MUP) also exists in prototype form, which can be used to quickly transfer various use cases for testing into reality. The multi-use platform is a particularly open and flexible basis for different transport and test applications.
The multi-use platform is particularly suitable for open, experimental or changing uses. Typical scenarios are
- Transport of tools, drinks crates or bulky goods.
- Prototypical testing of new utilisation ideas.
- Flexible test platform for different applications.
The multi-use platform can be used flexibly, for example for transporting crates of drinks, bulky goods, tools and much more. It can also be quickly customised for prototype testing of new usage ideas.
U-Shift can also be used for bike sharing systems: At times of low demand, such as at night, bikes can be moved from full stations to locations where they are needed the next morning. In this way, the system helps to improve availability in the network and compensate for empty or overcrowded stations.
These capsules provide a usable space and thus create mobile or semi-stationary infrastructure for services and local supply. Depending on their use, they can serve as flexibly usable recreational and functional spaces. In addition to already developed or prototypical solutions, this category also includes conceptual approaches that further explore the potential of modular space systems.
Examples of such applications include
Doctor's surgery capsule as a mobile medical unit for examinations, consultations or low-threshold healthcare services.
Blood donation capsule as a flexibly deployable donation unit with treatment centre and waiting area.
Learning capsule as a mobile learning room, mini-library or digital classroom.
Mobile workstation as a quiet, flexible space for concentrated work on site or on the move.
Mobile lounge as a weather-protected retreat for waiting, reading or taking a break.
Event capsule as a space for concerts, lectures, readings or smaller events with stage and technology.
Mobile overnight capsule as a temporary sleeping and recreation room for travelling, events or short-term accommodation.
Snack capsule as a mobile catering unit for the sale of food and drinks.
Café capsule as a compact meeting place for coffee, snacks and socialising.
Team-building capsule as a space for collaboration, meetings and joint outdoor formats.
Carita - The medical practice capsule
Carita is a semi-stationary capsule for medical applications that can come directly to people as a mobile doctor's surgery. It creates low-threshold access to healthcare services - for example for preventive care, telemedical counselling or simple treatments - and can be used temporarily in communities without their own doctor's surgery.
This capsule was developed as part of a project by Anna Fletcher, in cooperation with the Umeå Institute of Design
Carita was developed as a modular medical practice capsule of the U-Shift concept with a special focus on medical care in rural and structurally weak regions. The capsule offers a functional, low-barrier practice environment with treatment places, a waiting area and digital infrastructure for telemedicine and diagnostics.
This capsule was developed as part of a project by Anna Fletcher, in co-operation with the Umeå Institute of Design
The team-building capsule turns the U-Shift into a mobile space for dialogue, collaboration and shared experiences. It can be parked flexibly at different locations and creates a protected setting for a relaxed get-together, for example for a joint barbecue, small celebrations or sociable outdoor team formats.
This capsule was created as part of a student project by Carina Merz
