At the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will be showing how climate protection and mobility can be reconciled in road traffic. The focus is on two futuristic prototypes: the Safe Light Regional Vehicle (SLRV) and the U-Shift. The SLRV is an extremely light and yet very safe “hydrogen runabout”. The U-Shift demonstrates urban mobility and logistics in a new way – and separates the U-shaped drive unit from the superstructures tailored to the respective transport task. Visitors to the trade fair will have the opportunity between September 7th and 12th to get to know these two vehicles at the DLR stand (OP440) as part of the Open Space on Odeonsplatz in downtown Munich.
At the IAA Summit in the exhibition halls, the DLR (Hall A2, Stand C50) will be giving an insight into how research and industry are jointly testing automated and networked driving at the Lower Saxony test field. With the DLR MovingLab, it will also show how mobility behavior can be easily measured with a smartphone.
“Mobility is and will remain an integral part of our global world. We want to continue to be mobile in the future – avoiding emissions and saving resources as well as being even safer and more comfortable. As one of the largest transport research institutions in Europe, DLR is actively helping to shape this transformation process by keeping people’s needs in mind and looking at the energy system as well as the mobility system. Together with partners from science and industry, we develop solutions that are intelligent and networked with one another, ”explains Prof. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, CEO of DLR.
Emission-free commuter vehicle SLRV: extra light and particularly safe
The SLRV is a special small vehicle with an alternative drive concept. The sporty hydrogen runabout is very light and at the same time particularly safe. This is ensured by the metallic sandwich construction, which weighs only around 90 kilograms. The material used consists of a metal top layer and a plastic foam inside. The front and rear of the SLRV are composed of sandwich panels and serve as crash zones. The passenger cell consists of a tub with an attached ring structure. This absorbs the forces that act on the car while driving and protects the occupants in the event of a crash. This innovative lightweight construction approach combined with a highly efficient fuel cell enables resource-saving and safe mobility, including for commuting.
U-Shift vehicle concept: On-the-road modularization
Whether it’s an on-demand shuttle, a flexible distribution center for parcels or a mobile shop – DLR will also be showing the first drivable prototype of the U-Shift at the IAA Mobility 2021. It combines two components: The U-shaped drive unit, the so-called driveboard, contains all technical components and systems. It should be autonomous, electrically and quietly on the move and in operation around the clock for maximum economy. The first driveboard is currently remote-controlled and is being automated in the current project. It is combined with capsule-shaped bodies for the transport of people and goods. There are almost no limits to the ideas for possible uses.
The first U-Shift prototype gives DLR researchers the opportunity to gain experience with this vehicle concept and its contribution to more sustainable mobility. At the same time, new products, services and business models can emerge. In addition to the technical vehicle development, there is a dialogue with citizens. The focus is on use cases and future visions for the use of the U-Shift vehicle concept.